Alexander II_ The Last Great Tsar - Edvard Radzinsky [84]
In conclusion, Nicholas Mikhailovich suggested that the tsar grant “the much desired ministry responsible to the Duma and do so before outside pressure is brought to bear,” that is, not in the way the memorable act of October 17, 1905, had come about.
They were threatening him with a new revolution. And reminding him of the last.
She: “Nov. 4th.… I read Nikolai’s & am utterly disgusted. Had you stopped him in the midle of his talk & told him that, if he only once more touched that subject or me, you will send him to Siberia—as it becomes next to high treason. He has always hated & spoken badly of me since 22 years.… But during war & at such a time to crawl behind yr. Mama & Sisters & not stick up bravely … for his Emperor’s wife—is loathesome & treachery.… You, my Love, far too good & kind & soft—such a man needs to be held in awe of you—He & Nikolasha are my greatest enemies in the family, not counting the Montenegrin women—& Sergei.… Wife is your staunch One & stands as a rock behind you.”
Postscript:
“… I dreamt I was being operated on: th’ my arm was cut off I felt utterly no pain. After a letter came from Nikolai.”
Now she began her struggle against the entire Romanov family. She remained intact.
He: “5 November.… I am so sorry that I have upset you and made you angry by sending the two letters of N., but as I am in a constant hurry I had not read them, because he had spoken exhaustively of the matter for a long time. But he never once mentioned you, discussing only the stories about spies, factories, workmen, disorders, Ministers, and the general internal situation. Had he said anything about you, you do not really doubt that your dear hubby would have taken your part!”
She: “Nov. 12th 1916.… I am but a woman fighting for her Master & Child, her two dearest ones on earth—& God will help me being your guardian angel, only dont pull the sticks away upon wh. I have found it possible to rest [i.e., Rasputin and Protopopov].… What joy to rest to-morrow in your arms to kiss & bless you.… True unto death.”
Postscript:
“Darling, remember that it does not lie in the man Protopopov or x.y.z., but its the question of monarchy & yr. prestige.… Dont think they will stop at him, but they will make all others leave who are devoted to you one by one—then ourselves. Remember, last year yr. leaving to the Army—when also you were alone with us two [her and Rasputin] against everybody, who promised revolution if you went. You stood up against all & God blessed your decision.”
She: “Dec. 4th 1916.… Show to all, that you are the Master & your will shall be obeyed—the time of great indulgence & gentleness is over—now comes your reign of will & power, & obedience they must be taught.… Why do people hate me? Because they know I have a strong will & when am convinced of a thing being right (when besides blessed by Gregory), do not change my mind & that they can’t bear.… Remember Mr. Philipps [the charlatan mystic Monsieur Philippe from France] words when he gave me the image with the bell. As you were so kind, trusting & gentle, I was to be yr. bell, those that came with wrong intentions wld. not be able to approach me & I wld. warn you. Should Motherdear write, remember the Michels [the Mikhailovich brothers] are behind her.—Don’t heed & take to heart—thank God she is not here, but kind people find means of writing & doing harm.”
The bell rang and rang.… And then the family played its trump: her sister Ella went to Tsarskoe Selo and attempted to explain to her beloved Alix as kindly as possible the horror of the situation, by which she meant Rasputin. But Alix immediately shut her out and cut the conversation short.
Alix saw her