Dearest Lavinia Letter Twenty-Seven

Dublin,
6th of March 1920

Dear Cora,

Thank you for your kind letter. I hope all is as well as can be expected during this sad time. Mary is heartbroken over the news of Lavinia's passing and, at present, is not ready to reply to any of her correspondence. Please know that your words brought her some comfort during this devastating time, though she needs space to process the loss in her own way.

On the advice of her midwife, Mary is taking bedrest and conserving her energy during these last six weeks of pregnancy. While her grief has been overwhelming, we have been reassured by her doctor that she is in no physical danger. We take daily walks through St. Stephen's Green; though she is often quiet, the signs of early spring lift her spirits, if only briefly. The care of Mrs. Murphy and my family has been an immense help, but I know Mary longs for the comfort of her home and her family.

After much consideration, I have decided that we will return to Downton before the baby is born. It is best for her to be with you all, surrounded by familiar faces and the love she needs right now. We plan to travel to Liverpool on the 29th of March, and I will consult with Mary to see if she wishes to rest there for a night or go directly to Downton. I will let you know as soon as we finalize those details.

Once we've settled at Downton, I may take a day trip to London to pay my respects to Reggie. He wrote to me, and it's clear that the loss of Lavinia has broken him. I would like to offer him my condolences in person, as I can only imagine the depth of his sorrow at losing his only child. It's hard to comprehend how such a kind and gentle woman could be taken from us so suddenly. Like you, I am both shocked and saddened by her passing, and it weighs heavily on Mary's heart as well.

Mary has been particularly affected by the thought of baby Elizabeth, especially now as she nears the birth of our own child. Could you please share with us how Elizabeth is faring? Knowing more about her well-being might bring some comfort to Mary, who is troubled by the thought of the baby growing up without her mother.

She would particularly like to know if Matthew has changed his mind about Elizabeth using the nursery at Downton. It comforts Mary to think of our baby sharing a nursery with Elizabeth, allowing them to grow together, just as she and Lavinia planned. I understand it is Matthew's right as a father to decide, but it does weigh on Mary's mind.

I've sent my condolences to Matthew, but if you could also pass along my thoughts to him and Isobel, I would be grateful. We are all holding them close in our hearts during this challenging time.

My mother and her friends are saying a rosary every evening in Lavinia's memory and praying to Our Lady for the well-being of baby Elizabeth.

Warmest regards,

Tom Branson