December 2022
Letter Eight
30/12/22 16:04
My dearest Bunty,
What a time of it here on the Estate since my last letter. Poachers have been out and about this season and we are a couple of stags short from the wild herd, but at least the does are fine and gadding about. Indeed I spotted one fairly close to the House the other day. They get less skittish at this time of the year when food is short and I am sure Cook leaves something outside for them to feast on, but I do worry that the loss of a couple of stags will to little for the fawning next year. Catriona, the Estate Manger, has been out with her gun looking for traces of the poachers, but they are clever in covering up their tracks and there is not a sign of them anywhere. I must say that a couple of salmon taken now and again is not going to harm the Estate that much, but when it comes to deer, I am very angry.
The Nativity Play at the local school was very enjoyable and once again Sir Hector and I were invited to give the prizes to the little children for spelling and counting. They are so in awe of us from the Big House that it is quite touching really. Sir H managed to steer clear of the headmistress this year and as sherry was in short supply for the adults in the audience, it was a fairly sober event. I was seated next to Dr Williams, the Episcopal vicar who informed me that he is being translated again, this time to Cornwall! The poor man never gets much time to settle down to his new parishes and has no idea who will be taking his place. I hope they let him stay a little beyond New Year; otherwise he will miss the lovely mountains covered with snow that usually greets us on New Years Day. I had hoped that Dr Williams would still be here when you next visit but as that is not going to be for some months, I think it will be the new vicar when you get the chance to come back to the Estate.
It gladdened my heart to read of your wise decision to drop association with that man from the Royal Albert Hall concert. Mark my words, you will be reading about him soon enough in the scandal sheets - he was just not for you dear. What a shame that there are still rogues about the place. I thought that ladies of a certain position no longer were fair game to their advances. You have to remember, dearest, that with your limited income and more limited looks that an attentive suitor will always be suspect. I am sure you know your limitations, but be more careful in the company you keep when on your evenings off. As for your plan to visit a pantomime show with the Countess, well need I say more than I think this is an unwise decision as the modern ones are nothing more than smut shows, and you can get quite enough of that on satellite. Do you know I had to turn over the television the other evening, as it was most unsuitable viewing for Sir H at his stage of life. Too much excitement is bad for the blood I think. I mentioned to you before that the meeting regarding British Telecom and broadband was taking place in the Kirk hall recently. We did not attend of course but Cook tells me that the village has had an agreement in principle with the phone company to upgrade the exchange to digital. I worry about the effect this will have on our community. As you are well aware we have had satellite for many years now, but it is hidden within one of the ramparts of the House and is not visible from anywhere, so I have always felt it correct and indeed my duty to oppose villagers getting a dish and having it on display. It spoils the look of the community don't you think? Just like a council tower block in Glasgow I always feel.
I hope you have had the doctor give the Countess her influenza inoculation in time this year. It is such a dreadfully debilitating and dangerous disease for the elderly, and let us face it she is not getting any younger.
Your ever friend, Flora
This story first appeared on www.panetwork.co.uk in 2004
What a time of it here on the Estate since my last letter. Poachers have been out and about this season and we are a couple of stags short from the wild herd, but at least the does are fine and gadding about. Indeed I spotted one fairly close to the House the other day. They get less skittish at this time of the year when food is short and I am sure Cook leaves something outside for them to feast on, but I do worry that the loss of a couple of stags will to little for the fawning next year. Catriona, the Estate Manger, has been out with her gun looking for traces of the poachers, but they are clever in covering up their tracks and there is not a sign of them anywhere. I must say that a couple of salmon taken now and again is not going to harm the Estate that much, but when it comes to deer, I am very angry.
The Nativity Play at the local school was very enjoyable and once again Sir Hector and I were invited to give the prizes to the little children for spelling and counting. They are so in awe of us from the Big House that it is quite touching really. Sir H managed to steer clear of the headmistress this year and as sherry was in short supply for the adults in the audience, it was a fairly sober event. I was seated next to Dr Williams, the Episcopal vicar who informed me that he is being translated again, this time to Cornwall! The poor man never gets much time to settle down to his new parishes and has no idea who will be taking his place. I hope they let him stay a little beyond New Year; otherwise he will miss the lovely mountains covered with snow that usually greets us on New Years Day. I had hoped that Dr Williams would still be here when you next visit but as that is not going to be for some months, I think it will be the new vicar when you get the chance to come back to the Estate.
It gladdened my heart to read of your wise decision to drop association with that man from the Royal Albert Hall concert. Mark my words, you will be reading about him soon enough in the scandal sheets - he was just not for you dear. What a shame that there are still rogues about the place. I thought that ladies of a certain position no longer were fair game to their advances. You have to remember, dearest, that with your limited income and more limited looks that an attentive suitor will always be suspect. I am sure you know your limitations, but be more careful in the company you keep when on your evenings off. As for your plan to visit a pantomime show with the Countess, well need I say more than I think this is an unwise decision as the modern ones are nothing more than smut shows, and you can get quite enough of that on satellite. Do you know I had to turn over the television the other evening, as it was most unsuitable viewing for Sir H at his stage of life. Too much excitement is bad for the blood I think. I mentioned to you before that the meeting regarding British Telecom and broadband was taking place in the Kirk hall recently. We did not attend of course but Cook tells me that the village has had an agreement in principle with the phone company to upgrade the exchange to digital. I worry about the effect this will have on our community. As you are well aware we have had satellite for many years now, but it is hidden within one of the ramparts of the House and is not visible from anywhere, so I have always felt it correct and indeed my duty to oppose villagers getting a dish and having it on display. It spoils the look of the community don't you think? Just like a council tower block in Glasgow I always feel.
I hope you have had the doctor give the Countess her influenza inoculation in time this year. It is such a dreadfully debilitating and dangerous disease for the elderly, and let us face it she is not getting any younger.
Your ever friend, Flora
This story first appeared on www.panetwork.co.uk in 2004
Letter Seven
20/12/22 16:03
My dearest Bunty,
Such news I have for you my dearest friend! But you shall have to wait a bit for that as I feel I MUST respond to your last letter first of all, you have made me most distressed.
It sounds to me as if there is far too much excitement going on with you these days; lunch in the Peers Dining Room is usually my treat for you when in town, but as long as you had a nice time, dear. I know you are usually tied to the house with the Baroness these days. I am glad however that she is able to get up and about now after her bad attack of gout. Such a disease it is! I remember when Sir Hector had his last attack after that 1951 claret - I did warn him and it took an age to go down. I am sure he has not learned his lesson but Cook is now very careful about nuts and rich things in her cooking these days. You have to ensure that the food you make for the Baroness is plain and simple from now on, goodness you may even be looking at a short trip to the South Coast before long if she is recuperating so fast!
I have personally preferred Hastings, but I believe that is not what it was in our day. Brighton has such an air of seediness about it for ladies of our persuasion and I have never enjoyed the whirly-gigs on the Pier there. I should prefer to be sitting with a good book in a lovely hotel being spoiled with afternoon tea of the highest quality rather than spinning around on some contraption.
Back to you again. This letter is all about you I can tell. I am concerned that the gentleman you met at the Albert Hall is not a decent sort. A man of his age and deportment sounds like a scoundrel, and it is a good thing that your Post Office book has next to nothing in it these days. That lack of funds will test his mettle I think. The South is filled with easy-going chaps out to take a lady for all she has. I read the Telegraph you know and am 'au courante' with what is going on in the courts these days. Be careful my dear.
We had the most wonderful news from the Colonies the other day. Alexander has managed to meet up with Little Flora in Bundaberg. Where do these strange names come from I ask myself? They are planning Christmas in New Zealand and then hope to meet up later in the Autumn in the South Seas before coming home. I do get so confused with the opposite seasons in the Colonies. Sir H takes it all in his stride, I guess it was all those postings overseas after the War. Little Flora has been working in a bar of all things! Can you believe it? A Deerestalker serving! How Daddy spins in his mausoleum to hear of this. It is fun she says, but I am not so sure it is proper for a Lady, even a young one such as her, to be serving the hoi polloi in some backpacker hotel miles from the ballet and opera. Still, you have to loosen the traces on a horse to let it roam free, and more so with one's children. Such a prize they are as one advances in years and I feel sorry for you being so childless with little humour or family joy before you in the years to come.
Still we were gladdened to hear that the children will be coming back to Scotland in the Springtime. Alexander was not forthcoming about the young lady I mentioned to you in a previous letter. 'Just good friends' was all he would say on the matter, but I am sure I heard a longing in his voice. Oh to have a child married does age one so! I am not looking forward to becoming a grandmother at my age, I shall no longer be able to avoid the question of my advancing years when there is a really young Deerestalker running about and calling out for Granny (not Nanna, as that reminds me of the dog in 'Peter Pan') so questions about age cannot be avoided.
I must go now as I hear Sir H raising his voice in the hallway. Heed my advice about your gentleman 'friend'.
Your ever friend, Flora
This story first appeared on www.panetwork.co.uk in 2004
Such news I have for you my dearest friend! But you shall have to wait a bit for that as I feel I MUST respond to your last letter first of all, you have made me most distressed.
It sounds to me as if there is far too much excitement going on with you these days; lunch in the Peers Dining Room is usually my treat for you when in town, but as long as you had a nice time, dear. I know you are usually tied to the house with the Baroness these days. I am glad however that she is able to get up and about now after her bad attack of gout. Such a disease it is! I remember when Sir Hector had his last attack after that 1951 claret - I did warn him and it took an age to go down. I am sure he has not learned his lesson but Cook is now very careful about nuts and rich things in her cooking these days. You have to ensure that the food you make for the Baroness is plain and simple from now on, goodness you may even be looking at a short trip to the South Coast before long if she is recuperating so fast!
I have personally preferred Hastings, but I believe that is not what it was in our day. Brighton has such an air of seediness about it for ladies of our persuasion and I have never enjoyed the whirly-gigs on the Pier there. I should prefer to be sitting with a good book in a lovely hotel being spoiled with afternoon tea of the highest quality rather than spinning around on some contraption.
Back to you again. This letter is all about you I can tell. I am concerned that the gentleman you met at the Albert Hall is not a decent sort. A man of his age and deportment sounds like a scoundrel, and it is a good thing that your Post Office book has next to nothing in it these days. That lack of funds will test his mettle I think. The South is filled with easy-going chaps out to take a lady for all she has. I read the Telegraph you know and am 'au courante' with what is going on in the courts these days. Be careful my dear.
We had the most wonderful news from the Colonies the other day. Alexander has managed to meet up with Little Flora in Bundaberg. Where do these strange names come from I ask myself? They are planning Christmas in New Zealand and then hope to meet up later in the Autumn in the South Seas before coming home. I do get so confused with the opposite seasons in the Colonies. Sir H takes it all in his stride, I guess it was all those postings overseas after the War. Little Flora has been working in a bar of all things! Can you believe it? A Deerestalker serving! How Daddy spins in his mausoleum to hear of this. It is fun she says, but I am not so sure it is proper for a Lady, even a young one such as her, to be serving the hoi polloi in some backpacker hotel miles from the ballet and opera. Still, you have to loosen the traces on a horse to let it roam free, and more so with one's children. Such a prize they are as one advances in years and I feel sorry for you being so childless with little humour or family joy before you in the years to come.
Still we were gladdened to hear that the children will be coming back to Scotland in the Springtime. Alexander was not forthcoming about the young lady I mentioned to you in a previous letter. 'Just good friends' was all he would say on the matter, but I am sure I heard a longing in his voice. Oh to have a child married does age one so! I am not looking forward to becoming a grandmother at my age, I shall no longer be able to avoid the question of my advancing years when there is a really young Deerestalker running about and calling out for Granny (not Nanna, as that reminds me of the dog in 'Peter Pan') so questions about age cannot be avoided.
I must go now as I hear Sir H raising his voice in the hallway. Heed my advice about your gentleman 'friend'.
Your ever friend, Flora
This story first appeared on www.panetwork.co.uk in 2004
Letter Six
15/12/22 16:03
My dearest Bunty,
Sir Hector has finally taken the plunge and placed an advertisement in the back of 'Horse and Pony' and 'The Tatler' but thought 'Country Life' a bit over-expensive per square inch so we shall have to lower our standards a bit if we do get some bookings for the New Year here on the Estate. Catriona, our sturdy Estate Manager is a little to over excited about all the potential guests. You know I think she is on the lookout for another husband. Her first and, to my knowledge, only husband treated her so badly I believe, leaving her and her son all alone in the world as he ran off with someone from the Theatre, a comic actress of little talent from what I can make out. Still Catriona keeps a brave face on it all and I must say that since coming to the Estate has turned the old place around financially. She is an asset to the House and I shall have to keep her busy and away from any single gentleman guest she sets her hat upon. I would be lost without her.
Before New Year we are having a small family Christmas celebration. I have managed to get Sir H to cut the number of days that his sister and her dreadful children hope to spend here. I cannot abide the way she sometimes addresses me, as if I have stolen the Estate from under her! And as for the children, well, birching is needed there! Last year Cook was in tears with their demands and I was amazed she did not throw the turkey stuffing down their nasty throats. I have managed to get them limited to 23 rd December to 27 th , enough time for me to prepare myself for the New Year festivities. It is a pity you are not coming up this year, but it is probably just as well as I have been reading in the Telegraph that the Christmas bookings on the trains cannot be made as yet as nobody knows when the track mending will take place! How I miss our little branch line and how convenient it was for Daddy to come and go from Westminster when he had the Deerestalker seat. I know that times change, but I never remember the branch line tracks being repaired in all the years I travelled from Cheltenham back for the hols. All I remember is that there were lots of changes of station on the way here and I was so glad to be met at the station by a buggy and hardy retainer to load my trunk onto the back and head through the town.
Do you remember some of the other girls from school? Some did not amount to much it can be said, and some married so far beneath them that their aghast parents must have questioned all that schooling and finishing. I am glad that I married well.
Still, before Sir H' sister and family arrive from Sevenoaks in Kent, I have the estate party to organise. This is just a little 'thank-you' from Sir H and I to the workers on the Estate and the tenant farmers. We have had a successful year all in all and I would like to push the boat out a bit this year and have Father Christmas visit to distribute gifts to the young ones, something small they can treasure forever. Sir H has not been encouraging in this plan and has said that he will be "Father Christmas over his dead body'. Sometimes I believe that he is a real Scrooge, so I shall keep him away from the malts this year as last time we had an estate party he had to be carried up to bed by Ruaraidh our gillie and it was most embarrassing. Thankfully nobody of real importance saw that happen. I would not have been able to show my face in town for some time until that scandal had broken down. You know how small towns chatter, especially about those in "the big house'. I cannot ask Ruaraidh to be Father Christmas as he has his own young family to prepare for this year, and I am sure that gossip of a wife of his will not be able to keep a secret if I did ask him. It spoils the look of surprise on those young faces when they can guess who it is under that lovely red and white suit.
Your ever friend, Flora
This story first appeared on www.panetwork.co.uk in 2004
Sir Hector has finally taken the plunge and placed an advertisement in the back of 'Horse and Pony' and 'The Tatler' but thought 'Country Life' a bit over-expensive per square inch so we shall have to lower our standards a bit if we do get some bookings for the New Year here on the Estate. Catriona, our sturdy Estate Manager is a little to over excited about all the potential guests. You know I think she is on the lookout for another husband. Her first and, to my knowledge, only husband treated her so badly I believe, leaving her and her son all alone in the world as he ran off with someone from the Theatre, a comic actress of little talent from what I can make out. Still Catriona keeps a brave face on it all and I must say that since coming to the Estate has turned the old place around financially. She is an asset to the House and I shall have to keep her busy and away from any single gentleman guest she sets her hat upon. I would be lost without her.
Before New Year we are having a small family Christmas celebration. I have managed to get Sir H to cut the number of days that his sister and her dreadful children hope to spend here. I cannot abide the way she sometimes addresses me, as if I have stolen the Estate from under her! And as for the children, well, birching is needed there! Last year Cook was in tears with their demands and I was amazed she did not throw the turkey stuffing down their nasty throats. I have managed to get them limited to 23 rd December to 27 th , enough time for me to prepare myself for the New Year festivities. It is a pity you are not coming up this year, but it is probably just as well as I have been reading in the Telegraph that the Christmas bookings on the trains cannot be made as yet as nobody knows when the track mending will take place! How I miss our little branch line and how convenient it was for Daddy to come and go from Westminster when he had the Deerestalker seat. I know that times change, but I never remember the branch line tracks being repaired in all the years I travelled from Cheltenham back for the hols. All I remember is that there were lots of changes of station on the way here and I was so glad to be met at the station by a buggy and hardy retainer to load my trunk onto the back and head through the town.
Do you remember some of the other girls from school? Some did not amount to much it can be said, and some married so far beneath them that their aghast parents must have questioned all that schooling and finishing. I am glad that I married well.
Still, before Sir H' sister and family arrive from Sevenoaks in Kent, I have the estate party to organise. This is just a little 'thank-you' from Sir H and I to the workers on the Estate and the tenant farmers. We have had a successful year all in all and I would like to push the boat out a bit this year and have Father Christmas visit to distribute gifts to the young ones, something small they can treasure forever. Sir H has not been encouraging in this plan and has said that he will be "Father Christmas over his dead body'. Sometimes I believe that he is a real Scrooge, so I shall keep him away from the malts this year as last time we had an estate party he had to be carried up to bed by Ruaraidh our gillie and it was most embarrassing. Thankfully nobody of real importance saw that happen. I would not have been able to show my face in town for some time until that scandal had broken down. You know how small towns chatter, especially about those in "the big house'. I cannot ask Ruaraidh to be Father Christmas as he has his own young family to prepare for this year, and I am sure that gossip of a wife of his will not be able to keep a secret if I did ask him. It spoils the look of surprise on those young faces when they can guess who it is under that lovely red and white suit.
Your ever friend, Flora
This story first appeared on www.panetwork.co.uk in 2004
Letter Five
10/12/22 16:02
My dearest Bunty,
What a lovely time I had in London over the last few days. I am writing this on the aeroplane travelling to Inverness on my return. I am glad I have a stiff whisky and soda to steady my hand, as this flight from Gatwick is a little choppy today. I am overburdened with shopping as you can imagine. I am sorry you were late for our lunch appointment, a telephone call could have made me stay in lovely Fortnum's a little longer to wait but you know how I detest tardiness and so you missed out on some exquisite Lobster Bisque and cucumber sandwiches. They do spoil one so! Whilst in Fortnum's buying tea, I saw Countess d'A. across in the chocolate counter and I had to say I had to duck down under the Orange Pekoe stand to avoid her. She is the size of Gigha my dear! What a beauty she was in her youth! Do you remember her at the Old King's funeral? A bit overdone with the Helena Rubenstein then, and from my vantage point nothing at all has changed. A real lady would tone down the colour as maturity advances one, but she obviously never had the finishing we did. Pity but at least we can all now know where her money is spent - camouflage and chocolate!
As you know I pride myself in being able to talk to all sorts, so occasionally I drop in on BBC1 'Top of the Pops' just to see what the young ones are listening too these days. I caught an edition in my hotel room last week and was pleasant surprise to hear lyrics for a change that someone of my age could understand. I caught that American Girl band singing well. Beautiful cardigans they had on and totally spoiled by some slutty dancing. There was no need for that in my opinion. I shall keep that to myself as a comment like that does not go down well with the younger generation. I am glad we grew up under the control of the RSCDS and learned how a lady should move on the dance floor. I know times are changing, but we were always taught that a lady does not move her nether regions unless she is crawling through the heather behind the gillie, and I shall never change. Still I now have some fuel to use when I see Catriona, our robust Estate Manager, and her son next as I can show off my knowledge of current youth music!
I do hope someone is going to meet me at Inverness airport, as a taxicab from there to the estate is such an unwanted expense. I know Sir H is feeling flush with money at the moment but every little economy should be made I firmly believe. In any case I think my parcels and delicates will fit better in the back of the Bentley, and I do love to traverse our wonderful countryside in the back of that car with the Deerestalker tartan rug across my knees. You know how I suffer from a draft about my stockings. Talking of which, I had to visit Rigby & Peller for some undergarments and was pleasantly surprised to see that they still do the support garments I love. Even though I was close to Harrods's I heard Sir H's warning in my ear about not going in but I could not resist. You know how I love to see the fish sculpture in the Food Hall. The shop itself has taken on a slightly more common attitude but I am pleased to report that some standards are maintained. You cannot but be taken aback at all the notices of what is acceptable clothing to wear in the shop as you have the door opened for you by tail coated young men. They did look smart but I did not tip, as I am sure one of them was chewing gum at the time. They never even doffed their tall hats to me - a Peeress of the Realm no less. You would not see that happening here in Banffshire I can tell you as if there was a single occasion of ill-manners, Sir H would be out of the car and giving the miscreant in question a sharp rap on the back with his walking stick. Manners cost nothing after all.
Your ever friend, Flora
[Editorial Note: RSCDS - Royal Scottish Country Dancing Society]
This story first appeared on www.panetwork.co.uk in 2004
What a lovely time I had in London over the last few days. I am writing this on the aeroplane travelling to Inverness on my return. I am glad I have a stiff whisky and soda to steady my hand, as this flight from Gatwick is a little choppy today. I am overburdened with shopping as you can imagine. I am sorry you were late for our lunch appointment, a telephone call could have made me stay in lovely Fortnum's a little longer to wait but you know how I detest tardiness and so you missed out on some exquisite Lobster Bisque and cucumber sandwiches. They do spoil one so! Whilst in Fortnum's buying tea, I saw Countess d'A. across in the chocolate counter and I had to say I had to duck down under the Orange Pekoe stand to avoid her. She is the size of Gigha my dear! What a beauty she was in her youth! Do you remember her at the Old King's funeral? A bit overdone with the Helena Rubenstein then, and from my vantage point nothing at all has changed. A real lady would tone down the colour as maturity advances one, but she obviously never had the finishing we did. Pity but at least we can all now know where her money is spent - camouflage and chocolate!
As you know I pride myself in being able to talk to all sorts, so occasionally I drop in on BBC1 'Top of the Pops' just to see what the young ones are listening too these days. I caught an edition in my hotel room last week and was pleasant surprise to hear lyrics for a change that someone of my age could understand. I caught that American Girl band singing well. Beautiful cardigans they had on and totally spoiled by some slutty dancing. There was no need for that in my opinion. I shall keep that to myself as a comment like that does not go down well with the younger generation. I am glad we grew up under the control of the RSCDS and learned how a lady should move on the dance floor. I know times are changing, but we were always taught that a lady does not move her nether regions unless she is crawling through the heather behind the gillie, and I shall never change. Still I now have some fuel to use when I see Catriona, our robust Estate Manager, and her son next as I can show off my knowledge of current youth music!
I do hope someone is going to meet me at Inverness airport, as a taxicab from there to the estate is such an unwanted expense. I know Sir H is feeling flush with money at the moment but every little economy should be made I firmly believe. In any case I think my parcels and delicates will fit better in the back of the Bentley, and I do love to traverse our wonderful countryside in the back of that car with the Deerestalker tartan rug across my knees. You know how I suffer from a draft about my stockings. Talking of which, I had to visit Rigby & Peller for some undergarments and was pleasantly surprised to see that they still do the support garments I love. Even though I was close to Harrods's I heard Sir H's warning in my ear about not going in but I could not resist. You know how I love to see the fish sculpture in the Food Hall. The shop itself has taken on a slightly more common attitude but I am pleased to report that some standards are maintained. You cannot but be taken aback at all the notices of what is acceptable clothing to wear in the shop as you have the door opened for you by tail coated young men. They did look smart but I did not tip, as I am sure one of them was chewing gum at the time. They never even doffed their tall hats to me - a Peeress of the Realm no less. You would not see that happening here in Banffshire I can tell you as if there was a single occasion of ill-manners, Sir H would be out of the car and giving the miscreant in question a sharp rap on the back with his walking stick. Manners cost nothing after all.
Your ever friend, Flora
[Editorial Note: RSCDS - Royal Scottish Country Dancing Society]
This story first appeared on www.panetwork.co.uk in 2004
Letter Four
06/12/22 12:53
My dearest Bunty,
Wonderful news! The Ball was a great success and as a thank you for all my hard work, Sir Hector has presented me with an aeroplane ticket to London. I shall be arriving at Gatwick on Monday next to spend some time shopping for Christmas. I can spare you a couple of hours and if you can make it then let us have lunch at Fortnum's on Piccadilly. I have not been there for such a long time and I hope it has not changed much. You know that so much has changed in London over the years, and not too much for the better in my view. I am staying near my Beloved Lords, but I shall NOT be crossing that particular threshold this trip, even though I am allowed into the Peer's Dining Room, if not to the Chamber itself. Honestly, does this current government not realise what council it has lost by dismissing the services of us Hereditaries? Yes I agree some of us could not make it too often and that much of the business was far above my head, but I did love going in to make my voice and vote count on those issues that directly affect me: fishing, tourism and such. There was always a little group of us who met up at Division Time talking about how our estates were faring. I must say, that little group of Peeresses in Their Own Right was a dwindling happy band, but we knew what was what and what was not.
I shall not be heading to Harrods's this year for tea gifts and Christmas Puddings. Sir H has put his foot down on that little expense and insists that if Tesco Luxury Christmas Pudding is good enough for our Dear Queen then it is good enough for our staff. How I miss the old sixpence in the pudding.... The coins now are too big and rough and I am sure that would do damage to the denture if bitten inadvertently. There is something about Christmas that I love, and this year I hope there is snow for our trip to Midnight Carols, as I would like Dr Williams, our local Vicar to hear me with my fine voice singing 'Hark! The Herald Angels Sing'. Sir H will not be joining me this year at the carol service after his fall last year on the porch step. Episcopal churches can be death traps to the unwary, so you watch out when you go to the Anglican service yourself - I shall not be able to visit you in a hospital if you break your ankle as Sir H did last year!
I shall be leaving the Estate for only three days, as I must be back in time for the local School Nativity Play. How pleasant it is even in these politically correct times to see the little ones re-enacting the Christmas Story, it brings a tear to my eye when I see them and even Mr and Mrs Sian, our lovely Sikh postmaster and mistress, have their little one in the show this year, now that is Ecumenical for you. I noticed that Mr Morrison the postman is getting on a bit. I shall drop a word into Mrs Sian's ear when I am next in the PO telling her that I think he is getting past it. The new van he drives has speeded up his round somewhat I believe and he can deliver parcels at last, but I do miss a young man on a bicycle delivering my post. It is most pleasant to hear a cheery whistle in the morning when I am taking my Lime marmalade on cook's homemade bread.
Some modernisation schemes are a step too far I believe. There is to be a meeting in the Kirk hall next week to discuss application to British Telecom for broadband in the village, although why some of them need broadband access to the internet I shall never know. I can just imagine what they all are searching for in their spare time. If I had my way the single men of the village would still be out tilling the local fields and taking cold baths, it never harmed Sir H he tells me, and frankly I have to agree.
Let me know if you can make it for lunch next week. I hope this is not too much short notice.
Your ever friend, Flora
This story first appeared on www.panetwork.co.uk in 2004
Wonderful news! The Ball was a great success and as a thank you for all my hard work, Sir Hector has presented me with an aeroplane ticket to London. I shall be arriving at Gatwick on Monday next to spend some time shopping for Christmas. I can spare you a couple of hours and if you can make it then let us have lunch at Fortnum's on Piccadilly. I have not been there for such a long time and I hope it has not changed much. You know that so much has changed in London over the years, and not too much for the better in my view. I am staying near my Beloved Lords, but I shall NOT be crossing that particular threshold this trip, even though I am allowed into the Peer's Dining Room, if not to the Chamber itself. Honestly, does this current government not realise what council it has lost by dismissing the services of us Hereditaries? Yes I agree some of us could not make it too often and that much of the business was far above my head, but I did love going in to make my voice and vote count on those issues that directly affect me: fishing, tourism and such. There was always a little group of us who met up at Division Time talking about how our estates were faring. I must say, that little group of Peeresses in Their Own Right was a dwindling happy band, but we knew what was what and what was not.
I shall not be heading to Harrods's this year for tea gifts and Christmas Puddings. Sir H has put his foot down on that little expense and insists that if Tesco Luxury Christmas Pudding is good enough for our Dear Queen then it is good enough for our staff. How I miss the old sixpence in the pudding.... The coins now are too big and rough and I am sure that would do damage to the denture if bitten inadvertently. There is something about Christmas that I love, and this year I hope there is snow for our trip to Midnight Carols, as I would like Dr Williams, our local Vicar to hear me with my fine voice singing 'Hark! The Herald Angels Sing'. Sir H will not be joining me this year at the carol service after his fall last year on the porch step. Episcopal churches can be death traps to the unwary, so you watch out when you go to the Anglican service yourself - I shall not be able to visit you in a hospital if you break your ankle as Sir H did last year!
I shall be leaving the Estate for only three days, as I must be back in time for the local School Nativity Play. How pleasant it is even in these politically correct times to see the little ones re-enacting the Christmas Story, it brings a tear to my eye when I see them and even Mr and Mrs Sian, our lovely Sikh postmaster and mistress, have their little one in the show this year, now that is Ecumenical for you. I noticed that Mr Morrison the postman is getting on a bit. I shall drop a word into Mrs Sian's ear when I am next in the PO telling her that I think he is getting past it. The new van he drives has speeded up his round somewhat I believe and he can deliver parcels at last, but I do miss a young man on a bicycle delivering my post. It is most pleasant to hear a cheery whistle in the morning when I am taking my Lime marmalade on cook's homemade bread.
Some modernisation schemes are a step too far I believe. There is to be a meeting in the Kirk hall next week to discuss application to British Telecom for broadband in the village, although why some of them need broadband access to the internet I shall never know. I can just imagine what they all are searching for in their spare time. If I had my way the single men of the village would still be out tilling the local fields and taking cold baths, it never harmed Sir H he tells me, and frankly I have to agree.
Let me know if you can make it for lunch next week. I hope this is not too much short notice.
Your ever friend, Flora
This story first appeared on www.panetwork.co.uk in 2004
Letter Three
02/12/22 15:40
My dearest Bunty,
I hardly pause to catch my breath at this time of year as it seems to be party, party, party and at our age, dear, the dance slippers are worn out far too soon of an evening. Naturally I am still able to have my dance card marked by many a dashing young man but the 'Strip The Willow' is beyond me these days. How I grudge the passage of time! It seems like only yesterday that Sir Hector and I were taking our first stumbling steps in marriage and performing the duties of the local laird on the Estate. A lot of water has passed under both our bridges, yours in particular seem never to have had much traffic on it which has often made me sad to think that you may eek out your dotage in some Retired Gentlewoman Home on a meagre pension. Such a pity that some of those demanding old dears you have worked for over the years have not seen it in their
Charity to leave you a little something to tide you over in the Twilight Years. I thank my lucky stars that Sir H is still in fine fettle and keeps me up to standards.
Cook has been getting things ready for our St Andrew's Ball. It is our turn to host this year, what with the bankrupting of the neighbouring estate. I shall not dwell on that dear as it came as such a shock to us to find out that Col. Barker had a mistress down in Perth and she was demanding. I leave it to you to imaging what she was demanding. I am only glad that Col and Mrs Barker had no young children as divorce and selling up is such a strain on the young. I am so glad that Sir H and I have never really had a cross word, never mind spoken only through the legal profession. That reminds me, there are a couple of Sheriffs coming up from the Lowlands to join us this year for New Year. I do hope the conversation avoids legal issues as they can be so dull and New Year is a time for review and looking forward I always believe and the legals can be overly pessimistic - except when it comes to charging fees! I shall ensure that Catriona the Estate Manger does not undercharge them, as it is only fair that us Little People get our own back on them for a change.
Anyway we have booked some local musicians, young people with some fiddles, drums and accordion to play us through the night at the Ball and I am sure being of musical persuasion they will be better behaved than the McCall Midnight Ceilidh Band that the McKenzies booked at the last minute last year. They were far too loud and brash and fast - even I was taken aback. Not only that, but some of the tunes were most inappropriate where the heirs to Ben Vrackie Estate are in the room... How dear deceased Sutherland would have hated hearing THAT tune, you know the one I mean and I will not demean this lovely notepaper by writing it down. The clearances are long in the past and people should move on - the population is now just about right here in Banff as I often heard Grandfather talking about having to hand out food to those Unfortunates on the Parish over 100 years ago...
Back to happier things, I have a strange feeling that things are going well for Alexander on his world tour. I am so proud of my youngest travelling to Australia for a year before coming home to learn the workings of the Estate. He has met a lovely girl from Geelong, which I often mistake as 'Giddy-up'. He has not confirmed it as such in his weekly telephone call but I think she could be 'the one'. I am so excited and have to stop myself dreaming of an Estate Wedding sometime soon. It would be lovely in the Spring I tell myself.
I caught a glimpse of our Dear Queen opening the new session of Parliament the other day. She is looking wonderful - I wonder what she uses? I cannot imagine her having to consider what winter creams to use as these days we hardly ever see her on a horse. She never seems to be intending to let go, does she?
Your ever friend, Flora
This story first appeared on www.panetwork.co.uk in 2004
I hardly pause to catch my breath at this time of year as it seems to be party, party, party and at our age, dear, the dance slippers are worn out far too soon of an evening. Naturally I am still able to have my dance card marked by many a dashing young man but the 'Strip The Willow' is beyond me these days. How I grudge the passage of time! It seems like only yesterday that Sir Hector and I were taking our first stumbling steps in marriage and performing the duties of the local laird on the Estate. A lot of water has passed under both our bridges, yours in particular seem never to have had much traffic on it which has often made me sad to think that you may eek out your dotage in some Retired Gentlewoman Home on a meagre pension. Such a pity that some of those demanding old dears you have worked for over the years have not seen it in their
Charity to leave you a little something to tide you over in the Twilight Years. I thank my lucky stars that Sir H is still in fine fettle and keeps me up to standards.
Cook has been getting things ready for our St Andrew's Ball. It is our turn to host this year, what with the bankrupting of the neighbouring estate. I shall not dwell on that dear as it came as such a shock to us to find out that Col. Barker had a mistress down in Perth and she was demanding. I leave it to you to imaging what she was demanding. I am only glad that Col and Mrs Barker had no young children as divorce and selling up is such a strain on the young. I am so glad that Sir H and I have never really had a cross word, never mind spoken only through the legal profession. That reminds me, there are a couple of Sheriffs coming up from the Lowlands to join us this year for New Year. I do hope the conversation avoids legal issues as they can be so dull and New Year is a time for review and looking forward I always believe and the legals can be overly pessimistic - except when it comes to charging fees! I shall ensure that Catriona the Estate Manger does not undercharge them, as it is only fair that us Little People get our own back on them for a change.
Anyway we have booked some local musicians, young people with some fiddles, drums and accordion to play us through the night at the Ball and I am sure being of musical persuasion they will be better behaved than the McCall Midnight Ceilidh Band that the McKenzies booked at the last minute last year. They were far too loud and brash and fast - even I was taken aback. Not only that, but some of the tunes were most inappropriate where the heirs to Ben Vrackie Estate are in the room... How dear deceased Sutherland would have hated hearing THAT tune, you know the one I mean and I will not demean this lovely notepaper by writing it down. The clearances are long in the past and people should move on - the population is now just about right here in Banff as I often heard Grandfather talking about having to hand out food to those Unfortunates on the Parish over 100 years ago...
Back to happier things, I have a strange feeling that things are going well for Alexander on his world tour. I am so proud of my youngest travelling to Australia for a year before coming home to learn the workings of the Estate. He has met a lovely girl from Geelong, which I often mistake as 'Giddy-up'. He has not confirmed it as such in his weekly telephone call but I think she could be 'the one'. I am so excited and have to stop myself dreaming of an Estate Wedding sometime soon. It would be lovely in the Spring I tell myself.
I caught a glimpse of our Dear Queen opening the new session of Parliament the other day. She is looking wonderful - I wonder what she uses? I cannot imagine her having to consider what winter creams to use as these days we hardly ever see her on a horse. She never seems to be intending to let go, does she?
Your ever friend, Flora
This story first appeared on www.panetwork.co.uk in 2004