Alexandra Feodorovna, 1911“My dear Onor,Please forgive me for not writing to you for so long.

Alexandra Feodorovna, 1911

“My dear Onor,

Please forgive me for not writing to you for so long. A thousand thanks for your latest letter and the thoughtful presents; I can find use for all of them and will put up the little photo on the Standart. - Anastasia had chickenpox but has completely recovered now. Practically all of them have been coughing and sneezing. Alexei is in bed with a fever, cough and stomach upset - this is what influenza is like this year. Tatiana is in bed, too. - Marie is managing to keep going, albeit coughing and sneezing. Olga is the only one who is able to go for a walk with Schneiderlein.

Sophie Ivanovna has been in Moscow for 11 days now taking her Christmas holidays; - lessons start again on Thursday. - Miechen’s bazaar brought in a 100,00 R., more than ever before, even though there was one back in the spring. My tables brought in 3000 and 5000 - many beautiful old sacks did not sell, whereas my 50 embroideries and painted items (I think 30 pieces) were sold immediately. - 

Nicky has been to the theatre with his mother several times. On the 1st there was a large sortie at the Winter Palace, the first since the war, 7 years - likewise on the 6th. I went sledging three times. It still tires me very much and the rough surfaces make my heart and back ache. I have not been out of doors for several days now as I have been suffering from bad headaches (anaemia, kidney trouble and embroidering and painting too much whilst lying down). - I do not seem able to regain my strength and the pain in my heart and left arm up to my neck is often quite strong.

Sister Olga has gone off to the country for 3 days, Minny and children have left for Athens. Aunt Marie has arrived and will take tea with us today. - How is Emmy Ehrhardt? - So it turned out to be quite a serious operation after all. - Your ball was lovely, plenty of dancing. Here, they talk of nothing but the skating rink. - How are your siblings?

I have to end now. Kiss Ernie and the children. God bless you, I embrace you tenderly, dear Onor. Your devoted sister Alix.

[P.S.] I often think back to our meals together. - Nothing will ever really come between us.”

- Alexandra to Eleonore, Grand Duchess of Hesse and by Rhine, 3rd/16th January 1911