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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To ask what the Provincial Lady would do during COVID?

59 replies

drspouse · 09/08/2020 18:12

Robert called me in to watch the news. We are not at all surprised to learn that we are in lockdown. The children are delighted that their school will be closed. I cannot share their sentiment and express this to R. I add that I hope this will not be for long. He replies lugubriously "We'll see".
Cook comes in to say she isn't at all sure if she wants to do the shopping with the virus and all but the butcher and the grocer have said they will only now be delivering to those that are shielding. I reply that we will Sort It Out, the confidence with which I state this only equalled by the lack of confidence which I feel. Cook adds that there is no flour and no hope of getting any and what should she do?
Telephone call from Cousin Blanche to say Isn't it all exciting and Quite like the war. As she was very young infant in the war, I'm not she can say this with confidence, and "exciting" is not the term I would use, but refrain from saying this. Cannot help however but see the advantage of a pandemic is that Cousin B cannot come and stay.

Pamela phoned later to say she has signed up to make masks and scrubs for the local hospital. Feel sure I should try to make some as well but am forcefully reminded of the costume I attempted to sew for Vicky's appearance as the sheep in Our Vicar's wife's Christmas pageant, and refrain.

(I think she has to have at least TV and remote learning. But feel free to imagine a world of wireless and the children's tutor stranded with them).

OP posts:
Butterer · 09/08/2020 18:17

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Pumperthepumper · 09/08/2020 18:18

😂😂😂 this is excellent, you’ve got her voice perfectly!

drspouse · 09/08/2020 18:19

Thanks! I'm just reading the wartime one so I'm channeling her.

OP posts:
compulsivesnacker · 09/08/2020 18:20

I adore this. Smile
And now I’m going to be doing it in my head all day. I’m going to have to figure out which shelf it’s collecting dust on and sit down with a nice cup of tea and a big slice of carrot cake. Thank you!

compulsivesnacker · 09/08/2020 18:21

I have that one too. I might need two slices of cake.

HelenaJustina · 09/08/2020 18:21

She will definitely be mourning the loss of her jaunts up to town.

MarshaBradyo · 09/08/2020 18:22

I love this book. My favourite quote is where she is called the perfect mother and everyone sees it as an insult.

Wish I could find it

compulsivesnacker · 09/08/2020 18:23

The idea of Provincial Lady fanfic in the disaster that is 2020 has utterly made my day. Sorry. Will stop commenting now 😂😂

compulsivesnacker · 09/08/2020 18:28

I foresee lots of Splendid Walks 😂

drspouse · 09/08/2020 18:41

Vicky and Robin will HATE Splendid Walks.

OP posts:
TheProvincialLady · 09/08/2020 18:46

Well that’s the first time in 14 years that someone has name dropped me in a thread title.

TheProvincialLady · 09/08/2020 18:47

My bulbs have not been a success during lockdown, unfortunately.

ignatiusjreilly · 09/08/2020 18:49

Beautifully done! Can you update us on how Lady B is dealing with lockdown?

I read the book last year after seeing it recommended here on Mumsnet. I absolutely loved it and am very excited to discover, thanks to your thread, that there is a second book!

DressesWithPockets · 09/08/2020 18:52

I thought I was the only person who'd ever read Diary of a Provincial Lady. So happy to find out I'm wrong.

AdaColeman · 09/08/2020 19:02

< decides to buy a new hat >

drspouse · 09/08/2020 19:10

Lady B will get her servants to set up an email round robin to inform all the village residents about the latest regulations. With gardening tips.
The Provincial Lady will have her arm twisted to print out copies for the housebound who are not online.

"Wrestle with my conscience over the delivery of Lady B's pronouncements. Internal debate centres around Shocking Cost Of Stamps versus Wear on Shoe Leather versus Only Leave The House For One Form Of Exercise. Presence of Colonel M on the housebound list sways decision in favour of the Royal Mail as I recall the occasion on which Colonel M' s small dog terrorised Robin quite out of proportion to its size. Mindful also of the very long and steep lane up which Colonel M lives."

OP posts:
forgetthehousework · 09/08/2020 19:20

How super; you are certainly doing your bit.
Thank you so much.

IrenetheQuaint · 09/08/2020 19:24

I am concerned that the irregular post will mean that our heroine has to wait far too long for the latest issue of Time and Tide.

Flease · 09/08/2020 19:30

Brilliant OP! I was much missing her after I finished the book. More please! Smile

FreiasBathtub · 09/08/2020 19:33

This is exactly what I needed. Thank you OP. Await Mademoiselle's prophecies of doom. La pauvre petite Vicky is not strong.

Mummydaydreams · 09/08/2020 19:34

Please can you actually write this book OP, I will buy it Grin

Pumperthepumper · 09/08/2020 19:46

@Mummydaydreams

Please can you actually write this book OP, I will buy it Grin
Can you also write Adrian Mole: The Brexit Years? I’m honestly heartbroken that we’ll never have that.
Durgasarrow · 09/08/2020 19:52

Please please write this book!!

Binterested · 09/08/2020 19:54

Love this. Ditto the idea of Adrian Mole - the Brexit Years. Mr Pooter would have a lot to say about covid as well and probably there’d be a joke about not allowing any Cummings and Gowings.

mrsmuddlepies · 09/08/2020 19:55

You are brilliant!!! Please write the sequel, A Provincial Lady in the time of Covid. You will easily find a publisher. I will buy a copy
One of the best 'voices' of a Provincial Lady I have read. More please.....