Dearest Lavinia - Letter Eleven

12th of July 1919

Dearest Lavinia,

How are you in sunny Yorkshire? I hope all is well with you and your family. Thank you for latest letter with all the news from Downton. I am glad you're planning for the end of summer garden party is going well.

Yours was not the first letter I received about my letter and lunch at Downton. Reproaching me. I have mentioned in the past the trouble I have writing in a more natural way to my parents. I hadn't realised just how poor an impression I was giving to Mama and Papa until I received your report.

I just don't know why I am having such difficulty writing naturally to Mama and Papa. No, that's lie, it's remorse for all the trouble and heartache I have caused them. From acting so recklessly in the past. And for the pain I must have caused my sisters too.

I also received a letter from Edith, who was quite scathing in her criticism. Even Granny has sent me an admonishing letter. Granny says I should mention Tom more often and include more details about my day-to-day life here in Dublin. She says I am giving the impression that I am a princess locked in my tower by my wicked husband.

But it seems like a betrayal to Sybil, to be happy with my life in Dublin. At times Tom feels dreadfully guilty about it too. We can talk about the past with more ease now. But still, he will occasionally spend much longer in bed and is very listless when he does get up. He too tells me he feels happier each day with our life and marriage. Which is then followed by crushing guilt.

On brighter news I finally had a letter from Sybil. She apologised for taking so long to write. She mainly wrote about here time in college, which she says she is enjoying. Here is a quote from her letter.

'I have made many new friends. There are so many young women, all striving to better themselves. It's wonderful to be surrounded by likeminded women. The course work is geared towards entry into university. It is challenging but I am enjoying it'.

I am delighted that she is making new friends. I hope she achieves her goals.

Edith also wrote that she and Sybil have been socialising in London. Edith recounted that they both went to a party held by the Duke of Westminster's son. Edith described Sybil as being radiant and that she was the 'bell of the ball'.

I hope that's true.

Along with yours and Edith's description of her improved appearance, I am happy that she is recovering from her disappointment regarding Tom. This pleases me. I hope she is happier with each day that passes. Sybil is such a darling, so kind and caring, she deserves joy in her life.

On a happier note, Tom has become a dedicated correspondent with your father. There are more letters exchanging hands between the two men, then there are between us. He is very enthusiastic about this new novel. He shares snippets here and there with me and it does sound very exciting. Though of course he has sworn me to secrecy.

He has even taken me with him when he is out scouting for locations or researching art and art forgery. We have been to several galleries and museums here in Dublin. If we are to be out for the entire day Mrs Murphy makes sandwiches for us that I carry in a wicker basket. Tom buys us two bottles of Taylor's Red Lemonade. A most unusual drink and yes, it is a vivid red colour. But still, quite delicious.

You might be wondering about the 'locations' I mentioned. He explained that he liked to look at all types of building wondering what secrets lie behind the façade of the buildings. He then writes detailed descriptions of what he sees, to use later in his work. I help by drawing a quick sketch of whatever building takes his fancy. It feels so collaborative. Like I am part of the writing process.

With us being out and about at various Galleries and what not, some of the owners have been thrilled about Tom's idea for the novel. So thrilled that we had been invited to an opening for a new J.B. Yeats exhibition.

When we started to be invited to social events in Dublin, I insisted that Tom buy appropriate attire. Tom is such a self-sufficient man, that he always pays for his own clothes. He has excellent taste too. You probably noticed his handsome wedding suit. He thinks it is the height of madness to buy new clothes when there are second hand shops available. As I wrote before, the quality that can be found is good and it is amazing what a good seamstress can do.

Anyway, he looked very handsome in his black tuxedo, he wore a lovely silk waistcoat and red silk pocket square, so I wore a gorgeous red silk evening dress with just exquisite beading. We looked very well together.

The party was so lively with many notable Dublin personages there. Including Lady Gregory, Jack B. Yeats and even his brother William Butler Yeats. Tom was beside himself with excitement to be in the presence of one of his literary hero's.

The gallery was in a Georgian house, with attractive mouldings, starkly painted white walls and large windows. I was told the rooms had excellent light during the day. All the guests were dressed beautifully, I was pleased to note that Tom blended in perfectly with the crowd. There was such gaiety and the champagne was flowing, and so was the gossip.

There is a rumour here that Lord Drumgoole is having an affair with a very wealthy American widow. I knew his wife ten years ago, very well, as we came out together. Though she hasn't contacted me since I have been in Dublin. I suppose she has heard of my disgrace. She greeted me very coolly when we met at the party. I didn't let it dampen my spirits though. There were so many there who were kindness itself to Tom and me.

But the crowning glory of the night was when the great man himself W.B. Yeats complimented one of Tom's poems, he even quoted a stanza, that he thought particularly evoked the Irish people's fight for self-determination.

Tom practically swooned.

I have heard many a retelling of the encounter since then.

I will say that I thought Mr Yeats was a very distinguished man, his greying hair was swept back from his large forehead, and I found his eyes behind his glasses to be quite penetrating. I am pleased that I got to meet him too.

Well dearest, I will have to sign-off now, I am working on a dreadful illustration for the dullest author you will ever meet. Stories about morality, where all the interesting people (that is the wicked people) end in bad way. It is a struggle, especially as the direction is very vague, he wants 'the personification of goodness itself'. I am not sure how I am meant to draw that! Thus, I have settled on a pretty doe-eyed blond girl. So cliched. Oh well! I am a working woman now, so I will just have to knuckle down and do my job.

Let me know how your jamboree proceeds, I hope you make some money for those unfortunate Russian refugees.

I was speaking to Mrs Murphy about you feeling nauseous, Mrs Murphy recommends that you try and eat dry toast or crackers, along with cup of weak earl grey tea. She says this will help to settle your stomach. Or you can try candied ginger if there is any available in the village shop. I hope you will start to feel better soon.

Looking forward to hearing more of the plans you and Mama are working on for the Garden Party. I know it is dreadfully hot in London during the summer, but will you be venturing forth to see any shows do you think? Let me know all your news.

Love as always.

Mary