Dearest Lavinia Letter Seventeen

Dublin, Ireland

1st of October 1919

Dearest Lavinia,

I trust this letter finds you in good health and spirits, especially as you embark on the journey of motherhood.

It has been a delightful few weeks with your father staying with us. Tom and Reggie have formed a strong bond, and Tom took great pleasure in showing him around Dublin. Trinity University, in particular, captivated Reggie, especially the magnificent Long Library.

Afterwards we all indulged in a visit to Bewley's on Grafton Street last Saturday morning, where they serve the most delectable iced buns. While I opted for tea, the gentlemen favoured the coffee. I've mentioned it before how this coffee house is one of hour favourite places. It is also situated half-way between our home and Trinity, so it broke the journey nicely. We did suggest hiring a taxi cab, but your father insisted he was well enough for the walk.

I must confess, I was pleasantly surprised by your father's storytelling prowess. Evenings at dinner were filled with laughter and anecdotes, leaving Tom and me in fits of laughter. We also had the pleasure of introducing him to three of our friends over the weekend, such as Marjorie, Mr Holden K.C. and Tom's friend Fergus O'Sullivan, a play write.

Reggie and Mr Holden got in to a spirited debate about the Post war Legal reforms. I had not thought it was such a contentious subject. But Tom was inspired and asked to interview both men and he has now submitted an article to the Irish and London Times. We are not sure when the article will be published in the London Times but remember Tom's penname is T. Fionn Branson.

During the weekdays, while I was at work, Tom took the opportunity to read the final draft of his novel to Reggie. Your father expressed immense honour in being the first to hear it and praised Tom's work, finding the novel thoroughly engaging. This led to Tom and Reggie spending hours brainstorming ideas for the next instalment.

Dearest don't mention this to your father, but Tom has added a heartfelt acknowledgement for the help your father gave him in the background work of the novel. I can't wait for you to be able to read it. There has been much talk about editing as well as marketing and other business discussions. But Button thinks the book will be ready to be released in March 1920.

We are both so excited about the book release, Tom has worked so hard on it, it's like his own baby and he is nervous about setting it free in the world. It's why your father's kind encouragement was such a boon to Tom.

As always, my dear, I cannot divulge any of Tom's plot secrets, but I can assure you he is brimming with excitement for the next chapter of his life as a novelist.

We were truly saddened when the time came for Reggie to return to London. Please convey to your father our heartfelt gratitude for his delightful visit and assure him that he is welcome back anytime.

On a different note, how is everyone faring at Downton? I was troubled to hear of cousin Isabel's recent illness, though relieved to learn of her recovery. Let us hope no one else falls ill, especially with Christmas just around the corner.

I have thrilling news to share: Tom and I have completed the first draft of your book and are now arranging for it to be professionally bound. As a surprise, we have created an additional story with illustrations, which we intend to send to your father as a Christmas gift.

While he was here, he recounted the tale of you and your mother skating on the Thames, enchanted by the Christmas stalls, the Frost Fair, and visiting Father Christmas at Whiteleys of London. His vivid description inspired us to turn it into a picture book, which I hope will bring you both joy.

Please do not be distressed by this revelation; I am certain your father will eagerly share it with you when you reunite at Christmas.

With fondest regards and all my love.

Mary