At the end of the week, Sergei returned to Tatiana's home, from Friday to Monday. I was invited to tea parties, but I instead graciously declined. I've never disliked my court life, as I do have a lot of freedom between obligations, duties and interactions in society. I took after Grandmere's fondness of galas, balls and parties. However, raising Sergei gave me another triumph in being a Grand Duchess. I rediscovered my love for children. Before Alexei's death, I lived happily with my court life but I never reached out to the needy like Grandmere and Mama.

I decided to take the role up as patron of the largest orphanage in St. Petersburg. I knew there were other children out there, like my Sergei, orphaned and alone in the world. I desire for them to find a loving home like what Sergei was brought into. Now that Sergei is leaving, I can devote my attention to my other children. Surely they are not mine, but I get to help them as best I can. The days that Sergei is at Tatiana's home I focus on organizing fundraisers for the orphanage. When Tatiana is officially Tsarina, I will ask her for funding. Until then, I am planning a bazaar for next weekend, similar to the ones we held in Yalta when I was a child. I've been urging my fellow noble ladies to craft items to sell. I've knitted winter hats, scarves, shawls and cross stitched decor with the Imperial insignia. Other women sewed and embroidered aprons and sunhats, and Mama donated embroidered cushions. I expect the bazaar to be a success, especially if Sergei is there to attract the crowds, like Alexei did.

With the absence of Sergei from my home, St. Petersburg should expect numerous bazaars.