Correspondence

289.  EBB to Hugh Stuart Boyd

As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 2, 115–116.

Spring Cottage [1]

[17 March 1828] [2]

My dear Sir,

I cannot say how much I am obliged to you for your kind constructions upon my very ordinary actions. You do not seem to recollect that what you call good temper, was the natural selfish course of my inclinations. Your letter did certainly make me feel uncomfortable—but it did not make me feel that you were exacting, or harsh. When I returned home last Thursday, I was sure that I had been, at least, risking an imputation entirely foreign to my real feelings towards you. I was rallied by my family on account of my irrepressible fears respecting the probability of your recognizing me on the road—but I was right after all.

As to this day’s occurrence, I will not have you think it ominous. My sister who unfortunately is the greatest sufferer, was not coming to visit you! She is not seriously injured, I thank God—but it seems uncertain whether she will or not leave Malvern tonight. In the case of her remaining, I may remain—& tomorrow morning, will try my fate again at Ruby Cottage. I hope you & your family will accept my sincerest thanks for the interest you express towards me. I am not hurt,—only shaken, & frightened & agitated a good deal—& ready to dare as much again in so excellent a cause. The experience I have had today is worth something! I used to think that the shaking of a carriage did me harm—& now I find that even the shaking out of one, has done none! At any rate my pleasure at seeing you will make the recollection of this day anything but unpleasant to my mind!

While I am writing, it is resolved that my sister should go home now: therefore I am afraid I shall not see you tomorrow. If I should not happen to do so soon, “do not let anyone or anything prejudice you against me”. I hope, that caution is as unnecessary from my pen as it was from yours!

The only circumstance likely to delay my visit to you is a doubt (really a most unfounded one) respecting the dexterity of my brother’s driving. If my parents should not like to trust him again, I must only wait a little while longer till I can enlist another.

Pray believe me

Most truly yours

E B Barrett–

You will forgive this abominable writing–

Publication: EBB-HSB, pp. 27–28.

Manuscript: Wellesley College.

1. Home of Mrs. Trant, about a mile from Boyd’s house.

2. Date determined from EBB’s reference to having seen Boyd the previous Thursday, while she was visiting Sir Charles Knowles, as mentioned in letter 288.

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