240. EBB to Henrietta Moulton-Barrett
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 1, 262–263.
[Eastnor Castle]
[ca. November 1826] [1]
My dearest Henrietta,
You desired to know how I got on, so you shall have a few lines to assure you that I am quite as well as can be expected—which is very ill. My first introduction was even more awkward than I anticipated, for I was shewn into the Library where sat, or stood (I did’nt know which) one unknown gentleman soliloquizing—or at least solitudinizing. This was worse than the Foxley scene!
I am, as yet, the only stranger in the Family circle—so that I am both in the way, & out of my way. There are here Mr & Mrs Waddington, [2] Miss Cocks [3] & the gentleman, whose name I dont know yet, & whose capabilities I dont know yet—Further than his playing on the flute, & being ycleped Joe by his intimates. Lord Somers was so unwell last night, that he retired to Mr Selwyn. [4] Lady Margaret is very kind & silencieuse. [5] The Dinner was formal enough, & when we went to bed at Eleven I thought it was at least four in the morning. Nevertheless we had music; for Mrs Waddington had her guitar on which she plays very well—& she gave us several overtures on the piano, accompanied by Mr Joe. The Conversation was down five degrees below freezing. Every body thinking what to say next—except Mrs Waddington who does not seem to think at all.
Tomorrow we are to have an accession of company of some kind—but I dont know of what. not the Commelines I fear. Mr Blizzard is mentioned. Dearest Henrietta! I thought of you this morning, as I told you I should—: I would give any thing to be back again; but I hope we shall improve a little before Tuesday. Tuesday’s Dinner I think of more than I ever thought of any dinner—because I shall then see Papa & Mama again.
God bless you beloved Henrietta.
Post is going without my note.
Your own Ba–
I was obliged to sing Kathleen last night— Pray pity me–
A Capital Fire!——
Publication: None traced.
Source: Transcript in editors’ file.
1. The visit described here probably came after EBB’s visit to Foxley in October, and before the Eastnor visit discussed in letter 249.
2. The Rev. George Waddington was Rector of Northwold in Norfolk. In 1817, he had married Jane Cocks, Earl Somers’ cousin. After Waddington’s death in 1833, at the age of 43, his widow became the second wife of Earl Somers, on 3 June 1834.
3. Probably Earl Somers’ sister, Harriet Cocks.
4. Congreve Selwyn, surgeon, in charge of the Dispensary in Ledbury.
5. “Still.”
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