2712. RB to Arabella & Henrietta Moulton-Barrett
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 14, 338–339.
Florence,
Nov. 25. [1847] [1]
Thank both my dearest Sisters for their most affectionate letters: I had intended to write a proper answer—(i.e. proper as to length, for the feeling of it would be much the same, whether expressed briefly or otherwise)—but this last day allowed me, is formed to rather a bustling one for us quiet people—as I have to make some couple of journeys to the Post Office, besides calling on an American friend of Mr Kenyon’s, [2] just arrived; so take in few words, instead of many, the repeated assurance of the great happiness and comfort which your sympathy gives me. I know we three have only one object at heart,—the good of Ba,—and it is the greatest comfort, as I say, that you two, who are away, should be so indulgent to me who am obliged to act according to the best of my poor judgment: but then you, who know Ba, must not believe all she believes about the wonderful kindness of getting out of a scrape when one has been goose enough to get into it—the taking that cold house was all my fault, for I ought to have known that no comfort makes up for the absence of the sun in this country whither we come precisely for the sun—never mind! it is well over, and we are here in little funny rabbit-hutch rooms,—but so warm, and cheerful! we shall do capitally, I have little doubt,—though Rome, with its deliciously soft—(not bracing and dry—) air would have been the proper wintering-place, had all circumstances proved propitious. Ba is very much better than she has ever been: she walked out with me yesterday for a good half hour in the blazing November sun(!)—and purposes doing the like this morning, when the weather seems finer than ever. She is always in the best of spirits, talking & laughing to heart’s content, and (best of all) sleeping soundly after it: a letter from you makes her still happier, however,—so you must help me in that respect. If you could see her face when I come in from the Post with one in my pocket,—and perhaps try to look peculiarly grave and disappointed … she sees thro’ me in a moment!
I am sure Ba has told you of all the little nullities which pass for events in our life—and how the time passes swiftly by without our noticing it: I dare say she did justice to my sublime feelings on the occasion of the earthquake which I supposed to be merely poor Flush solacing himself by a hearty scratch! [3] Does she tell you how the said Flush’s faculties are developing themselves surprisingly—how he sits and talks in the oddest way, for minutes together? I dare say you know all our news. If you were here we would, however, try hard and amuse you better—not that there would be any great difficulty in this lovely city with its still lovelier neighbourhood: what a pity of pities that this may not be! still let us be thankful for what we have got—in this restoration to health of Ba. I will not write more now—only this,—Be quite sure I will keep you well & constantly informed of whatever happens, as it happens. Ba, herself, writes more than is said to be good for her: but then she is so used to it, and it so gratifies her, that I hold my tongue—oftener than I ought, perhaps! Good-bye, dearest Henrietta & Arabella. God bless you ever–
RB.
Address, on integral page: Miss Barrett.
Publication: TTUL, pp. 53–55.
Manuscript: British Library.
1. Year determined by RB’s reference to the move from the “cold house” (the one in Via Maggio) to the one they have come to for “the sun” (the one in Piazza Pitti).
2. See note 10 in the following letter.
3. “A slight shock of Earthquake,” as described in The Tuscan Athenæum of 20 November 1847, had occurred on 8 November (no. 4, p. 29).
___________________
