Sorry for the delay! Things got busy, "real world" issues, blah, blah, blah-you've heard it all before. Thank you for your patience and for the continued support and feedback! This particular story is almost finished, so I will begin writing Chapter 12 ASAP and hope to have it posted by the end of the upcoming weekend. Thanks again and I hope you enjoy...

Chapter Eleven

Winter 1916 (part 2)

Dear Mother,

I pray this letter eases the worry to which you wrote to me about. I tried to write back as soon as I could, but as you can understand, the War has made it difficult in sending and receiving post. I only hope that it arrived as quickly as possible, although I'm sure in your mind, no letter can ever arrive fast enough.

I know that you're worried. And I know that you're scared. But we can't be too surprised by this news of conscription. We knew it was only a matter of time, especially considering…well, I won't go into that. If truth be told, I'm surprised it took this long before conscription came to pass. They've been talking about it for months in the papers, but…well, it doesn't matter. The point of the fact is, conscription is here, and by March, it will officially become law.

…Forgive me, Mother, for…well, for the "chilliness" of my tone. I know that you wrote to me out of a sense of urgency, worried about the possibility that perhaps I too may be called up to join His Majesty's forces…and believe me, that thought has long been on my mind, even before the matter of conscription was even whispered in the papers. But…I'm sorry, I…I can't come home, not yet at least…

No doubt you're throwing your hands up into the air and shouting various obscenities to the sky (hopefully the girls are out of earshot). I know, I know, it does make sense of a sort, me returning to Ireland; because of the political climate there, Parliament has had the "decency", so to speak, to keep the entire conscription business out of Ireland…at least for the time being.

But come now, Mother…how long do you think that will last? Am I truly better off back in Dublin? For the time being, perhaps, but how long will that last? A month? Two months? The rest of the year? Do you think this war will be over before next February? We can certainly hope and pray that it will, but based on the amount of news I keep reading, I fear the end truly is nowhere in sight. No, if the need arises, and surely it will…Parliament will enforce the Military Service Act on Ireland, political climate be damned. I'm sorry Mother, I know that sounds harsh and uncaring…but we are only fooling ourselves if we think that Irishmen will be spared simply because we reside in Ireland for the time being.

…No doubt you despise me for saying that. And for the pain my words have caused you, I truly am sorry. But this war has heightened my cynicism, and I see no point in ignoring hardened truths.

Besides (and I know you will hate me for saying this)…we need the money. Despite the War, the Earl of Grantham continues to pay all of us very well, and during this time of rationing, we need whatever funds we can get our hands on. If I leave this job, what opportunities await me in Dublin? The need for work isn't scarce, but the money to pay those workers, is. Can you think of any job back home that will pay half as well as my job at Downton Abbey?

I know, I know, no doubt you are shaking your head, shouting a few more obscenities, before muttering about how "you don't care about the money", and Mother—I believe you.

…But I care. Meaning, I care about the welfare of my family. I care about all of you having food on the table, clothes on your back, and heat in the house. I care about all of you being able to stay healthy during this long, cold winter. I care about my baby sisters continuing their schooling and receiving the best education possible—yes, even for girls, because as you know, I have always believed that boys and girls, men and women, are equals and should be treated as such when it comes to knowledge and learning. I care about Frank, staying as far away from this silly war as possible, and supporting his apprenticeship and perhaps one day the possibility that he can go to university. I care about you; having enough so you can go to sleep comfortably, not worrying about every single bill that comes in the post, creating anxiety that forces you to work your fingers raw.

I know that you worry about me. You worry because you love me. And please know, I love you—all of you, and I haven't forgotten my family or who I am or where I come from. I haven't…and I do miss you all, terribly.

But I'm staying here. At least…for a little longer.

…And, forgive me for bringing this up, but I should—if the call does come…you know how I will respond. We talked about it last year, when I came for Christmas. I've mentioned it to you in some previous letters…and I remain firm in my belief. I know you don't like it, but I do think you're much more in favor of that than of me going to battle. I only hope and pray that you and the rest of our family understand my reasons…and don't think them cowardly or shameful.

But who knows! Maybe it will all come to nothing, maybe I won't receive a letter, maybe my name will be skipped altogether. Maybe the War will end by the summer…

See? I'm attempting optimism. As you would say, all we can do is pray.

Well…that's that, I suppose. I pray to hear from you soon, even if it's a letter filled with nothing but curses. But I promise to write you more frequently, even between replies. You'll be so tired of reading my letters you may find yourself glad that I'm in Yorkshire!

Did I earn a smile? Or will there be a slap awaiting me for that bit of cheek?

Well, I'm beginning to run low on paper, so I should send this…but let me finish by sharing this funny story.

I was approached the other day by Lady Edith, his Lordship's second daughter. She told me she wanted me to teach her…how to drive!

Did your mouth fall open? I confess, I think mine had when she told me! Yes, she believes it would be wise that she learn how to drive a car, and his Lordship granted her permission after several weeks of consideration. So there you have it; on top of my usual duties, I will also become a driving instructor! Hmmm, perhaps you should pray for my safety…

I'll be sure to write you again very soon, and with more details about this business of teaching Lady Edith to drive. I must confess, I think what surprised me the most was that she requested the lessons. Out of all of his Lordship's daughters, I never thought she would ask for such a thing. Indeed, it strikes me as something that Sybil would—

I mean, Lady Sybil, his Lordship's youngest daughter, is much more...progressive…than her elder sisters. Meaning, I could envision her requesting lessons, certainly more so than Lady Edith, but…well…um…there you have it.

Mother, please give all of my love to everyone. Despite what you may think, I do think of you all and pray for you all and miss you all. Even Uncle Michael.

I will write again, very soon. I eagerly await your letter too.

All of my love,

—Tom