Dearest Lavinia Letter Twenty-Six
Downton Abbey,
Yorkshire,
24th of February 1920
My darling Mary,
I hope this letter finds you in good health, though I know the news I must share will bring you no comfort. It is with the heaviest heart that I must tell you something so unthinkable, so unbearably sad, that I can scarcely put the words to paper.
Lavinia has passed away.
My dear, I can only imagine the shock you must feel reading those words. I wish with all my soul that I could be there with you, to tell you in person, to hold your hand, and to share this grief together. But by the time this reaches you, her funeral will have already taken place. It all happened so quickly, none of us could have foreseen the terrible turn of events.
She had been suffering from that dreadful cough and fever, but Doctor Clarkson was confident it was only a passing illness, nothing more than exhaustion after the strain of childbirth. He and Isobel watched over her day and night, and at first, there seemed no cause for alarm. She was weak, yes, but we all believed she was on the mend.
Then, without warning, everything changed. Her fever worsened, and she began experiencing sharp pains in her chest. Clarkson grew more concerned, and it became clear that it was far more serious than we had imagined. The doctor spoke of myocarditis—a condition that strikes suddenly, often after an infection, and with so little that can be done. It was devastating to see how quickly it overwhelmed her. He said that there had been cases he had read where women who have had Spanish flu had a weakened body and died in childbirth.
Lavinia's strength slipped away, Mary. She was surrounded by Matthew and Isobel in those final hours, but her poor heart could not bear the physical strain of sustaining life. By the time I reached her bedside, it was too late.
The sorrow that has settled over the house is indescribable. Matthew is utterly shattered, Mary. He has become a ghost of the man we knew, lost in his grief. He walks through the house as if in a daze, speaking little and barely eating. The few words he does manage are for little Elizabeth, who, I fear, will grow without knowing the father he once was. It is as though his soul has been buried with Lavinia.
Isobel, too, has been inconsolable. She and Clarkson tried everything within their power, and I know she blames herself for not being able to save Lavinia. She spends her days now clinging to Elizabeth as though that sweet baby is the only thing tethering her to this world. And in a way, she is. That little girl is the last piece of Lavinia we have, and though she brings a flicker of light, it cannot diminish the sorrow of her loss.
I'm so sorry that you could not be here to say your goodbyes. I know how deeply you cared for Lavinia, how close you had become. It was only weeks ago when you were both talking about the joy you would share at being mothers, together, here at Downton. It feels cruel that life should steal her away so soon, just when she should have been enjoying the happiest days of her life with her new child and husband.
I hope Matthew, does not succumb to grief for too long a time. Children, especially girls require a mother's love and care. We will off course support Matthew and pray that he has the strength to find a suitable wife to care for baby Elizabeth.
In the meantime, I suggested the nursery at Downton might be more suitable, we have the necessary staff on hand to assist with caring for the baby. I thought remaining at Crawley house without Lavinia might prolong the pain. The house feels as though it has plunged into mourning, Mary, his heart is broken in a way that no stoic demeanour can conceal. Christmas was such a happy time for Lavinia, with all of us at home. I believe being in Downton might remind Matthew of those happier times spent together.
Isobel was quite stiff when she stated that she and the wet nurse could manage very well at Crawley House. I sensed her indignation at my suggestion, for I know how deeply she takes pride in her household. Matthew acquiesced to her, but I saw that they were both too emotional to think rationally yet. Therefore, I spoke to Mrs. Hughes, and she will ensure that they receive all the help they might need from our staff.
Please take your time to grieve, my darling, but know that we are all here for you. When you are ready, please come home my darling girl. We will grieve together, as a family, and honour Lavinia's memory in every way we can.
With all my love,
Mama
Note: I was very nervous about posting this chapter, many of you had commented about liking Lavinia and Mary's relationship.
I just want you to know that this was always going to be the end for poor Lavinia. I have plenty of Drama thought out for the next story in this series and unfortunately Lavinia did not make the cut. I will let you know, under no circumstances will Mary and Matthew get back together. I am a Mary/Tom shipper through and through.
If you want to shout at me, please leave a comment :-) I shall try not to cry :'(