Nathalie Petrovna Keshko was born in Firenza on May 14th 1859. Parents were Peter Keshko and Pulcheria.
She had brother Mimmy and sister Mariette. Mimmy died young. Also, her father died young, in 1860s, her mother was ill, and used to visit Odessa often, where climate is so fine.
Maria Catargi talked with her grandmother about young Prince Milan. (They related, also). They married in 1875, I think. They had two sons, Alexander and Serge, who died in 1878. They were happy 'happy pair', according to one poet.
But she was Rusophile, her manners, also his lover affairs ended as a divorce :-(. Alexander grew up seeing to often fights among his parents. And always wanted woman who would in somehow, replace mother's love, which he didn't get. So, Nathalie left country, went to Vienna, and then to Biaritz. She read also stories written by Madame Draga Mashin ('Cat's eye', 'Did it have to be like that'), and invited her to be her lady-in waiting at Biarritz. It was 1891. Draga accepted, since she was in financial crisis.
During summers of 1893/4/5 young King visited his mother regular. Nathalie directed Draga to write letter to King, where she invited him to a visit. Draga knew it might be dangerous, but Nathalie's will was stronger. Also, palace in Biarritz was named 'Saschino', as nickname of her son, Alexander. in 1895, King almost lost life among waves. Legend say, Draga saved his life. Then came 1897 -- in November, Draga came to Belgrade, Nathalie had fight to her, because she was against love of King and lady-in waiting. Nathalie was afraid -- what if he marry her?
