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The Engagement For five years Nicholas had tried to persuade Alix to marry him, but she would not convert to orthodoxy. She had promised her father so before he died. At the Duke of York's wedding with Princess Mary of Teck in june 1893, Alix stayed at home because she knew that Nicholas would be there. In november she sent a letter to Nicholas, with her final refusal. But when Alix's brother Ernie was to marry in april 1894, she knew there was no way she could stay at home. Nicholas was not expected among the russian party and Alix was chocked to see him at the train station. The next day they met in private, left alone in Alix's sisters rooms. Alix cried the whole time and said "No, I cannot". The day after, a second meeting took place and Alix was put under pressure from her relatives. Her grandmother, Queen Victoria of England, was against all marriages to a Romanov. Her sister Ella, married to a Romanov, urged her to marry Nicholas. Her cousin Wilhelm, the emperor of Germany, decided that it was her duty as german to marry Nicholas. Wilhelm had just a few years earlier estranged his sister Sophie for her conversion to Orthodoxy, now he told Alix to convert and marry. After the wedding ceremony between Alix's brother Ernie and Princess Victoria Melita they met again on April 20th. They were left alone and Nicholas proposed, for the final time. Alix accepted. She later rushed out and threw her arms around her sister Ella and said "I'm going to marry Nicky!". Alexandra to Nicholas : 7 April, 1915 Every possible tender wish for to-morrow. The first time in 21 years we dont spend this anniversary together. - How vividly one remembers all! Ah my beloved Boy, what happiness & love you have given me all these years - God verily richly blessed our married life. For all your wify thanks you from the depths of her big loving heart. Nicholas to Alexandra : 8 April, 1915 I too have you in my thoughts on this our 21st anniversary! I wish you health (or well-being) and all that a deeply loving heart can desire, and thank you on my knees for all your love, affection, friendship and patience, which you have shown me during these long years of our married life! To-day's weather reminds me of that day in Coburg - how sad it is that we are not together! Nobody knew that it was the day of our betrothal - it is strange, how soon people forget - besides, it means nothing to them. Nicholas to Alexandra : 7 April, 1916 To-morrow is the 8th; my prayers and thoughts will be with you, my girl, my own Sunny. At that time I fought for you, even against yourself!!! |