The one that always makes me shudder involuntarily is the one where they tell Papa about riding their bicycles up and down the palace corridors -- no doubt weaving in and out among the priceless vases, statues, antique furniture, etc., at top speed.
Ouch!
Yes it amazes me they were permitted to do such things. Wouldn't their mother have put a stop to such behavior. On one hand they risked destroying priceless objects, as you noted. On the other this was surely an activity that Alexei could not take part in. I'd think the jealously factor alone would compel Alexandra to stop her children overly active behavior such as this. A bad example for their young brother who couldn't involve himself in such free spirited activity.
Forgive me, but I don't quite understand why such a negative spin was put onto my innocent comment. I was not being judgmental of the Grand Duchesses, but simply imagining what Papa and Mama's reaction might be when they heard about their antics! Actually, I found it rather warm, natural, and sort of amusing. Girls will be girls... even if Grand Duchesses.
Hmmm...you considered that response of mine negative?
I'm not being critical of the girls...and maybe just a tad critical of Alexandra. My point was that I would think Alexei might be prone to a certain amount of jealousy having to watch his sisters roughhouse and parade around the halls of the palace in such a way. As if to say, "they get to do that, why can't I?" The answer of course is because of his condition. I believe Alexandra was known to have lectured her son on several occasions about playing too rough.
So my question is, why would she have permitted such behavior from her daughters, even if done in good spirits? 1) They risk breaking things and injuring themselves and, potentially, others. 2) They risk upsetting Alexei who goes and cries to his Mama that he isn't allowed to partake in the fun. These would be reasons enough for a normal parent to put a stop to such behavior, don't you think?
Personally I think its cute that they got away with it, and stories of children enjoying themselves always brings a smile to my face...I'm only considering it from Alexandra's & Alexei's perspective.