Some letters may be written in a world where Kate did die. Some may not, and Kate may still be very much alive. This one is for Flora post Kate's death. Sorry
Dear Flora,
I'm your big brother, William. Although I'm sure you will know who I am when either you read this or mum reads it to you when you're a bit older. As I scribble this on the train you're a mere week old. I've just been to your mummy's funeral.
Your Mummy, she was a beautifully wonderful person. I wish you had got to have known her properly. Kate was her name, but you will know that already. I first met Kate at Sulgrave (where Ma and Mummy taught together,) she taught me languages. When she and Ma got together Lawrence and I got to enjoy the real Kate. She was brilliant at the job she did, and she could play the piano as if it were a second language. Underneath all of that thought she could also light up a room with her smile and have people listen to her as if she held the world in her hand.
You, Flora Grace, meant so much to her; just knowing you existed completed her. She would have worshipped the ground you walk on and pandered to your every need. We all knew how much having a baby meant to her and she got so close to that dream. We've promised one another that you will grow up knowing all about your Mummy. You will know all her little quirks and perks, the things she loved to do and so on.
As these words are said aloud, probably by Ma, I hope we have managed to live up to your Mummy's expectations. I hope you're aware of how much she loved you, and indeed how much we all love you too. I hope we're doing the best job we can in bringing you up. If you haven't seen me recently then pick up the phone, give me a ring and order me back home to Harrogate. My place will always be by your side teaching you the wonders of the world.
All my love,
William x