My book tour took me through Washington, a talk for St Andrew’s University, a tea for PBS and then to New York, just ahead of the snow each time. I swopped airflights for car journeys and have turned to walking on foot through New York. We have been staying at the Four Seasons with spectacular views over a snow dusted central park and Hudson river in the distance. The Four Seasons also have a hotel in Hampshire near Highclere and we try to accommodate tours for their guests when we can. It has been lovely to reverse it and be their guest.

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I am back in the city where the “Catherine” of my second book was born 112 years ago and grew up. A city built more for motor cars than horses and a world apart from Highclere. I have enjoyed giving talks, sharing the anecdotes and exploring the real links through history to the real Downton Abbey. I hope a few more people will enjoy the books and through the pages feel as if they are also sitting at the table, watching the dancing or sharing the struggle to survive the Second World War.

Lady Catherine and the Real Downton Abbey