Olga Kalinovska, lady in waiting of Russian Court, first love of Tsarevich Alexander (future Alexander II). She was the daughter of a Polish official, Ossip (Joseph) Kalinovski, who remained loyal to Russia during the Polish insurrection of 1830.
Alexander wrote to his father: "You probably noticed my relation with O.K. You and I had a conversation last winter a coeur. . . . Feelings which I have for her are feelings of a pure and real love, of attachment and respect. This increased every day and now continues. But the thought that this will lead to nowhere does not leave me. Just to the contrary, it tortures me more and more, and therefore I become dull and sad. I can't contain my tears." Nicholas I answered: "I love Ossipovna and love her as a charming girl. I will not blame her that she unwillingly roused in you feelings of love. From that point be quite at ease."
Alexandra Andreevna Tolstaya wrote about Olga: "The first fire in him was lit by the beautiful eyes of Olga Kalinovskaya, the lady-in-waiting of his sister, the Grand Duchess Maria Nikolaevna. This young Polish lady, was educated in one of the institutes of St. Petersburg. Not possessing beauty, she was, as they say, insinuating and agile, and did not hesitate to turn the head of the future Emperor."
Grand Duchess Olga Nikolaevna described Olga Kalinovska in her memoirs: "She had large dark eyes, but without much expression; she ovned an undoubted charm, but of a cat-like nature, specific for Polish women, which especially affects men. In general, she was neither clever, nor sentimental, nor witty, and had no interests. Her behavior was impeccable and her relations with everyone were excellent, but she was friendly with no one. However, as an orphan, left without family advice to live in a society considered superficial and frivolous, she was bound to meet with sympathy. And papa, who treated young people with a fatherly warmth, pitied her with all his heart."
L. V. Doubelt remembered: "Our heir dreamed of Olga Kalinovskaya. It was terrible! Besides the fact that such a fine fellow, the son of such a father, such a kind and glorious man, could not afford such a wife, besides, she is Polish, of limited intelligence, akin to all Polish families, who have always been hostile to Russia, this could crush us."
So the decision was clear. Alexander was made ready to leave home for his European visit. During this visit he met his future wife, princess Maximiliane Wilhelmine of Hesse and by Rhine.