Valentiney Stuff

I'm happily single, but happily appreciative of Valentiney, Romancey Stuff. I, therefore, like many other lovely single ladies, celebrate this month of Romance in my own way... on my own. (No, I didn't suppress a sob while declaring my current state of I-have-no-bae-ness. I have tons of lovely friends and I just read To Kill a Mockingbird and I'm listening to Carrie Underwood so yeah, why would I complain? Really. Keep it together.) (Also, chocolate. There's more when you're single because you don't have to share.) (I realise it's not V-day yet, but I'm an early bug when it comes to cute couples.)

Here are some Valentiney Stuff that give me LOADS AND LOADS OF FEELSIES. Enjoy.

Because Downton Abbey couples always deserve a mention in posts about Romance. Tom + Sybil's epic romance always makes my heart melt and ugh lets not even talk about the disgusting adorableness of Matthew and Mary. (I can't NOT talk about these without italics. They are the epitome of cute.)

This random wedding video made me cry buckets and I don't even know these people. How. I love them and I love how they really, really, really want their marriage to be all about Jesus. Also, they're crazy cute together so that helps.

A buncha random cute pictures I found online. Because it's adorable.

OKAY SO THIS VIDEO. I know, the dude's hair is terrible (okay, fine, it's not my style) but this couple is honestly so so adorable and I now want to have a surprise wedding too. Their passion to have Jesus-centred lives is just heart-warming and I love it when they just cry and laugh and look at each other and then cry and laugh some more. (Yes, I get attached to random people in youtube videos. Welcome to my life.)




Excuse me while I die. TOM AND BARBARA TOM AND BARBARA TOM AND BARBARA. They're seriously so cute that I am at loss for words. (*cue Marilla Cuthbert rolling her eyes at this loss-for-words-fiddlesticks.*) I'm afraid Marilla would roll her eyes a lot at me; especially when I start talking about Emma and Knightley. Just look at these two:

JUST YES. AND YES. I LOVE THEM.



However, of course, the award for the cutest couple ever ever EVER goes to Minnie and Alfie in Lark Rise to Candleford. These two are so freakin adorable together it's literally TIRING to watch. (No, really.)

This is my favourite couple-in-love-song I have ever listened to. (At least, at the moment. These things change.) Carrie Underwood's voice is fire and lightning and roses and candles all rolled into one, and this song is so passionate and calm and soothing and beautiful AHHH I LOVE IT. (Let's listen to it together.)

... if this post doesn't make you appreciate romance, I don't know what will. Happy Valentine's day, folks. If you're single, don't mourn your singleness but yeah, do squeal over cute couples because it makes life a great deal rosier and it's really fun. (Do talk about your favourite cute couples in the comments because I can always do with more sappiness.)

If Period Drama Characters had Internet Bios

(I had a LOT of fun writing this post, I hope you like it!) (Also, what say you of my new header?)

DOWNTON ABBEY

@LordGranthamofDowntonAbbey Times are changing. We must move with the times.

@Lady_Cora // American mom // Wife of my darling // Blue eyes // ESFJ // Downton is life //

@Mary_Crawley Don't pay attention to the things I say, unless it's about my inheritance

@Edith002 remember that u r good enough no matter what people say. #shakeitoff #hatersgonnahate

@SybilCrawley Woman's rights, nursing and being passionate about the world. Sign this petition!

@Matthew_Crawley I like cycling. Maybe one day I'll get used to cars.

@THE_DOWAGER_COUNTESS whereisthespacebutton?

@Isobel_thegreat I know where the space button is.

@the_Tom_Branson Irish. I'm a cool dude in a uniform. Let's run away together. #RIPtheTsar.

@Carsonthebutler Tradition is the key to stability. If you have time to lean, you have time to clean.

@Mrs_Hughes I'm the one holding the keys.

@CookingPatmore red hair and purple dress. i need to go and cook.

@John_Bates that controversial guy with a black coat and a cane. #FreeBates

@blondemaidAnna Hopelessly in love with @John_Bates // Do what you love and love what you do. // #FreeBates

@Gwen Future secretary    maybe

@Daisy_190 i cant decide about my bio so i guess this is it??

@BlackThomas #dontfreebates #smokingisgoodforyou #lifesucks

@Sarah_o_Brian Playing tricks on people is fun as long as it doesn't involve bars of soap. #smokingisgood

@William_Mason the piano, @Daisy_190, and the war.

PRIDE AND PREJUDICE

@MrBennet My wife forced me to be online.

@Mamma_Bennet i have 5 single daughters but the oldest is dating a man of large fortune!!!

@Jane_Bennet #blessed to be @CharlesBingley's girlfriend, but that doesn't mean I love anyone any less!

@Lizzy_Bennet Lover of walks, books and good friends. Dislike proud people.

@Marythereader Sesquipedalian //sɛskwɪpɪˈdeɪlɪən// a person who uses long words

@Kitty_Bennet Older than my younger sister.

@Lydiaprincess999LOL Denny is the hottest jk love u too Wickham LOL!!§è! Follow4follow?

@Fitzwilliam_Darcy I often sit in my library.

@CharlesBingley I love my life, parties, birds, London and @Jane_Bennet

@Caroline_B Intelligent modern woman & warning: I will stalk you.

@MrCollinsthejust Honoured to work for @LadytheBough i'm single and ready to mingle.

@Charlotte_Lucas 27 years old and still haven't paid my student loans.

@LadytheBough I am very particular about the way people address me and talk to me. Once I was horrified.

@Ann_theBough

@Georgiana_Darcy "Music produces a kind of pleasure which human nature cannot do without." - Conficius

@Wickhamiscool Hey there. Once I was rich but something happened so now I rely on my looks. Follow4follow. 

SENSE AND SENSIBILITY

@Elinor_Dashwood "There is nothing more uncommon than common sense" - Frank Lloyd Wright

@Mariannethepassionate2 Follow yr heart! Green hills, poetry, music + @Whilloughby_yeah make me burst with joy

@Margaretthecurly3 I'm actually to young for Instagram shhh don't tell Elinor.

@Mama_Dashwood i agree with marianne

@Edward_F Interested in books, Church and kind people. Facing consequences of past mistakes is inevitable.

@Whilloughby_yeah i believe in living the now, seizing the moment, marianne, and love.

@Colonel_Brandon Patience is a virtue; Music is happiness; Love is loyalty.

@JENNINGS_themrs Olives r life! Matchmaker since the crib! Comment if u have any ideas about mysterious Mr F!

@JohnMiddleton I TELL REALLY FUNNY JOKES.

@AdorableLucySteele Engaged to a Ferras! Life is good!

@I_am_Fanny Want nothing but the best for my son and husband. Norland is home.

@JohnDashwood I tried my best.

@Mr_Palmer Shut up.

@Charlotte_Palmer_hi Hi I'm Charlotte call me Lot i have a hilarious husband and i'm preggers and i hate rain and newspapers but not really ha! #lifeisgood #sometimesbad #mostlygood

Downton Abbey Season One - Episode Guide / Review

We're re-watching Downton Abbey!!! 

IT IS AMAZING. Of course. As if no-one had guessed that. I wrote a little mini-review of each episode (we just finished season one already whattt) and well, I might as well publish them online for everyone to see. Besides, some of you might enjoy it and some of you might want to know what episodes have 'nasty stuff' for further reference. If you do not want any spoilers, just don't read the synopsis's. But enjoy the collages because I made them all and spent blood and tears and sweat making them. Just Kidding.

Downton Abbey Season 1 // Episode 1

Epic start - epic getting-to-know-everyone - basically epic everything, duh. We get introduced to all the characters - Daisy with her adorable pink dress, Mrs Patmore and her fiery red hair + impatience, Mr Carson being Mr Carson, Mrs Hughes with her keys, darling Anna, evil Thomas and well, obviously, Mr Bates, the new servant for Lord Grantham. Then we go upstairs, meet THE FAMILY, and oh nooo, apparently the heir IS DEAD. Stupid Titanic. It's sad and all that, but this means that there's a new heir. The Dowager Countess (aka everyone's third grandma) comes on a visit and bonds with Cora over the gross unfairness of society and that Mary won't own the estate. This is once again emphasised by a visit of a (ugh I hate him) Duke who changes his mind on Lady Mary when he hears of this news.

We end with a gorgeous shot of Isobel and Matthew Crawley (the new heir!), the latter saying that, ' Lord Grantham is going to change their lives.' Um, yes.

Content: Several occasions where characters swear + A homosexual scene nearing the end (when Thomas and the Duke are alone in his bedroom. Fairly easy to see coming. It is also fairly long, I believe.)

Particularly good quotes:

"We are allies, my dear, which can be a great deal more affective." (Than friends, ha.) - Dowager Countess

"It's my third parent and my fourth child. Do I care for Downton? Oh yes I do!" - Robert

Downton Abbey Season 1 // Episode 2

This is the episode where ALL THE GIRLS fall in love with Matthew Crawley, who Officially comes to visit Downton and live nearby. At first, stuff gets a lil' awkward. There's the whole Matthew and Mary shipping thing, which obviously, the viewers participate in also. And then there's the 'getting used to 1st class' thing, which Matthew does SO ADORABLY. (DID I MENTION I LOVE MATTHEW SO MUCH?!!!) I loooove the scene where he makes Mr Molesly all happy by letting him do stuff.
Mr Carson gets embarrassed by his old 'friend' Charles, who decides to tell Lord Grantham that he and Carson used to be a double act on stage. (I looove how Mr Bates and Anna giggle over this. Those two though.) A question though: Does Mrs Hughes ever know about Cheerful Charlies?!
In the meanwhile, the never-to-end tensions between the Dowager Countess and Isobel Crawley have made its majestic entrance into the plot.

Content: Some occasions where characters swear, not much though. // A hospital scene, but it's not scary at alllll.

Particularly good quotes: "What is a weekend?" (Dowager Countess)

PS I LOVE MATTHEW. HE IS MINE. <3

Downton Abbey Season 1 // Episode 3

Edith has an unwanted fling on Matthew (who is still mine. Btw.) The Dowager wears her famous purple outfit and makes viewers love her. Gwen publicly acknowledges that she wants to be a secretary, after awful O'Brien puts her secret on the table for all to see.
And of course... this episode has the Mr Pamuk plot. Which, yes, isn't appropiate, but it's a vital part of the entire Downton Abbey plot (for two seasons to come, that is), so it's important to understand what happened. Mary invites Mr Napier over. Some kinda rich dude. Mr Napier brings his friend Mr Pamuk along. Who I HATE and who really isn't handsome at all. I do not get why everyone talks about his beautiful face. :-P Well, Mary crushes on him really hard and... fast-forward-flash... he dies in her bedroom. At night. This is 'the Downton Abbey Scandal' which affects a large part of the plot. So far, Mary (obviously), Anna, Cora (I love her) know all about it, Daisy has seen them carry the dead body and Thomas+O'Brian have their suspicions.
Oh yeah, and Mr Bates does that thing with his leg and darling Mrs Hughes saves the day. Go Mrs Hughes. Saving Downton Problems since the Titanic sank.

Content: Again, there's a Thomas scene involving another man which could merit from a skip - again, easy to see coming. This time brief, I believe. / There is a sex scene - the scandal. We skipped that (starting from Mary and Pamuk's kiss), but we watched the Anna/Cora/Mary bit, where they discuss what they need to do, in the bedroom.

Particularly good quotes: "Are we going to have tea, or not?" (Dowager)
"An Englishman wouldn't dream of dying in somebody else's house." (Ditto.)

Downton Abbey Season 1 // Episode 4

TOM ARRIVES. TOM ARRIVES. TOM ARRIVES. :-D And he's so cuuuute.
Other than this amazing and glorious news of Tom Branson's arrival, we have the fair - and THOMAS BEING TERRIBLE. Ughhhh, poor William. I love William so much - I love how he plays the piano. He's just a darling. Someone should shake Daisy's head so she'll finally understand. :-P
Then we have Mrs Hughes, who has this little side-plot line about her former lover, who asks her hand in marriage again. Once again,  she refuses (and Mr Carson, deep inside, is really relieved. But he doesn't realise quite why. And he won't, not for a long time. :-P)
Some other things that happen:
1. Mr Bates gives Anna a tray with flowers and food AND IT IS ADORABLE BEYOND MEASURE.
2. Matthew has the most beautiful eyes ever.
3. Also, Matthew and Mary shake hands and it's really epic. Who knew shaking hands could be so epic?
4. The Dowager countess sits on a swivel chair.
5. O'Brien complains for 500 hours. 'Gwen can do it.' 'She is not a lady's maid.' 'And I am not a slave.'
6. Last but not least, Sybil wears those adorable bloomers and Tom is proud and ahhh these two are going to have so much drama they have no idea how much. My darlingsssss. <3 <3
(Also, Mary and Matthew chatting at the fair made me melt. I ship these two so much. It's exhausting.)

Content: Nothing! :-) Whaddayaknow!

Particularly good quotes: Cora: "They do things differently in America." The Dowager: "Yes, they live in wigwams."
"Is there anything more delicious than a new frock?" (Lady Sybil)
"Leaving Downton? Do you think I'll ever find the time?" (Mrs Hughes)
"Why must every day involve a fight with an American?" (You can guess who.)

Downton Abbey Season 1 // Episode 5

This episode is action filled - it's alive with characters and sneaky actions and annoying people and lovely people. Just like any episode, really, I suppose.
Daisy gets all spooked out by the Pamuk scandal playing and replaying in her brain, and flips it all out to lady Edith after O'Brian organises the meeting. Sybil is a darling and takes Gwen to town for her job testing thing, resulting in a muddy way back home, while Isobel and the Dowager Countess find a new thing to bicker about - something about the flower show. Thomas and O'Brian are outwitted by Bates and Anna when a snuff-box in Robert's room vanishes, and Edith and Mary have some SERIOUSLY BAD sister quarrle.
(I hate Mary in this episode. Ugh.) (Edith isn't that much of a good girl either, but I feel for her more than for Mary in this case.)
Also, we meet Sir Anthony who causes Mrs Patmore to shed tears after an accidental salt-filled dessert. Mr Carson plays the daddy-role and soothes Mrs Patmore. The episode ends with the Dowager countess giving Mr Molesley's father the prize and with Edith writing to the Turkish embassador all about the scandal. Way to end an episode ammirite.
(Oh, and Anna and Bates have one or two or three cute scenes.)

Content: Two or three occasions where characters swear.

Particularly good quotes:
Isobel: "I take that as a compliment." Dowager: "Oh, I must have said it wrong."
"Because I love you, Mr Bates. I know it's not ladylike to say it, but I'm not a lady and I've never pretended to be." (Anna.)

Downton Abbey Season 1 // Episode 6

Oh wow, this episode is like, FIVE MINUTES. Seriously, that's so what it feels like. Suffragette meetings, angry fathers, theft suspicions and EPIC KISS BAM BASHHH. The end. That's seriously an excellent recap, no kidding.
Of course, there's the sweeet almost-Anna-Bates-kiss, the ADORABLE GAHHH early-rise-tension between Sybil and Branson, Matthew saying that he and Mary should 'see more of each other' (PLUS HIS FACE OKAY), Thomas being REALLY nervous (ha. ha. Good for HIM.), and Mr Carson being just plain CUTE. Also, William is the nicest human being on the planet and Daisy is finally starting to get a little sense about scumbag Thomas. Also, can I give Lady Cora a good word? She really is a good sort. (And Edith is so happy about her daaaaate.)
MATTHEW AND MARY THOUGH.
I MEAN THEIR BENCH SCENE.
AND THEN THE TABLE SCENE.
WE ARE BEING SPOILT.

Content: Several occasions where characters swear.

Particularly good quotes:
"I am political! I have opinions!" (Lady Sybil)
"If you really like an argument, we should see more of each other." (Matthew.)
"What have I told you, Matthew? You must pay no attention to the things I say." (Mary.)

Downton Abbey Season 1 // Episode 7

Wow, the last episode of Season One ALREADY! And it definitely doesn't disappoint and it definitely DOES leave us hanging with a desperate need and want for season two (which I can't waaaaiiit to rewatch yet again.)
Okay - LOADS of things happened in the episode. Plot lines such as Gwen's endless search for a middle-class job are bought to a great close (Tom and Sybil and Gwen's group hug is SO ADORABLE because Tom and Sybil hug.) Mrs Patmore's eye problem is solved also, and a hilarious soap-soup scene occurs while she is away on treatment. (Don't ask.) Thomas and William fight after some very unfeeling comments on Thomas (OBVIOUSLY NOT WILLIAM)'s side after Cora loses her baby boy due to another, now must graver, soap scene caused by O'Brian ugh. Daisy finally likes William, and Matthew and Mary break up which is heartbreaking to watch. Mr Carson soothes Mary which is adorable to watch. Oh yes, and Bates is an absolute brick and so is Anna when she makes sure he won't have to leave Downton.
Basically, Cora getting pregnant causes a great dilemma in the Mary and Matthew plot. Mary feels like she can't accept Matthew because she owes him an explanation on the scandal - which is obviously extremely hard on her. Matthew thinks she only wants him for the title. It's all very dramatic and emotional and ppsssst I cried when Matthew said, 'God knows I want the best for you.' He says it so well.
The episode couldn't end more epic-ly. Robert is amazing at saying epic things. The 'we are at war with Germany' gives everyone chills and goosebumps.

Content: Several occasions where characters swear. Not much though.

Particularly good quotes:
Daisy: Friends? / William: Always friends.
Mr Carson: I know you have spirit, mylady, and that's what counts. It's all that counts in the end.

Any particular thoughts on Season One?

Zee Costumes

Ahh, the costumes in Downton Abbey - everyone raves about them, everyone swoons over the lace, the sleeves, the swoosh, the embroidery, the hats... because really, they are absurdly, insanely beautiful in this show. It makes the level of costuming so high for all the other Period Dramas. Everyone in DA always looks impeccable, the necklaces and hats are in perfect balance, the clothes have all the wrinkles in the right places. Let's also not forget the hairstyles! I mean seriously IT IS AMAZING. These characters could all be in magazines in every single snap shot. Not fair.

Basically what I'm going to do in this post is just talk about the clothes & wardrobes I love best. It might be random, and it will be filled with loads of pictures. Excuse me and pardon me if it bores you to death, but really, I couldn't have a DA week without at least some appreciation post for the costumes! (Imeanreally.)

(By the way, I apologise to the lovely characters downstairs in Downton, who probably won't be mentioned at all in this post. But I love them still. They just don't have many dresses of many colours. :-P) (Money does do SOME things. :-P)

Mary's wardrobe in season one and season two was serious life goallls. She looks so good in Edwardian fashion - the corset makes her posture so regal and the hairstyle and statement hats make her look so stunning and Mary-like. It's funny how some characters look way better in Edwardian and some look way better in Twenties-clothing! Lady Cora is another example - she looked so good in Edwardian clothes - with the high collars and impressive sleeves she looks like royalty. Sometimes she looks rather weird in 20's outfits. :-P

I also LOVE Sybil's clothes in Season one - the purple dress is my favourite:

(Here's a beautiful collage of the purple dress, if you're interested.)

Sybil is still in her teens in the first season, which means her outfits are slightly girlish and her hair is still half-down, in a thick braid, or with a half-updo. I love her light blue and light pink blouse-outfits, and the triangular collars. I love her white dress in the garden party too. And of course, one MUST mention her adorable light blue bloomers. :-)

I will forever love that scene. :-) Especially Tom's adorable smirk in the window... cuz he approves wholeheartedly. :-P

In Season two, there's the great War, so everyone wears slightly more simple clothes, and of course they pull it off like gold. Lady Mary's wardrobe is still my favourite, of course - but we should take a sec to talk about the men IN KHAKI. I mean they look fantastic; especially Matthew. :-P Tom Branson looks swoon-worthy as always, in his dark green chauffeur garb with his cap and leather boots, but the khaki clad men almost steal the show. :-)

My favourite dress of Mary's in Season Two (my favourite dress in season two, PERIOD) is the one she wears in the following picture. It's a blouse and a skirt actually, but the blouse is soooo pretty. *insert heart-eyed emojis, like loads of them*

ALSO THE SCENE WHERE SHE SINGS AND MATTHEW COMES IN. It is seriously my favourite scene in the whole entire show, I think. :-) :'-)

I LOVE Mary's wedding dress!!! The wedding dress itself isn't that spectacular actually, but that was the fashion of the time and she does look brilliant. Her veil is stunning and I LOVE the head peice, with the leafy silver thing. And I know I say it often, but Lady Mary looks so much better with long-hair-updos than that Willy Wonka bob-cut.

(But she looks good whatever, don't worry.)

Both of Edith's weddings were a sight for sore eyes. She looked best in wedding number two and HAPPIER TOO haha, but WOW LOOK AT SYBIL AND MARY AT Edith's first wedding!!!!!! Mary's blue dress is immaculate and diviiiine (the flutter on the sleeves at every little breeze!!!! Ahh!) and Sybil's purple and lace dress is gorgeous too. I love Sybil's bob; she looks so good in one.

Sybil and Mary seriously outshone Edith on her first wedding day, ha.

(This picture was suppose to be a gif, but it's not. moving. Whatever.) (I love her outfit and the hat is JUST COOL. She looks great in it.)

Edwardian style wasn't very nice on Edith - and her hairstyle in Season One was UGH so unflattering! She became wayy prettier when the bob was invented and she had those finger waves in. Cloche hats and a sporty silhouette and long necklaces suited Lady Edith to a T. She looks brilliant now. Her second wedding dress was shockingly pretty. :-)

And you know what else she wears so well? Those hats with one side flat up. She slays in those kinds.

This pink outfit is probably my favourite of Rose's. Look at all the little white beads embroidered all over! And then the creamy pearl necklace and her hair peeping under the white hat?!! Gorgeous.

I cannot finish this post without mentioning Lady Rose's wardrobe!!! At first it's very girly and tomboyish; a lot of sailor-ish looks (which I think is perfectly adorable), and her hair is out of control and frizzy. Her hats are plain with a simple ribbon. Then, as she matures and grows into a lady rather than a teenager, her clothes become more elegant and classy - but still very cheerful and bouncy and fun and colourful - just like her.

Her hair is always gorgeous too, and HER WEDDING DRESS. <3

My sister and I like to joke about how lazy these characters are that they can't even DRESS themselves, but actually if you look at the way they are dressed it's almost not surprising! It's like putting on a wedding dress every day, almost, and people often need help putting on wedding dresses. Plus, they had corsets and fancy hairstyles etc. 

Haha. This is when Anna was going away for a week. :-P

What are some of your favourite Downton Abbey costumes?

Defending Lavinia Swire

(Warning: There be spoilers.)

Here's a post I've been wanting to write for a long time now; a post which defends Lavinia Swire - one of the most famous third wheels in cinema history. People almost sighed a sigh of relief when she died, and many fans just see her as "that annoying obstacle in Matthew and Mary's love story." 

For those of you who have never seen Downton, I'm sure you know Matthew and Mary end together. (Come'on, that's HARDLY a spoiler. Everyone knows this. M&M's. We know we're there for the m&m's and not for the raisins and the nuts. (Blimeycow reference. Shutting up.)) However, their love story is anything BUT swift - because Matthew introduces his 'fiancé', Lavinia Swire in season two. Now, we all hurl and make up our minds to hate her, because hey obviously Matthew and Mary are still mad about each other. Shoo, Lavinia. Go. Shoo. Buzz off. Booboo. After a while she does just that - and dies from a broken heart. A few episodes later on, everyone's forgotten about her - ladida, ladida. Lavinia is gone; and life is well.

Isn't that terrible?!

Now, I love Lavinia. I think she's a darling girl and I think people hate on her much to much. Just because she's a bit shy and introverted doesn't mean she doesn't have a heart, you know. People say she never smiles - but there are reasons. She isn't the kind of girl that goes 'heyyyy how are you?!!" and smiles at strangers. She's shy and she's reserved - and hey, her fiancé who she loves to bits is off to war and finds himself reattached towards a beautiful Crawley girl. She shouldn't be smiling very much.

Now firstly, I must say this: I AM A HUGE MATTHEW AND MARY SHIPPER. I don't ship Matthew and Lavinia. I say this because I know some people do (I mean reeeeaaaally?! Matthew and Mary belong together; it's plain as clear sky!) and because I don't want people to attack me with that argument against Lavinia in the comment box, haha. I want Matthew to be with Mary as much as the next person - but - but I love Lavinia too. (Yes, this is humanly possible!)

Look here, draw close, and I'll tell you the secret.

Why, you ask, do so many people dislike Lavinia? (Well, maybe you didn't ask, but hushup.) Well, because WE ARE LAVINIA.

No really; think about it - a lot of us are Lavinia. I know I am. In love with Matthew. Check. Sometimes believes he is too; in my dreams. Check. Knows he actually isn't. Check. He loves Mary instead of me. Check. (I might as well be dead. Check. Okay, maybe not, but you get the point.)

And THAT, dear people of the Internet (which nowadays includes toddlers from preschool and World War veterans), is why so many people dislike Lavinia. Because they relate to her so much! Isn't that ridiculous? Why on earth would you hate someone who you can relate to? Stop that! It's childish behaviour. Stoppit. Instead of hating on someone you can relate to, how about emphasizing and wallowing in her sad story? Because there ain't no-one with such a sad tale as hers.* (That's why she doesn't smile very much. Not because she's a depressive spirit with no lust for life.)

* (Well maybe. Anna Bates.)

What I also don't like is that people hate on Matthew because of Lavinia. "He should stay true to his fiancé!" "He shouldn't have fallen in 'love' with Lavinia!" "He shouldn't have fallen in love with Mary again!" BLAHDEBLAH.

Guys. HE WAS GOING TO MARRY HER BUT THEN SHE DIED.

I admit, this is slightly different than the Edward-and-Lucy situation. Edward fell in love with Lucy when he was young (and foolish) and now Lucy is terribly annoying and he knows it. Matthew never hates Lavinia - he thinks she's a sweet girl; he's willing to sacrifice his love for her and marry her. He 'fell in love' with her after his break-up with Mary (this sounds like teenage drama, but it's so much more, believe me) and when he returned to Downton, he realised, "Wow. Mary really is mine still." His hiatus from Mary with Lavinia even led to an engagement, but when he spent time with the Crawley's again, he realised it was perhaps a mistake.

So don't hate on Matthew. Please. He's having hard enough time as it is. (And he was going. to. marry. her.) Also, when she dies, did you see how utterly guilty Matthew feels???!!! Did you see how sad and heart-broken he looked? HE IS EVERY INCH THE GENTLEMAN. OKAY?!?!?!

It really annoys me too, when people say she's ugly. ImeanREALLY?!!!! Just look at her face up there and see how beautiful this girl is! How can people say she's ugly?!

My heart aches for Lavinia, because she really does LOVE Matthew. Like, I'd-die-for-him-love. It might seem shallow and soppy for us viewers, because we don't want to believe she loves Matthew with deep love, like Mary - but really, she loves Matthew just as much as Mary does. She cries when he leaves, and she wants to marry him even though she knows he won't ever be able to give her children or be able to walk again. She loves him so much she doesn't care a jot. And Mary; poor thing, sees that all happen.

And Lavinia, poor thing, sees Mary and Matthew's thing all happen. She sees them DANCE together. AND KISS.

(Gosh, this is a complicated story. Because my heart burns for all three people. I feel desperately sorry for Matthew. I feel DESPERATELY sorry for Mary (I mean really - and she's so kind towards Lavinia; I'm SO proud of her in Season Two) and I feel desperately sorry for Lavinia, as well.)

(Seriously, if you don't feel bad for her; where is your heart, Elinor?!)

Really, she's such a darling, sweet thing - she so does NOT deserve all zee hate. So please, respect her from now on. I know Matthew and Mary's love story is a complicated one, and yes, Lavinia is an obstacle in their love life - but that doesn't mean she's an annoying little person with no heart and no feelings and no importance. :-)

Lavinia, love, you're great.