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Mere Manor, Meldrum, Nr Lyme Regis

Dear Otis,

It was good to hear from you. This is a very beautiful place, but it can be quite lonely. Of course I have Baby and Bindon, but no one to talk with. I do keep bright and smiling for them, but there are moments when I should simply like to ‘let go’ and have a good moan. I am sure that the mothers of ‘your’ children would be disgusted with such a whimperish creature. Truly, I am not, and if you were to come I vow that I should not spend the time close to your ear. I have so wanted to talk with you about things that cannot be said in a letter, and look forward to hearing more about your classroom experiences.

My true purpose in writing this letter is to remind you that you once promised to become one of Baby’s godmothers. The christening is to be at Easter. Jack and a distant cousin of Bindon’s are to be the other godparents. Easter is a good time to come to Lyme, for it is particularly beautiful at this time of year.

Your affectionate friend,

Esther Blood