Dearest Lavinia Letter Thirteen
21st of July 1919
Dear Anna,
I hope all is well in Downton and you and Mr Bates are in good health. Please give my best regards to Mr Carson and Mrs Hughes. I miss everyone dearly at Downton.
I miss you especially and our morning talks as I got ready for the day. I really wish you could have come with me, but I know you couldn't leave your husband behind. My hair has never been in such poor condition, and I can only manage the most basic of styles.
Whenever we have a social event I have been going to Madam Isabelle, she is the polar opposite of Mrs Crawley. She is very petite, she stands on a little wooden stool when she styles customers hair. A very stylish woman, with a soft Irish accent, she actually speaks French! She is very friendly and she tells me the most scandalous gossip in French.
Tom and I have an important event in November and I need you to order me a dress from my favourite shop in London. The shops here are adequate, some are even quite stylish. But this is an important event and I want to look my best. None of my measurements have changed. I have enclosed a copy of the fashion plate, showing the dress I want designed.
If you could have the dress posted to my new address in Dublin, that would be appreciated. Just have the bill sent to Mr Murray as usual, my clothes allowance will pay for it.
Can you also purchase three dress shirts for Tom? Considering the latest fashion trends, Tom's preference is for comfort, and nothing too fussy. He has a double-breasted Dinner Jacket with silk lapels, I am looking for dress shirts that complement this ensemble. Mr. Bates has a keen eye for styles, and if you could consult with him to ensure we choose shirts that are both fashionable and fitting for the event, I would be most grateful.
In terms of details, I believe a white or light-coloured shirt would be most appropriate. Perhaps with subtle patterns or textures that add a touch of sophistication without being overly ostentatious. As for the collar style, I trust Mr. Bates to recommend what would suit Tom best. I will be able to find a suitable tie and pocket square in Dublin. I have done a sketch of Tom's Dinner Jacket, as a guide, he looks very handsome, when he is wearing it.
You have probably heard now that I have a job and earn £18 per month. I am sure you were all agog to hear that I am working. Most of the people I work with are friendly, though there is one Editor who likes to shout at everyone. No one here is as kind as Mr Carson though. Hence, I can afford to buy the shirts myself. Father has restricted any of my allowance being spent directly on Tom. But I can use my own money. If you let me know how the men's outfitters would prefer to be paid, I could send you the money or wire you the money to the Downton Post office.
I have so many exciting things I want to share with you. I am looking forward to seeing you all at Christmas.
Keep well dear.
Yours sincerely
Lady Mary Branson