Daya’s Residence in Yorkshire Late January 1889 @dayanitas
I have met hundreds of women throughout my life. Thousands, perhaps, if I squint (or round up generously). But now I can say with utter certainty that Lady has the most gorgeous hair of them all. Maybe she's born with it; maybe it's the fact that I brush her hair daily. Twice a day, in fact, as you requested when you visited before departing for Yorkshire.
But honestly, Lady has been a delight. It has been a bit of an adjustment having a little Yorkie underfoot at home, but my landlady Mrs. Birdwhistle once had a Yorkie of her own and said that Lady is far better behaved than hers ever was. And she has been both a good distraction from the occasional strangeness here in London and a good foot warmer. (That is Lady’s idea, by the way; I don't ask her to curl up at my feet, but she does, and both of us are all the happier for it.)
On a non-animal-related note, I hope that Harrogate has been treating you and Pearl well. I’m sure it’s colder there than it is here, but I know that you need a change of pace. All of us do, but you most of all. I do miss our dinners, though; I’ve bumped into Rahat several times, but conversation is much more fun at your dining table, with you. What are you liking most about Harrogate? Has Pearl picked up any more of those terrifying dolls she loves? Perhaps they have a Harrogate-inspired version, with the doll in a spa.
I don’t want this letter to be too long, so I’ll end with this: a photograph of Lady during one of our morning walks. (Feriha and Zeki often join us, though they aren’t pictured here.) Lady has made new friends, as well as an adamant suitor, a King Charles Spaniel named Oliver. And, yes, underneath all that hair, she has her little winter boots on.
[Attached is a photograph of Lady looking majestic, her long, glossy coat flowing in the wind.]
I hope you’re staying safe and that your mind is a little more at peace, Daya. Have a good holiday with Pearl, and I hope to hear from you soon. (Lady says hello!)
Your friend,