BETA-D BY GoldenMiniJ-17 COOKIES please R&R I love it when you do it makes me write faster ;-) ~Lily xxx

At last! I was allowed out of bed today. It felt wonderful to be free again...and clean! I have never enjoyed a bath so much, mummy. I stayed in my room a lot though, Daddy is very insistent on this. He treats me like I do my doll Grandmama bought me - with extreme care. I've been catching up with everything I had missed while being ill. I'll need catch-up lessons with my tutors. Now I wish I were ill again - what a bore!

I got some sad news today Mummy! My best friend, Emma, has gone to London for the weekend, I miss her terribly. It gets worse. With my 'twin' Katherine also gone, I am left with only Jonathan to talk to! Its not that I don't like him, Mummy, I do, I really do, its just...he's a boy! He wants to talk about guns and fighting but I want to talk about music and much nicer things. Though, playing 'adventure' with him is such fun.

My music teacher said to me that I need to work on my emphasis and feeling of playing, putting extra meaning into what I play. I'm finding this difficult, I'm only 7 after all...

Jonathan came round earlier today; I am his only source of company as he doesn't have any brothers or sisters. Daddy was very nice to him, as was Daisy, who was sent to check on me. Jonathan has invited me to come to his home; to go to his fathers estate with him some time. His father told Daddy that there would be no problem with him accompanying me, and said the same to Daisy. I thought it was very sweet. Jonothan os very sweet really...

I had picked some flowers earlier, but Jonathan presented me with some from his garden at home. They are very beautiful, even prettier than my own. I still gave him mine; he said he loved them. I wore a smile for the rest of the day. I am proud of mine, they look lovely even if they're not a patch on Jonathan's.

He left about an hour ago, along with Daisy, who has gone back to Downton.

I have spoken to Daddy about visiting Mr Mason, I want to talk to him. He thoguht it was a bit strange but he didn't object. I wrote to him and he said that I may visit on Monday if I am free, and he hopes I feel better soon. The letter is tucked in my desk drawer, I shall stick it below, so you can see it Mummy.

*LETTER*

Sybil Branson

Agents Cottage

Downton

Yorkshire

Dear Sybbie,

I would be delighted for you to visit my humble farm, with your father if he wishes to come, Daisy has told me much about you in her letters. If Monday can be done would that be acceptable? She thinks you are very sweet, and a lovely child, I would love the opportunity to get to know the girl my daughter loves so much. I am sorry to hear you are ill, and I wish you a speedy recovery.

All my best,

George Mason

That was a lovely letter and I would also like to get to know him. Daisy speaks very highly of him.

I'm sorry to rush away but I must go, Daddy is shouting for me, apparently we must go up to the Abbey. So this is goodnight for now, I love you, remember that Mummy. ~Sybbie xxx