So here is my sequel to "Letters from Boston". This time the letters won't be mainly from Tom or Mary. I hope that I will be able to post frequently and that you will enjoy this story as much as my first.
Downton August 25, 1925
Dear Susan,
I'm glad to hear that little Henry is well again and up to his usual mischief. I know you'll be careful, that he won't overdo it in the first weeks, after such a heaver fever.
How are the other children doing? No one else caught it? I'm glad!
I have a little time on my hands today, because I offered to stay here alone at the hospital. You've probably read the announcement: The Earl of Grantham passed away last week and today is his funeral. Dr. Clarkson knew him for more than 30 years and so, of course, he is going.
It seems the whole village is in mourning and that Lord Grantham was very popular among the people here. They say he was a amiable man and a good master. His grandson, who will inherit the estate is only a four years old. His mother, Lady Mary, will take over the responsibility for the estate until he is out of age.
I haven't really met her so far, only saw her in the village or at the church bazaar, but the people in the village say she is "the right person" to do it. They say she is very proud, but fair like her father.
I did meet one family member though: The son in law, who apparently came over from America for the funeral. He came to the hospital yesterday, because his daughter was running a fever. He's a nice man, very friendly and polite and the daughter is a little Darling. She was feeling very poorly, but she just cuddled to her father and endured my examination without complaint. And then she even said a sweet "thank you Dr. Hallford" when they left. Very cute girl.
Dr. Clarkson told me later, that the late wife of Mr. Branson died of eclampsia 5 years ago. I wish we would find something to heal this awful condition! Dr. Clarkson said he wanted to perform a Cesarian, but it was already too late and the birth too far progressed. She died a few hours after giving birth to little Sybbie. He also told me in confidence, that Dr. Phillip Tapsell was there also (hired by his Lordship) and that he was mainly responsible for the delay of the Cesarian, which - I must say - doesn't surprise me at all! The only time I had the "honor" of meeting Dr. Tapsell, he only impressed me with his arrogance and not at all with his medical knowledge!
It's not clear if a cesarian had helped though. Dr. Clarkson said, that Lady Sybil's case was very severe and I know there is not much we can do in such a case.
But it was only when Dr. Clarkson left the room, that the nurse informed me about the biggest scandal behind this story: Imagine, the nice widower, Mr. Branson was actually a chauffeur when he married Lady Sybil! And not only a chauffeur, he was in Lord Grantham's employment! I must say, it speaks for his Lordship, that he has obviously accepted his daughter's choice. The nurse told me, that Mr. Branson worked as the agent for a few years and that he was highly respected by the tenants. I don't know what he is working now. I heard he went to America at the beginning of the year, but has come back to help Lady Mary in this difficult time.
You see, dear Susan, that I found a very interesting place to live and work! I wish all patients would be as gracious and nice as Mr. Branson and his daughter though. Some of the farmers still treat me, as if I'm an evil witch who has come here to poison them! I think some of them would rather die than come here to the hospital on a day like today, where I'm on duty alone. I really don't get where this aversion against a female doctor comes from. They don't have a problem with the nurses, but as soon as I come into the room, they find excuses to leave and "come by tomorrow" instead.
Well, they will have to get used to female doctors! Thankfully I'm not alone in my field and they will have to get used to women in other typical "men's" professions, too. I'm happy, that the times are changing in that respect!
Mama said in her last letter, that our youngest brother is courting a girl from the neighborhood now? Have you any idea who it might be, she didn't say a name! Age-wise I could only think of Amy Lawrence, but I can't imagine James falling in love with her, he never liked her when we were children. But maybe she has changed a lot, she was pretty annoying back then.
I hope, my dear sister, that you will write me soon.
Kiss the children from me and send my love to the best of brothers in law!
Lotta