Edith stood frozen looking between the two letters. She knew that one was from her grandmama but still seeing it in her hand made her nervous. The other read London Royal Hospital Whitechapel RD, Whitechapel.
Still at times ever the pessimist. Edith couldn't help but feel the letter would tell her there had been a mistake and she was not accepted after all. She decided to read her grandmama's letter first at least the rejection from her would hurt less.
Dear Cookie,
Good for you! It makes me quite proud that one of my grandchildren have embraced the American within. Nothing would make me prouder to help you achieve your goals. And if my money is what it takes to make that happen than I will happily assist you in your endeavors.
I am so very sorry about how your parents have reacted to your news. More so about your mother, as I remember her being like you once. Determined and strong-willed, with a mind of her own. She had it in her head that she was going to be a writer the next Jane Austen. Unfortunately, that never did happen. But in the end, it was her who got to choose the path in which she wanted to live her life.
And it is unfair that your mother feels you should not be given the courtesy. You are old enough and smart enough to know what you want, and I am ever so proud that you are doing something about.
I have sent the banknote straight to the London Royal Hospital. As you may have noticed already there is another banknote for two hundred pounds. That my girl is for your personal use. Buy some new stocking, baubles, or save it for a rainy day. Do as you wish with it, as long as you're doing it for yourself, and you're having fun as you're doing it.
I wish you well my girl, and the best of luck as you start your new journey. It may be hard at first leaving behind your family. But remember you are a Levinson we are hardworking, strong-willed people. You can do anything you set your mind to. Stay strong and be safe. Please do not forget to write to me, I always enjoy your letters.
Much Love,
Grandmama
With tears of joy streaming down Edith's face she set her grandmother's letter aside. Practically tearing the other one open her eyes frantically scanned the letter.
Dear Miss Crawley,
We are happy to inform you that your tuition has been received and your application processed. You are to report to The London Royal Hospital.
Not even finishing the letter Edith shot up from her spot under the tree. Jumping up and down unable to contain her joy and excitement. Edith stood frozen looking between the two letters. She knew that one was from her grandmama but still seeing it in her hand made her nervous. The other read London Royal Hospital Whitechapel RD, Whitechapel.
Still at times ever the pessimist. Edith couldn't help but feel the letter would tell her there had been a mistake and she was not accepted after all. She decided to read her grandmama's letter first at least the rejection from her would hurt less.
Dear Cookie,
Good for you! It makes me quite proud that one of my grandchildren have embraced the American within. Nothing would make me prouder to help you achieve your goals. And if my money is what it takes to make that happen than I will happily assist you in your endeavors.
I am so very sorry about how your parents have reacted to your news. More so about your mother, as I remember her being like you once. Determined and strong-willed, with a mind of her own. She had it in her head that she was going to be a writer the next Jane Austen. Unfortunately, that never did happen. But in the end, it was her who got to choose the path in which she wanted to live her life.
And it is unfair that your mother feels you should not be given the courtesy. You are old enough and smart enough to know what you want, and I am ever so proud that you are doing something about.
I have sent the banknote straight to the London Royal Hospital. As you may have noticed already there is another banknote for two hundred pounds. That my girl is for your personal use. Buy some new stocking, baubles, or save it for a rainy day. Do as you wish with it, as long as you're doing it for yourself, and you're having fun as you're doing it.
I wish you well my girl, and the best of luck as you start your new journey. It may be hard at first leaving behind your family. But remember you are a Levinson we are hardworking, strong-willed people. You can do anything you set your mind to. Stay strong and be safe. Please do not forget to write to me, I always enjoy your letters.
Much Love,
Grandmama
With tears of joy streaming down Edith's face she set her grandmother's letter aside. Practically tearing the other one open her eyes frantically scanned the letter.
Dear Miss Crawley,
We are happy to inform you that your tuition has been received and your application processed. You are to report to The London Royal Hospital.
Not even finishing the letter Edith shot up from her spot under the tree. Jumping up and down unable to contain her joy and excitement.
After checking with absolute certainty, she had read the letters correctly. Edith found herself on the path to the village at a hurried pace with only Cottage hospital in mind. With the speed, Edith was walking it didn't take long to reach her destination. Normally the first thing Edith did when arriving at Cottage Hospital Edith went straight to work. Instead, she made a b line for the staff dining room, where she suspected cousin Isobel would be sitting down for lunch.
Upon walking into the staff room, Edith was happy that her assumption was correct. Seeing as Isobel was seated in the staff dining room with a cup of tea, thankfully alone.
"Cousin Isobel!" Edith closed the door and sat in the seat next to Isobel. "I have the best news, and I want you to be the first to know!" Thrusting the letter from the Royal Hospital Edith sat back with a smile and waited.
A smile formed on the older woman's face before she looked up from the letter. "Oh, Edith my dear this is the best of news indeed." Pulling Edith into a hug, Isobel spoke again. "I am so happy your parents finally came around."
Edith sat and cleared her throat and gave a nervous smile. "Actually, cousin Isobel my parents have yet to come around."
"Edith, I don't mean to overstep but if they still oppose how on earth did you get the money to pay for tuition?"
"The day of the argument I decided to write my grandmother in America. I knew if anyone could help me it would be her. She is quite the progressive. Much to my delight, she sent the money straight to the Hospital. She wrote to me giving me her full support."
"That is fantastic!" Before Isobel could say more, a cafeteria worker walked into the room with lunch.
"Lady Edith, I'm sorry I didn't realize you were here. Will you be joining Mrs. Crawley for lunch today?"
"If it's not to much trouble."
"Not at all Milady." Setting down the tray, the older woman wiped her hands on her apron.
"I shall be back momentarily with your tray."
Once alone again Isobel spoke. " How will you tell your parents you are leaving?"
"I haven't thought of that yet."
"If you wish I will happily be there when you tell them. Though, I'm not sure it will make much of a difference."
"I was hoping to leave a letter, and make my escape in the dead of night," Edith admitted lowering her head. "Though I suppose that will do more bad than good?"
"I am afraid so my dear girl. You aren't some criminal. You needn't act as though you are committing a crime." At the sound of the door opening, Isobel took a drink of tea.
"Thank you so very much, Bertha, sorry for the inconvenience."
"Not at all Milady." Bertha smiled shutting the door on her way out.
"Now I am not saying this is what you should do. I am merely letting you know what I would do if I were in your situation."
Edith couldn't help the chuckle that escaped. "Cousin Isobel I am beginning to fear you are a bad influence on me after all."
Isobel laughed before she divulged her "hypothetical" master plan.
Yaa! I finally have some Earl Grey in my cup and the words are flowing. I am sorry for the slow build up, but I promise things will be moving along soon. And don't worry this Sir Anthony will make an appearance here shortly. Just a reminder this is completely my own take on the characters but I am trying to incorporate the original character traits as well. I hope I'm not doing to bad a job. Please let me know, in the mean time enjoy your weekend. Take it Easy and enjoy those Peaceful Easy Feelings.