Livadia, on September 27, 1894, addressed to her aunt Princess Mary of Denmark, born Princess of Orleans (1865-1909),
Dear Mary, you will forgive me not to write in English, but as we used to talk, it is easier to match also in the same language. Thank you very much for your letter. Unfortunately, she did not find in Darmstadt where I had hoped to be at this time, close to my dear promised [his wife, Princess Alix of Hesse]. In Spala, I accompanied my parents in the Crimea, now I am here, waiting to go I hope soon to see Alix. I will tell him to send you our photography [during his stay in Darmstadt, on the occasion of his official engagements a portrait of the couple was taken at that time]. Because I do not have any! The summer time is almost here, but even that has so far failed to improve the health status of my dear dad [Emperor Alexander III, is dying slowly, he was diagnosed with nephritis and mouura one month after that letter on Oct. 20, 1894]. It is so small that it walks with difficulty. When he sleeps well, he feels the next day "ragaillardi and stronger, but when the nights are bad, it is most of the time. I am sorry to tell him, then throughout the day it is different, breathing is difficult. You may not know it is terribly sad to see him in such a state. Dear dad, who was always the health and even force, did not concerned about his own state. All this has done to my poor mother, who cares for him, day and night, suffering from lumbago fort, which had just go after twelve days! God agrees that this winter in Corfu, brings to my dear father rest he needs, give him his forces and face look like before. Would you like, please send my best memories in your father [Robert, Duke of Chartres (1840-1910)]. I hope that his visit to Switzerland he will do good! Goodbye, dear Mary! Believe me, your ever loving.
Nicky
