Dearest Lavinia Letter Five

19th May 1919

Dearest Lavinia,

I was so sorry to hear that you have had the flu. I am relieved that you are now recovering. The stories about the 'Spanish Flu' in the press have been alarming. Is this what you were suffering from? Are you fully recovered? Please write back as soon as possible to reassure me.

I hope my tales might distract you, though it feels trivial considering your recent health troubles. Yet, where do I start? So much has happened in such a short time.

Well, the horse-riding club turned out to be a great success. Unfortunately, Tom's new riding clothes weren't ready for the first meet, so he didn't join me in a ride. Though he escorted me to the stables where I hired a handsome gelding named Cesar. A beautiful chocolate brown coat with one white sock, he was full of character and spirit, definitely requiring an experienced rider.

Tom spent his time exploring the area on foot, where he somehow discovered a country pub. I have noticed the abilities of husbands to be able to find a pub no matter the task they are on. Though I will say of Tom that he is not that keen beer or stout. He confided that what little wine he had drunk in the past, that he preferred it, or a cool cider on a hot summer's day. Tell me does Matthew have the ability to locate a pub wherever he is?

I don't know how he does it, but by the end of his sojourn he was fully appraised about an ongoing feud between the O'Sullivan's and the O'Flynn's and the amorous attentions of Farmer O'Flynn's bull named Bertie. Who apparently impregnated several heifers belonging to Farmer O'Sullivan, who is refusing to pay a servicing fee to Farmer O'Flynn. It must be Tom's reporting abilities shining through.

Ten others joined the ride, including a groom from the stable. Among them was Mrs. Marjory Holden, whose husband is a QC in Dublin. They have only been married for a year, and the coincidence is striking – she is from Cumbria. We have much in common, and she has invited us to dinner next Tuesday. Truly my first venture into the Dublin social whirl. I am rather excited to expand my social circle.

Mrs Holden is an attractive woman of about my age, with the prettiest blonde hair, her riding clothes and hat were very fashionable. She was telling me about her experience on moving to Ireland. She felt Mr Holden's colleagues were very welcoming. But the locals were more wary of her. Even though she has been here for at least six months, she still detects a certain frostiness in the local shop keepers. I know what she means, as I feel sometimes the shop keepers look at me with suspicion.

Tom has been having trouble with his colleagues at the Newspaper, so I have so far only socialised with Tom's family. Only his mother and sister still live in Ireland. Our social interactions so far have been fraught with awkwardness. We have been going to Mrs Branson's flat after church service every Sunday. Where she serves me lunch in a very stiff manner. We have little in common except Tom and it has only been in the last few weeks that Tom & I relationship has reached a new intimacy. I am sure you understand how difficult it can be for a daughter-in-law to integrate into her husband's family.

Mrs Holden was very interested to know that Tom was a reporter and author. She has invited us to dinner next Tuesday. Truly my first venture into the Dublin social whirl. I am rather excited to expand my social circle.

Tom and I have been having a jolly time since our big conversation. But a woman needs more company than just her husband.

I hope you have been making friends in Yorkshire. It has only just occurred to me that I never offered to make introductions. Though with my reputation, such as it is, maybe it wouldn't be that beneficial to you. On second thoughts maybe you should ask Sybil to make introductions for you. Everyone always loves Sybil.

I must tell you I met a lady publisher this past week, Miss Button Doran. She has the reddest hair I have ever seen. Much redder than yours dearest. With simply the biggest brown eyes, too. She will be publishing Tom's anthology of short stories. I believed I mentioned Tom's book during dinner at Downton.

I have never met a female businesswoman before. She was so dynamic and energetic. I found her to be scarily competent. Tom admires her greatly. She was cool with me when we first met, I will admit. But the more I participated in conversation she seemed to warm up to me. We're not exactly friends by the end of the conversation, but she did seem to give me a real scrutinising look before we parted. She gave me her business card and said we would have to 'do lunch', I was very surprised and curious. I think I will take her up on her offer of lunch, though I am not sure what we will be discussing! I am sure it will be thrilling, well I hope so, I will be disappointed if it turns out to be as dry as the conversations some of Papa's business acquaintances have had in the past.

Now back to Downton and Granny. She has told me all about the efforts her gardener is making to produce the best roses for the Downton Country Fair. But I have heard from Mama that Mr Mosely the elder, has a fine crop of roses this year. Granny will be fit to be tide if she loses again to Mr Mosely. Have you been roped in for judging any events? Mama, always claims a conflict of interest, keep this in mind if they ask you to do the honours.

Us three girls used to judge the prettiest kitten competition or the waggliest tail competition. The village children would all enter their pets and most of the children would get a ribbon or a sweet treat for entering. Please send me your opinions of this year's winners. I am sure your report will be less biased than Granny's.

Again, get well dear! Looking forward to any news from Downton.

Fondest wishes.

Mary