578. EBB to Hugh Stuart Boyd

As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 3, 263–264.

[London]

[2 August 1837] [1]

My dear friend,

Papa says that it is the custom for the lady’s friends to send the notice of the marriage to newspapers—but that there will be no expence to you in consequence, as the editors will be rather glad than otherwise to have anything in this way to print.

Henrietta & Arabel & I were at Marylebone Church yesterday. The bride looked very lovely, & behaved very well—I mean, without demonstrating in any unbecoming manner, the agitation which was within her evidently. It seemed to me that she had been shedding many tears, altho’ they did not fall in the church—at least not to my observation. I am sure that you have prayed for her & blessed her—& that none but affectionate thoughts and associations are between you at this moment. She must love you dearly as her father—& you must dearly love your child! I congratulate you my friend, on the appearances of happiness which seem to have gathered above her path! May God keep the sunshine there, with His own smile!

I shall be so anxious & glad to hear that your plans are arranged & happily—with regard to your very self!–

Ever believe me

Your affectionate friend

E B Barrett.

Address, on integral page: H S Boyd Esqr / 3 Circus Road / St John’s Wood.

Publication: EBB-HSB, pp. 222–223.

Manuscript: Wellesley College.

1. EBB reports attending Annie Boyd’s wedding, to Henry William Hayes (1816–68), “yesterday,” and church records indicate that it occurred on 1 August 1837.

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