3271. Robert Bulwer Lytton to RB
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 19, 303.
[Florence]
[Postmark: 29 September 1853]
My dear Browning,
Will you have the kindness to tell the Stories that I have seen a House (Casa Burchini) very near the Casa Guidi, with a large garden, five good bedrooms & I think two smaller ones, or more—two or three large sitting-rooms; and commodious stables. The Padrone not being at Florence I have not been able to settle positively as to terms. I dont think I can get the appartment for less than at the rate of 40 Dollars a month, which is dear for Florence[.] But taking into consideration, the advantages, of situation, size, garden &c & the difficulty of getting any thing as good, perhaps the Stories may be inclined to give that sum. I think the Appartment in every way likely to suit them. I hope to recd [sic] the answer of the Padrone to night or early to morrow morning, & if in the meanwhile you or Story will let me know to what price to go, I daresay I shall be able to arrange at once with him. Failing this there is an appartment in the Villa Lustrini [1] now occupied, but wh the family are to leave at the end of the month—6 rooms in all, & kitchen, no stable, but I think stabling can be had near at hand. I have not been able to see the Padrone yet tho’ I have tried to do so twice, but I hope to see him today & will let you know—the result without loss of time. Meanwhile will you ask the Ss wt they wish to do abt Linen & Plate. I can find it for them, if they empower me to do so; but shd like to know, in that case, wt they will want, in order to have all ready & comfortable by their arrival. In very great haste: so that I must beg you to forgive this shabby scrap—& believe me to be
Ever your faithful & afft
R. B. Lytton.
Address: Franco distino / R. Browning Esq / Casa Tolommeo / Bagni alla Villa / Bagni di Lucca.
Publication: BBIS-10, pp. 52–53.
Manuscript: Armstrong Browning Library.
1. On Via della Fornace. According to the subscription records of Vieusseux’s Reading Rooms, the Storys stayed at the Villino Lustrini during their two weeks in Florence.
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