Part Fourteen
from a letter from the Dowager Empress Alexandra to Queen Mary, 4 February 1932
My dearest friend,
I am sure that you have already heard the positive news coming out of the conference here in Livadia, but I know how much you like to know what has 'really happened'. So I send this note with all our wonderful news.
Negotiations with the Turks certainly began with a great deal of tension. Quite sad, as Mr. Ataturk is a charming and sensible man who was being pushed by pro-war elements of his own government. Baby was more than willing to offer economic rights in the area, but we certainly couldn't give up our straits.
That was when our miracle happened. Our Lilly* has been very angry with her brother, the Romanian king, since he refused to stand by us to prevent war. She has been helping members of his government who are in favor of better relations with us, to pressure him to act. She arrived during the negotiations and met with me right away. Lilly told me that her brother had come around and was willing to go to war if need be.
I told her that we could avoid war if Mr. Ataturk's government could be cowed out of it. We worked out a plan to have her enter the meeting with her escort and announce Romania's intention to assist in the defense of the straits. Mr. Ataturk smiled at her, and after that it didn't take long to work out a fair agreement.
When negotiations were finished, Baby jumped to his feet faster than I've seen him in years.** He kissed Lilly, and to my surprise he told her "You are the most amazing person I have ever met! Marry me. Please." To my delight, she accepted his unexpected proposal.
We had tea en familie to celebrate their engagement, and then a supper with 50 to celebrate the new treaty. Thank God that war has been averted, and that we are facing such a rosie future. I hope that you and George will be well enough to come for the wedding, and I will write as soon as a date has been decided.
blessings from your so fortunate cousin,
Alicky
*I haven't seen any nicknames used for Princess Ileana by the Russian Imperial family. So I'm arbitrarily picking the one from the Internet that I like best. I'm not sure whether or not she'd get a regnal name or keep her own.
**Alexei has been in good health due to the research done by Queen Mary all those years ago, but my understanding is that people with hemophilia end up with problems with their knee and hip joints. Especially once they're far too old to still be referred to as Baby.
from a letter from the Dowager Empress Alexandra to Queen Mary, 4 February 1932
My dearest friend,
I am sure that you have already heard the positive news coming out of the conference here in Livadia, but I know how much you like to know what has 'really happened'. So I send this note with all our wonderful news.
Negotiations with the Turks certainly began with a great deal of tension. Quite sad, as Mr. Ataturk is a charming and sensible man who was being pushed by pro-war elements of his own government. Baby was more than willing to offer economic rights in the area, but we certainly couldn't give up our straits.
That was when our miracle happened. Our Lilly* has been very angry with her brother, the Romanian king, since he refused to stand by us to prevent war. She has been helping members of his government who are in favor of better relations with us, to pressure him to act. She arrived during the negotiations and met with me right away. Lilly told me that her brother had come around and was willing to go to war if need be.
I told her that we could avoid war if Mr. Ataturk's government could be cowed out of it. We worked out a plan to have her enter the meeting with her escort and announce Romania's intention to assist in the defense of the straits. Mr. Ataturk smiled at her, and after that it didn't take long to work out a fair agreement.
When negotiations were finished, Baby jumped to his feet faster than I've seen him in years.** He kissed Lilly, and to my surprise he told her "You are the most amazing person I have ever met! Marry me. Please." To my delight, she accepted his unexpected proposal.
We had tea en familie to celebrate their engagement, and then a supper with 50 to celebrate the new treaty. Thank God that war has been averted, and that we are facing such a rosie future. I hope that you and George will be well enough to come for the wedding, and I will write as soon as a date has been decided.
blessings from your so fortunate cousin,
Alicky
*I haven't seen any nicknames used for Princess Ileana by the Russian Imperial family. So I'm arbitrarily picking the one from the Internet that I like best. I'm not sure whether or not she'd get a regnal name or keep her own.
**Alexei has been in good health due to the research done by Queen Mary all those years ago, but my understanding is that people with hemophilia end up with problems with their knee and hip joints. Especially once they're far too old to still be referred to as Baby.