Another offering from me. Sorry about that. I have very little to say, other than reviews are love and they really do mean a lot.
Disclaimer: Not mine. Nothing. No one. Sigh.
Dear Charles,
I miss you. I miss Downton. I miss my old life. Moving away has not been the new start I believed it would be. I wish I had stayed, let events run their course, stayed on as housekeeper…but that is in the past. It does not do to dwell on the past, as you once said.
It gets awfully lonely here sometimes. The highlands are not as I remember them. Of course, the last time I was here, I had my family and my friends. I knew the village, the local businesses, the old people that lived on the corner…none of that is here any more. There are young, married couples everywhere. I'm the outcast, the old spinster on the corner. I live for my job. I have nothing else.
How are things at Downton? Have you had any more thoughts on retiring? Perhaps one day you could come and visit? I'd love to show you where I grew up, how I spent my days as a child. Perhaps you could help to fight off this loneliness that refuses to leave me alone, if just for a little while.
I hope you're taking care of yourself, Charles. I know you don't know when to stop. I still live in hope that one day you'll learn your limits, learn to take care of yourself. The thing I miss most about Downton is you. Looking out for you, working with you, talking to you…life has altered me, Charles, and not for the better. I'm not the woman you used to know. I'm older, sadder…perhaps writing to you was not such a good idea. I know you'll only worry about me when you read this…
How is my replacement shaping up? I hope she's keeping up my standards? Perhaps I'll find the time to come down and see for myself. Then again, perhaps not. Too many painful memories.
There is something I wish to discuss with you. You know what it is, I believe. It has much to do with goings-on at the time that I left Downton. There is a conversation that needs to be had between us, Charles, and I think that the longer we leave it, the more difficult it will become. Please don't pretend it's nothing, don't ignore it…there's a problem, Charles, and it must be addressed, before I lose my dearest friend, forever.
I meant what I said when I left. I shan't deny it. I never could. I've spent far too long trying to hide how I feel, pretend it wasn't there so I could get on with my life, my job…but now I don't have to hide anything. I can be as honest and open as you'll allow me to be. And, should you decide that perhaps your feelings are of a similar nature, I wouldn't hesitate in moving back to Ripon. I'd find a tearoom and work during the day, then at night…I'd be yours.
I must go, work beckons. Stay safe, Charles. Look after yourself and I hope to hear from you soon. Even if it's just a note to tell me that you're well. Write to me, please?
Yours,
Elsie.
TBC...