Dearest Lavinia Letter Sixteen

16th of August 1919

Dearest Lavinia,

I am thrilled to learn that your pregnancy has become more manageable, and the delightful surprise from Matthew with a trip to Scarborough sounds enchanting. Your descriptions were so vivid, I could almost smell the sea.

Tom has finally returned home, and his presence brings immense joy. He expressed his own delight, particularly in the enjoyable visit with Reggie. So much so that he has extended an invitation to your father to stay with us in September. I am looking forward to finally meeting him. Tom has told me that he is an excellent storyteller.

Things are relatively calm at the publishing house presently, and I've wrapped up my latest project. It turned out to be quite amusing; I was tasked with creating illustrations for a cookery book, despite my lack of culinary expertise beyond toasting bread and boiling eggs. Collaborating with the editor, I identified the recipes needing illustration, took them home, and enlisted Mrs. Murphy's help in preparing the various dishes.

Mrs Murphy is one of the finest bakers I have ever met, so the cakes and tarts turned out wonderfully. I even attempted a steak and mushroom pie myself. It was edible, but unfortunately my effort is not something that should be recorded for posterity. Tom was immensely proud of my efforts; he even told his mother. Now she has said she will come to the flat one Sunday for lunch.

I will admit I scolded him on the way home that day. It is one thing to cook for your husband, but it is a completely different task to cook for your Mother-in-Law.

At least I was able to produce over fifteen illustrations for the cookbook.

Please try this recipe for pineapple upside-down cake that Tom and I particularly liked. Mrs Murphy is teaching me to make it for when Mrs Branson comes to lunch. I have included the recipe. Mrs Murphy used tinned pineapples from Del Monte:

For the topping:

•3.5 tablespoons unsalted butter

•3 ounces light brown sugar

•7-8 pineapple rings

•Maraschino cherries (optional), for placing in the centre of the pineapple rings. (Mrs Murphy didn't have any, so we did without)

For the cake:

•5 ounces unsalted butter, softened

•5 ounces granulated sugar

•2 large eggs

•1 teaspoon vanilla extract

•6 ounces self-raising flour

•1/2 teaspoon baking powder

•1/4 teaspoon salt

•2 fluid ounces milk

Enjoy!

The most surprising thing has occurred. You remember how Marjory and I organised an art auction to raise money for families affected by the Spanish flu. How I entered one of my water colours into the auction? Well, the gentleman who won my painting has commissioned me to paint a sea view for him. It's of a place called Tramore where he used to spend time as a child.

So, Tom and I are packing up for the week and going to stay at the Grand Hotel. I will paint and Tom will continue to write. He will be working on the second edit of his novel. This is the final write through before giving the book to the editors for the professional review. We are looking forward to our trip and spending time together.

I am glad to report that since Mama's visit we have been able to share much more open and warm letters with each other. Though Mama still reports that Papa is still a bit salty about my marriage. I am hoping that with our visit at Christmas Papa will be able to see how well suited Tom and I are.

I think this is one of the reasons Tom is so terribly nervous about his book release. I think Tom will feel better about returning to Downton as a resounding success, he wants to show Papa that he can look after me.

I should warn you that everyone will be receiving books for Christmas. Do you think Cousin Isabel would like a cookbook? I am thinking of giving one to Sybil too, she was incredibly pleased with her self-sufficiency when she was studying nursing during the war.

You don't think it is showing an undignified amount of hubris to gift people books that I have illustrated do you dearest? It's just I want everyone to see what I have been working on. There should be several books published before Christmas for which I have illustrated. Tom intends to buy a copy of each one I have contributed to.

By the by, Tom was enchanted about the idea of your story for your children's book about little children having adventures as pirates. I am absolutely brimming with ideas for the illustration. If you send me a photograph of you and Matthew, I can include your likenesses in the book. I would try and draw you from memory, but I don't think it would turn out as well if I had a reference photograph.

I'll include a little sketch of an idea I have.

I can't believe we are in the middle of August already; it won't be long now until the Garden Party. I am sure with all the arduous work you and Mama have put into it; it will be a Triumph. I am quite envious of you all. Though I have made many friends, I still miss home.

I had another letter from Edith, she is well, busy in London. She was describing a shopping excursion she went to in London and how she has bought a darling green stripped dress. It sounded ghastly to me, but in this new era of sisterly love and devotion, I didn't share this opinion with her.

Oh, Lavinia I do miss shopping in London. There are some lovely department stores in Dublin and even one or two local fashion houses. Of course, everything is cheaper here too, but sometimes I dream of going shopping in London. Really, it's quite shallow of me.

Speaking of London, have you met any of the people Edith works with in London? She does mention her editor rather a lot in her letters and I wondered what sort of man he was. I asked Tom, but really men can be so hopeless in such situations. He just looked at me in surprise and said he believed Mr Gregson was at least fifteen years older than Edith.

But Edith does like an older man, so it wouldn't be a surprise to me, if she is sweet on the man. But I have no idea what the man looks like, so let me know if you have an intelligence on the matter.

Has Matthew said anything more about moving to your own home? It would be so nice for you if you got to move to your own home. It is so lovely when it can be just the two of you, the privacy is wonderful.

Also was just wondering what you will be doing for a Nursery. The thought has been on my mind recently. Mrs Murphy says it is better to have an older woman around who has some experience in raising a baby, to help a new mother. I expect you will be hiring a nurse to assist you. I have told Tom plainly that when we are similarly blessed, we will definitely have a nurse and then a nanny.

I must dash now dearest, I must meet Marjory, we are going to a séance. I think it's all nonsense of course, but Marjory is thrilled, and I couldn't disappoint her. I am sure it will be entertaining; Tom says that the performer, will have fishing wire tied to furniture to make it shake about the place. So, I will watch out for that. Mr Holden refused point blank to take her, so he will drive us both and collect us afterwards.

Let me know how everyone is getting on in Downton. I know it months away but I am so looking forward to Downton for Christmas and seeing all my dear family and friends again.

Warmest wishes.

Love

Mary

1