I have the impression that Nicholas at first enjoyed the company of Gregory Yefimovich, but that became more and more reluctant. Remember that, when G.E shared his opinion on the war in a telegram, he is said to have torn the telegram apart. (A statement that I find quite plausible. This is not a smearing rumor as so many other things about Nicholas.) And during 1916, when Nicholas was at the front all ministers were appointed, he wrote home:
9 september
"Our Friends ideas about men are sometimes queer, as you know - so one must be careful especially in nominations of high people. All these changes exhaust the head. I find they happen much too often. It is certainly not at all good for the interior of the country, because every new man brings changes also to the administration."
10 november:
"While these changes go on the Duma will be shut for 8 days (...) In any case Trepov will try and do his best. He comes back, on Sunday I think, with a list of names, which we have spoken about with Mm. and him. Only please don't mix in our Friend! It is I who carry the responsibility and I want to be free to chose accordigly."
Qoutes from "A lifelong passion - Nicholas and Alexandra - Their own story" Diarys and letters from 1884 to 1918. Magnificent book.
//Grigorevna