The Paleys (1921-1927) - An Alternate Romanov Story

1922

Olga, Crown Princess of Romania to Princess Irina Paley

Pelişor Castle, 21 February 1922

Dear Irina,

I'm so sorry for how long it took to answer your previous letter, but, as you may know, life has changed quite a bit since my last letter. I'm sure someone has already informed you by now, but I wanted to pen the news myself. Our little girl arrived in this world in late October last year. We named her Marie, in honour of my formidable mother-in-law (I don't think she would have accepted anything else!), but I quite like the name myself and I tell my side of the family that we named her after my sister Marie, who is one of her proud godmothers.

She's about to celebrate her fourth month, and I can't believe the difference she's made. I never considered myself particularly maternal, but the moment I saw her, my heart melted. So far, she's a dream – a sleepy baby who's always cheerful. My mother-in-law is convinced her head is unusually large, but since I had the same problem as a baby, I try not to worry too much about it.

Naturally, there was initial disappointment that she wasn't a boy. My mother-in-law never misses an opportunity to remind me that she produced a male heir for Romania just nine months after her arrival. Everyone who visits feels compelled to comment on it as well. However, I'm relieved to have a daughter. While a boy can escape Alexei's fate, I'm not willing to risk it. Maria's son is ten months old now, and there's still no sign of the illness, but her letters (and my mother's) reveal that she's in constant anxiety about him.

Carol also doesn't seem to care much for the baby, but, then again, almost no men care about these things anyway. He doesn't have the patience to sit with her, carry her or, really, do anything with her. Any excuse is good for him to spend a few days out of town, which, I must confess, is an arrangement I don't completely dislike, since is preferable not to have him around when he's bored. It's like having an overgrown child around and it gets me on my nerves much more than the baby does.

Thankfully, I've been staying at Pelişor Castle since my confinement, and it's truly a beautiful retreat. I can see the snow-capped Carpathians from my bedroom window, and the castle itself is so cosy (it's more like a Russian dacha than a castle, really) that I can easily walk everywhere with the baby, always staying warm.

My other sister, Tatiana, is going through a situation that is very similar to mine, except that her husband has been very helpful and seems actually to care about the baby. Her little girl, Alexandra, is just two months older than Marie and, of course, she's constantly berated about the fact that this was not a male heir to Serbia, but, like me, she's pleased and relieved it was a girl. We still haven't had a chance to meet each other's babies, although we are living quite close to each other. Her labour was difficult and the doctors are not recommending travelling.

Now... onto the pressing issue you wrote to me about which led me to pick up my pen and paper at once. Cousin Feodor. I think the reasons you have listed in your letter are very reasonable. It was wrong of him to ask such a private question in public, even if that public was comprised of your closest family. As I've known him all my life and understand the level of loneliness he's had to live with because of that dreadful illness of his, I also understand and sympathize with his need to start his own family.

I think you did the right thing by not holding him back. I can see from your letter how deeply you care for him and how much easier it would have been for you to just ask him to wait for you. It shows immense courage and a level of selflessness that not even I'm sure I would be able to master. And, just like you said, maybe fate will intervene and bring Feodor back to you under the right circumstances. I will certainly pray for that because I don't think he would be able to find such a good match as you.

Regarding the list of ladies-in-waiting, I have a favourable impression of them all. However, if I were in your position, I'd choose Countess Maria Vorontsova-Dashkova. She's charming, her family has a long history of court service, and being your age would make for a pleasant companionship, given the time you'll spend together. The only potential drawback is her close friendship with Feodor and his brothers, especially Nikita who might harbour romantic intentions. But she's truly a lovely girl, and I don't believe this should be a significant issue.

That's all for now. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you need to discuss Feodor. I understand how challenging these first few months can be, and my lifelong acquaintance with him might offer some insight into his character or perspective.

All the best,

Olga

P.S. Since you were one of the first to know about the first, you might as well be one of the first to know about the second... It seems I am with child again. I wasn't expecting it to be so soon after Marie and I'm still quite overwhelmed at the news, but, at the same time, I'm happy that she is going to have a sibling so close in age to her. They'll be practically twins. Unlike everyone else, I'm praying that it might be another girl.

P.P.S. How is Vladimir doing? Alexei has been full of praise for him. I guess they're getting along quite well at the Corps des Pages? Could you thank him for taking such good care of him for me?