774. EBB to Mary Russell Mitford
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 4, 299–300.
Torquay–
Novr 26th– [1840] [1]
Ever my dearest Miss Mitford—
Let my silences express as well as my words the unchangeable affection with which I regard you, & which, bearing as it does just now, an anxious character, suggests a beseeching for a few more words from you– The last account of dear Dr Mitford & your own dearest self will not let me rest satisfied with a silence from you, suiting mine. As for mine—oh you must pardon it & me my beloved friend. I fall into silences now, both of voice & writing, & lie in them too—when unawakened. Forgive me. It is not the love’s fault–
Well!—but may you both be quite well & cheerful by this time!– I hoped dear Dr Mitford might be inclined to the Devonshire cream with his coffee—& not be less so because I sent it—that is—because a person sent it, who cares with her whole heart for you.
How anxious you must have been!– Those mustard applications are very useful & safe. I had them for three months & more every day, upon the region of the heart, when I was so ill lately with congestion there as they called it. They give their scientific names even to our agonies!–
Will you, when you next see Miss Anderdon give her my regards with the expression of my thankfulness for the kind interest & enquiries you tell me of.
Dear Mr Kenyon left Torquay a few days ago without my seeing him. When I heard that he was gone unseen, it struck me something painfully, & with another thought,—that I might not recover that rejected or lost opportunity of seeing him. But I am quite confined to bed—he wd have thought the admission strange!—and my voice is gone, & all else besides—at least so much,—that I shrink away from the very idea of a human face. Well—not to speak such sadnesses for your sake—I think I may assure you that Mr Kenyon is not going to be married,—with any present prospect of the same. He went away with no other than the half intention of purchasing a residence here—“a house” he said to my sister “to which he might come occasionally as a lodging, not a home, because he did not mean to give up his London house,—& one home was quite enough for a single man.” Now this is decisive, & exclusive of Miss Mackenzie! [2]
Mr Bezzi, the whole world being witness,—& myself besides—for whose use he brought down a great book the other day thro’ wind rain & twilight,—is an incarnate benevolence. There is no romance,—I mean romantic fallacy,—in the estimate of it & him.
No!—I never saw Mr Horne. I thought you knew– Thank you for your little sketch.
May the Heavenly blessing be eternally with you dearest dearest Miss Mitford!–
Your attached & grateful
Elizabeth B Barrett–
Never forget my love to Dr Mitford .. whenever he will take it. I am going on better–
Oh yes!– I shall like to hear about Sir Lytton Bulwer—only not to tire you. A few words about your own self & yours is all I ask for.
I have not yet seen the Tableaux. Are the Letters to appear & when?– [3]
Publication: EBB-MRM, I, 204–205.
Manuscript: Wellesley College.
1. Dated by Kenyon’s leaving Torquay.
2. EBB’s comment suggests that Miss Mackenzie may have been Kenyon’s presumptive bride.
3. See letter 737, note 1.
___________________
