Ipatiev House, 23 May 1918
The guards kept most of the imperial staff on the train. Those who arrived were all soaking wet from the rain and struggling through deep mud. Tatiana had the most difficulty. She was carrying a heavy suitcase and her little pet dog Ortipo. None of the guards bothered to offer their assistance. They just gazed at her with contempt, as if she had committed a heinous crime.
While I assisted Tatiana with her suitcase, I noticed bruises on Nagorny's face. During their journey on the steamboat, the guards ordered the grand duchesses not to lock their cabin door. They took this opportunity to force their way in at night, threatening and harassing the girls. Nagorny was beaten up when he tried to stop them. But Tatiana assured me that she and her sisters were unharmed. She held my arm before I could confront the guards, urging me to accompany her into the house. She did not want any trouble. Once I took the girls upstairs to their bedroom, Tatiana placed Ortipo on the floor and turned to hug me. She was pleased to see me again.
Not long after their arrival, Nagorny was called into the commandant's office and escorted from the house a few minutes later. The guards will not tell us why. The Cheka conduct regular inspections of the house, meddling with our belongings. They confiscated many of the family's valuables, claiming they were for "safekeeping". Alexandra refused to let them take her or her daughters' bracelets. I do not know why the authorities would send secret police to guard the imperial family, but I am wary of them.
Olga, Tatiana and Anastasia found their first evening here discomforting. They were still worried about the guards. They agreed to let me watch over them while they try to sleep. Marie made me a cup of coffee before she went to bed with Anastasia, cuddling her close. Olga has been very quiet since she arrived. We have been in captivity for over a year now. Imprisonment is taking its toll on the family both physically and mentally.
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