Dearest Lavinia Letter Four
9th of May 1919
Dearest Lavinia,
I hope this letter finds you well and you are enjoying springtime in Yorkshire. Thank you for sharing the lovely descriptions of the May Day celebrations in Downton. I had so many wonderful memories of that time of year at home. I am glad Matthew was able to escort you to the celebrations. Soon the season of Garden Parties and cricket matches will be upon you. Be warned Papa is terribly competitive when it comes to Cricket, but alas the village nearly always wins.
I was especially glad that Sybil was home for the celebrations. It was her birthday recently, so I sent her card in recognition of the day. I haven't received a reply yet. I was very thankful of your descriptions and glad that she is looking happier these days. It would be a great boon to me dear friend, if you can extend the hand of friendship. Sybil is such a kind and friendly sole, she always had many good friends, but I fear she won't be able to confide in anyone. I hope this is not too much to ask.
Thank you for the kind encouraging words regarding Tom. He confessed all a few evenings ago. Don't be alarmed, it was a case of reality not matching the romanticised fantasy of being a reporter. By Tom's account a lot of slog and boredom and not nearly enough dashing about being heroic, had gotten him down.
We were able to a have a meaningful conversation reminiscent of the conversations we started to have while at Downton. Together we have come up with a plan. I must admit it is very exciting, but I can't tell you anything until everything is settled. We will venture down an avenue nobody expected me to travel, especially me.
I will confide that Tom and I are going to visit his publisher tomorrow.
On a more personal note, Tom has been able to locate a riding club in Dublin County. I have missed riding so. The feel of the wind in my face, the peacefulness of being free. Just being surrounded by countryside. After a hard ride, I like to sit, and take in my surroundings. The quiet allowing me to think clearly.
Lavinia dear, I don't think we ever spoke of riding when you were at Downton. Do you ride? I regret now never taking you riding around Downton, especially as it will one day be your home. Or not taking you up on your kind offer of a ride in your motor. Maybe you feel similar in your motor.
Anyway, Tom has arranged an introduction for me. I will admit to being slightly nervous about the meeting. I am concerned that they won't be as friendly to me as I am English. Tom said they will probably be a posh lot and will be pro-Britian. I do hope the meeting is a success. I have missed riding so and I am hopeful that I might be able to build some friendships with the other riders.
You might be wondering how I can join a riding club without a horse. Tom has shown his resourcefulness by locating a nearby stables that provide horses for hire. I am doubtful of the quality of the horses I will be offered. I am not optimistic if they are just renting them out. But it is not economical to buy a horse if I can only ride once a week. So it will have to be the hired horse for now.
Tom and I did spend a humorous afternoon looking for riding clothes for Tom. We shared much laughter as he tried on the ridiculous riding outfits. He absolutely refuses to buy them new. He actually took me to the second-hand store he frequents! Can you believe it? I think I might include it in the next letter I write Granny. You will have to report back on her reaction. I will admit privately to you and you alone that the quality of the clothing is good, but I will not give Tom the satisfaction of that knowledge.
Everything we found that day were comically too large or too small. He settled on tan jodhpurs and a dark navy riding jacket, much too large. He did have to buy new boots and shirts for riding. I told him firmly that I would not ride with him if he was going to look like a clown. He gave such a withering look I feel sure it would rival Granny's.
He got quite huffy over that. I do feel guilty now as he was very pleased with his find. He just scowled and said I'll see and stomped off. I did apologise with a nice jam doughnut, Tom's favourite treat, and he tentatively forgave me.
I received a very long letter from Granny last week. She was telling me all about an argument she was having with Cousin Isabel about the hospital. I hope this is not making things difficult for you and Matthew in the village. I know Granny and Isobel are very strong-willed people. The only advice I can give you is to support your mother-in-law. I do feel it does Granny good to be thwarted now and then.
I am looking forward to your next letter and hearing all your news.
Warmest regards
Mary