Noblewomen of varied political persuasions convene: The renowned and notorious Mitford sisters gather anew
In a drawing room nestled in the heart of Oxfordshire, the six Mitford sisters gathered, the faint scent of woodsmoke and dog lingering in the air, French windows opening onto a garden adorned with foxgloves, old roses, and a shepherd hut.
The conversation flowed effortlessly, touching upon a myriad of topics, from politics to fashion. Nancy Mitford, in a gingham scarf, mentioned her friendship with Angela Rayner, comparing her to a working-class version of Camilla. This sparked a lively discussion about the current King, with opinions exchanged freely.
Decca Mitford, known for her candidness, expressed her confusion about Pamela's marriage to a millionaire bisexual physicist with incendiary political views. Pamela, however, dismissed it, stating that nothing interesting ever happened.
The sisters' conversation veered towards technology, with Decca explaining Only Fans, a platform where people sell pictures of their bodies for money. Unity, intrigued, suggested that TikTok could keep them amused.
The traffic on the A40 was a topic of concern for Pamela, who had to take the long way round through Burford due to a standstill. Decca, expressing her worry about the emotional state of the younger generation, found their behaviour unpredictable and anxiety-ridden. She had even stopped reading the papers lest she combust.
The discussion took a turn when Decca warned against discussing Donald Trump, threatening to cancel both Nancy and Diana if they continued. However, Diana, with a hint of ambivalence, expressed conflicting feelings about the former President, admitting that he commanded attention but also calling him an utter grotesque.
The sisters' conversation was not without humour. Decca joked about Pamela's conversations being boring, while Nancy suggested stalking Donald Trump. Pamela, in turn, complained about a new roundabout at Charlbury causing mayhem at rush hour.
Debo, expressing a desire for better debs' delights, steered the conversation towards their family estate. She mentioned that Donald Trump once called Chatsworth and asked to stay, but nothing happened. Nancy, longing for her youth, expressed a desire to be 20 again with better clothes.
The gathering was not without its controversies. Diana was asked if the scarf made people call Decca antisemitic. She responded with a question, asking if everyone was on a 'journey' these days, apart from Diana.
The sisters' conversation was a testament to their unique bond, their wit, and their unapologetic nature. As the evening drew to a close, it was clear that the Mitford sisters, despite their differences, shared a bond that transcended time and circumstance.
India Knight's novel Darling, a reimagining of Nancy Mitford’s classic The Pursuit of Love, offers a modern but faithful adaptation that contextualizes Linda's journey towards love and self-discovery within the dynamics of a quirky extended family and the social milieu of London, much like Mitford’s original but with Knight's distinctive voice and contemporary sensibility.
In a surprising twist, the Mitfords themselves are now the subject of a film production. Pamela announced this news, causing a flurry of excitement among the sisters. Yet, Decca couldn't help but comment on the Mitfords becoming a brand, noting that it was not intentional.
As the evening wore on, the sisters' conversation became more introspective, touching upon topics like authenticity, branding, and the past vs. the present. Diana, in particular, expressed a desire for the olden days, while Decca defended the practicality and comfort of Crocs, arguing that it was the proletarian ideal.
The gathering ended with a sense of camaraderie and a shared understanding of their unique place in history. Despite their controversies, the Mitford sisters remain a fascinating and intriguing part of British history, their story continuing to captivate audiences around the world.
The conversation shifted towards the upcoming film production about their lives, sparking excitement among the sisters. Decca, however, reflected on the Mitfords becoming a brand, commenting it was unintentional. As the evening progressed, they delved into discussions about authenticity, branding, and the past versus the present. Nancy, in her reflective moments, wished for a chance to be 20 again with better clothes, while Decca, with her signature candour, defended the practicality and comfort of Crocs, linking them to the proletarian ideal. The Mitfords' lifestyle, home-and-garden choices, and even their opinions on topics like entertainment (such as Only Fans and TikTok), books like India Knight's novel Darling, and celebrities and pop-culture (including Donald Trump) added layers to the intriguing tapestry of their lives and continued to captivate audiences worldwide.
