12 January 1914

Dr Derevenko just finished examining Alexei and says he is improving, but cautions that he mustn’t be allowed to run about and do dangerous things. Alexei loves to do dangerous things! So do I, but I’m not a bleeder. Girls are not – just boys, who inherit it from their mothers. I once overheard Shura gossiping about it: It was Mama’s grandmother, Queen Victoria of England, who passed it on through her daughters’ blood to their sons and grandsons. I wonder if I shall pass it on to my sons? Not something I can ask Mama.