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

Natalia to Alexei - June 1924

Paris, 3 June 1924

Dear Alexei,

What an unforgettable night! My voice is hoarse, and my hands are trembling (you might need a graphologist to decipher this), but I couldn't wait to put it all down on paper before the details blur.

Bodia and Tata are engaged! Can you believe it? Even now, I'm struggling to wrap my head around it, but I'm absolutely thrilled—more than words can express. I had just discovered that they were even in a relationship, and before I could process that revelation—bam! They waltzed into the ballroom, hand in hand, for everyone to see.

The room froze for a moment, stunned, especially given the incident between Vladimir and your brother-in-law earlier in the evening (I'll tell you about that later). But once the initial shock wore off, almost everyone seemed genuinely happy for them.

I think I might have dropped my glass when I saw them, but I'm sure I screamed loud enough to make a spectacle of myself. I was so excited that I started jumping around until my father sternly warned me that if I didn't calm down, he'd pack me off to school again! He tried to appear proper and restrained, still a bit annoyed at Bodia for his earlier clash with Carol, but I could tell he was pleased. Papa's always had a soft spot for Tata, given her absent father and her eccentric mother, so I'm sure he's secretly delighted she'll be part of the family.

(Can you believe it? Tata and I are going to be sisters-in-law! Not some dull, proper girl with her nose in books—Tata! Imagine how much fun we'll have together!)

Uncle Misha and his wife were there, and their reactions couldn't have been more different. Uncle Misha was beaming with joy. He pulled them both into a hug and admitted that when he chose Bodia as Tata's tutor, he'd secretly hoped something like this might happen. He even joked that he'd been wondering why his plan hadn't worked sooner! On the other hand, Tata's mother tried to look pleased, but you know how her expressions always come off as stiff and unconvincing—it ended up looking more awkward than joyful.

My heart breaks for Tata over this. She's the only person who can actually ruin this with her off-hand comments and that deeply annoying belief of hers that Tata cannot be in a better place or happier than she is now. I hope Bodia will know how to handle her...

As for my mother, well, her reaction was predictable. She wasn't exactly brimming with excitement either. In her eyes, no one on this planet will ever be good enough for her "dear little Bodia." The fact that he's chosen the daughter of a woman she utterly despises doesn't make things easier for Tata. But Mama isn't blind to how much Tata means to all of us. I hope, in time, she'll soften her stance—for everyone's sake.

(Can you imagine? Tata's children will be my nieces and nephews! And she'll be an aunt to my children! It's too much to take in all at once!)

Now, onto the other event of the evening—Bodia punching Carol square in the nose. Unfortunately, I didn't see it happen. Tata and I were deep in conversation in a corner when the commotion broke out. By the time we looked over, Carol was already falling to the floor.

I do know that my brother has some unfinished business with your sister, but I was far too young during the war to pay any attention to it. At first, I thought that maybe Bodia did it because there could be some lingering feelings between him and Olga, but then he proposed to Tata, and he wouldn't do something like that unless he was certain of his feelings for her, so maybe the punch had nothing to do with your sister. Afterwards, when Bodia had walked away, and Carol left the party, Dmitri was saying that he didn't know what Carol had said or done, but he was sure he deserved the punch, so maybe he was just being unpleasant.

When Carol stormed out, he was full of bluster, claiming he'd been "gravely insulted" and was threatening to challenge Bodia to a duel. But honestly, no one was paying much attention to him. He doesn't seem particularly well-liked here. I know he's your brother-in-law, and I mean no offence, but there's something perpetually sour about him—as if he's caught a whiff of rotten fish and can't escape it. I can't blame Olga for steering clear of him whenever possible.

His brother Nicholas isn't much better, if I'm honest. I truly don't understand why you like him so much. He's rude, self-absorbed, and seems to care very little about anyone else's feelings. He likes to think he's charming, but he's just insufferable. You can tell him I said so the next time you see him—I won't take it back. Honestly, I don't know how Olga manages to tolerate this family.

Speaking of Olga, how is she? And the children? Is little Mircea recovering well from his fall? I can't imagine how hard this has been for her and you, especially so soon after your own accident. Please know that you're all constantly in my thoughts.

And how are you? Is your leg fully healed, or is it still giving you trouble? When are you planning to return to Russia?

As for me, it seems I'll be staying in Paris a little longer. My parents and Bodia are heading back next week, but Irina and the baby aren't quite strong enough to travel yet. I'll stay here with them and Feodor for at least another month. After that, we might head to Cannes, and Irina has asked me to go with her to Ai-Todor for a couple of weeks to keep her company as she settles in with the baby. I'm not sure yet if I'll go, but if you're already in Petrograd by August, I'd love to see you. It's been too long since our last meeting, so let me know your plans.

I'll wrap up here—it's far too late, and I'm sure this letter is already too long. I miss you dearly and hope you're on the mend.

Ever your loving friend,

Natasha

P.S. Tata and I are going to be sisters!!!!