"Flowie!"
She turned to see her baby brother born almost a year ago next month. She'd been excited for her parents but sad for Matthew. He was away fighting in the war and talked of returning to Manchester when it was over. She hoped she could change his mind but understood why he felt that way. Papa gave him Crawley house for life. Granny stopped bothering her about Matthew once Little Henry was born because she knew Mary wouldn't want to marry him if he was just a lawyer. Florence and Papa liked him no matter his prospects. Matthew was a good man and Florence said she would always be willing to help Henry with anything he needed in the future. That year ago was a scary time. Mama fell in the bath and almost lost the baby They held the garden party and she had Henry later that night. Dr. Clarkson said she was lucky and She could have lost Henry. A week after, Matthew proposed and then he was conscripted to fight. They thought about marrying before he left but Henry was still a bit on the small side so they chose to wait.
"What do you need, Henry?"
"Draw!"
Florence chuckled. Henry loved to draw while she painted. "Very well, we will draw, but first we should tell Nanny!"
Once that was completed they went to her art studio, which was attached to her bedroom. Henry sat in his usual spot, which was a high chair near the window where he could see the horses roam and the ducks on the lake. She placed him in his chair and set blank sheets of paper on the table. He suddenly became angry and began to yell and rip up the paper. "DRAAAAAAAAW!"
"Oh dear, Henry please stop! I'm sorry, I'll get your colored pencils. You know Nanny doesn't like when you yell. Use your words nicely."
He looked down, sniffed then looked back at Florence. "I Sowwy"
"What in the world is going on in here?" Papa asked coming into the room. "Henry, that is very unbecoming, young man."
"Sowwy , Papa," He said looking at him sadly.
"Me too, "Florence told him. "I didn't get his pencils fast enough," she said, placing them on the table with new sheets of paper. "We'll see you after tea."
"Come in," Florence said at the knock on the door. "Sorry to disturb you, Lady Florence, but this just arrived for you," Carson said, handing her a letter. She set down the pain brush then wiped her hands to accept the letter.
"Thank you, Mr. Carson."
He nodded. "You're welcome."
She tore open the envelope excitedly. it was from Matthew.
My Darling, Florence,
I am writing to you with the news that General Strut is interested in doing a North Yorkshire tour in a few weeks and he has asked me to join him as his aide. It will mean a full promotion yo Lieutenant and time to visit with my lovely fiancée. I miss you so terribly. I cannot wait to have you in my arms. Please know that I love you so and look forward to my time with you.
Love,
your Matthew