26 February/11 March 1914

In two weeks we leave for Livadia, our palace in the Crimea overlooking the Black Sea. Now that will be a change! Mama is eager to get away from the extreme cold, and so are we all. The maids have begun pulling out our spring outfits and packing them in trunks, and our tutors remind us daily that even though we’re traveling to warmer climes, our lessons will continue, regardless!

M Gilliard reminded us that Papa will continue working, just as if he were here in Tsarskoe Selo. He was looking directly at me when he said it.