Early in 1902, as Dmitri and Marie were about to leave St. Petersburg and become part of her Uncle’s household. Emperor II decided it was important to renew a custom not done for 50 years. That custom was to have a Holy Week where church services to perform Pachal duties prior to Easter Sunday. All at the Governors General Palace were busy with making preparations for her aunt and uncle.
The Emperor arrived a few days before Easter. Marie attended many religious services in different churches of the Kremlin. It had been tiring, yet there was a special charm with the many candles lit to bring-out the darkened, old ikons’ features. These ikons had beautiful gold-work. There were soft chants along with heavy incense.
Areas of the Kremlin that Marie had loved were the ancient part where there were “small vaulted chambers, chapels, and oratories of all dimensions.” (p53). In one small area, there was embroidered needlework done by the daughters of Tsar Alexis Mikhailovich.
Moscow on Easter Sunday showed an enthusiastic population with lots of people lining the streets and crowds surrounding the Kremlin, a citadel. Marie was able to look-out where people were the size of ants. The crowds were enormous. Her tour ended and she went down the stairway of the tower and was en route to the palace. There apparently no security system was in place and both Dmitri and Marie were lifted and carried with crowds coming through the gates “shouting hurrahs and deafening cries.” (p54). The policeman was not able to stop the crowd. Her uncle sent police agents to find her and Dmitri and take them out of the masses. She did receive some bruises and she had a torn jacket.
The Emperor was moved by the loyalty of the Muscovites. Her uncle was glad that all had gone well, as there was evidence of loyalty and the political horizon appeared completely serene.
Following the departure of the Emperor and Empress, Dmitri and Marie left for Ilinskoie. Marie was grieving still about her father’s departure (banishment) though her uncle had responded in a way that Marie felt hurt, as his words seemed non-compassionate regarding her father. Toward the end of the summer, it had been over a year since Marie had seen her father. Her uncle had said she and Dmitri could see him. Marie and Dmitri left for Bavaria to stay in her aunt’s villa. That aunt’s name was Marie, Duchess of Saxe-Coburg. Those that came on that trip was her Uncle Serge, Aunt Ella, Mlle. Hélène, and General Laiming and some others. Her father met with Dmitri and Marie alone. Her father seemed pr-occupied and then, Marie decided to speak of his wife using her name. He was delighted with this and took her in his arms. She had felt more close to him than ever before, as it seemed to ignite a spirit connection that was deeply felt by Marie. Still Uncle Serge would remain in full control of Dmitri and Marie, as he was their guardian and would solely make decisions and not ask her father for advice.
During their time at Tegernsee, Marie of Saxe-Coburg was brusque. Her aunt was of “high spirits and of a sense of humor a little ironic.” (p56). She always would speak on what she thinks. She was aware of those around her while she was quietly knitting.
It was the beginning of the winter and now settling in at the Governor’s General Palace in Moscow. A letter had been sent from her father, announcing the birth of his daughter, Irene. While her father wanted Marie to be godmother of Irene, Uncle Serge would not allow that.
That winter her uncle brought in a staff of “pedagogues” (p57), as “an education is important for every Grand Duke.” (p57). A priest, an old man with a yellow beard and robes that were musty, was part of the regimen for Dmitri and Marie. Her uncle and the priest were monarchists and viewed God as the absolute monarchist. The lessons were “monotonous” and it was like “rigorous bureaucracy controlling all details of life.” (p57). He had a nasal voice tone which was jarring for Marie. Marie had written her father about this. Her father brought-up with her uncle. Then, her uncle said he did not appreciate her going behind his back and she was severely reprimanded. When Uncle Serge did die, she was able to end her lessons with this priest.
Her Uncle Serge was involved in the smallest details of Dmitri’s and her daily lives. He had loved them and desired to help them, yet he was a man of little affections and had an extremely jealous characteristic. The isolation intensified and she became more lonely as the world seemed to be cutting-off. “Madame Laiming came herself to ask her uncle if Dimitri and Marie could have dinner in their home. Uncle Serge handled (ungracefully).” (p58) They were not asked over again.
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