Dearest Lavinia Letter Fourteen

31st of July 1919

Dearest Lavinia,

Your joyful news brightened our day, I was so delighted to hear about your happy news. Tom and I extend our warmest congratulations to you and Matthew. Are the family excited? Your father must be so pleased, and Cousin Isobel too! I hope you are not finding the weather too hot for you in your delicate condition.

I hope you don't mind, but I told Mrs Branson and Mrs Murphy. Mrs Murphy has started knitting the most darling little cardigan in the Aran style for you. While Mrs Branson has started crocheting a beautiful white baby's blanket. I look forward to being able to give you their gifts in person.

I hope you understand, but crafting isn't exactly my forte. Tom and I had a discussion before he left, and he has offered a unique gift. He plans to write a children's story for your baby, and if you have a theme in mind, he's more than willing to bring it to life. He even jokingly suggested a tale about a bunny. I, of course, will illustrate the story for you. We are both thrilled to contribute something special for your little bundle of joy. I am especially eager to work on a project I care about. Especially after having to work on that dreadful book, I told you about in my previous letter.

In case your father didn't mention it, Tom is currently visiting him, and they are engrossed in further research on art fraud. Mr. Swire is introducing Tom to some actual detectives, and you can imagine Tom's excitement. The world of art and intrigue continues to captivate him. He has finished the first part of his writing project. Now he starts the longest part of his process, editing and adding the details. Tom is relishing the challenge and has told me that it is very satisfying seeing the plot come together.

The big news that I hinted in my last letter is that we have received the date that our book will be released. The 13th of November 1919. It will be called 'Irish Myths and Legends by T. Fionn Branson', that's Tom's nom de plume. Tom is nervous as they are going to print 20,000 copies in the first run and has a dread that he won't sell any books at all. However, I assured him that it's nonsense, as I already intend to buy at least four books. Button reassured us that the 13th of November 1919 is an excellent date for the release, as it will be available for Christmas, a good six weeks in advance of the holiday.

I am looking forward to the launch party, I just hope my dress is ready in time. I am already planning to invite the Yeats brothers and Lady Gregory. My new friend Marjorie is of course coming too with her husband Mr Holden. She is thrilled too, as she has never been to a book launch. Button as the Publisher is inviting many people from the industry. There is even going to a be a journalist from the Times, to report on the event. I do hope everything goes well.

I wrote to Anna recently too; I have asked her to order me a dress from my favourite shop in London and to pick me up some dress shirts for Tom. Shirts and underwear are the only two items of clothing that Tom doesn't buy second hand. Husbands take such care, if I left him to his own devices he would have just gone to 'Robertson and Cleaver' and bought five shirts for £1 and called it done.

I find myself missing him dearly. It's only been five days since he left. The silence in our little flat is quite pronounced without Tom. His presence fills the space with a certain liveliness, and its absence is keenly felt. I've been contemplating the idea of acquiring a gramophone to add some melody to the quietude. Tom has a way of creating a pleasant commotion wherever he goes, and the stillness is quite noticeable.

Even Mrs. Murphy in the kitchen seems to be making extra noise, perhaps unintentionally compensating for the void Tom's absence has left behind. It occurs to me that the next time he must travel without me, having some music playing would be a comforting addition. Moreover, it would be a delightful enhancement to our shared moments at home, creating a warm ambiance with the gentle notes of music accompanying us.

One of the other reasons he is going to London is that he is going to visit various book shops like 'W.H. Smith & Son' and 'Waterstones' to name but two. The publishing business is so much more complicated than I ever imagined. Tom must do promotion work, meeting book sellers, interviews and he is writing some short stories that will be published in various publications. Are all part of this promotionally work an author must partake in.

I have included one of the articles that he wrote for the 'Irish Times'. Along with an illustration I contributed to accompany the story. The story is about an Irish Pirate Queen, called Grainne O'Malley.

On a more extraordinary note, Edith is going to interview Tom for 'The Sketch'. I find it amazing that Edith and I are having such open correspondence now. I never thought we would have built such a pleasant relationship through our letters. I will admit I have been more emotional and honest with Edith since writing to her regularly. I apologised for some of my unkind actions in the past and Edith apologised for her part in the scandal.

I am a bit nervous about meeting Edith at Christmas, in case our relationship from our letters do not translate to real life. Nevertheless, I am hopeful and excited about the prospect of all four of us spending time together at the house. I am sure we all will have a jolly time. Though of course I worry how Tom will fit in with the family.

I received news from Granny that Sybil is presently at Downton and seems to be in good spirits. She plans to stay until after the Garden Party. I hope the two of you are growing closer; Sybil is truly a delightful young woman. Last week, I also received a brief letter from her. It pains me that my marriage has strained our relationship, as I hold a deep affection for her. Perhaps by Christmas, with the passage of time, we can start mending the bonds between us.

Dearest I took your advice and I have included more news of Tom in my last letter home. I hope Mama and Papa received it better than my last letter? Do you know? Have they mentioned it at all? I do find it difficult to get the balance right when writing to them. Granny didn't mention it in her last letter either.

Be sure to send me all your news and let me know how everyone is in Downton and how the rest of the family reacted to your baby news.

Sending you all my love and eagerly awaiting your response

Mary