2778. RB to Arabella & Henrietta Moulton-Barrett
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 15, 240–241.
[Florence]
March 13. [1849] [1]
Dearest Henrietta & Arabel. I am happy beyond expression to be able to assure you that Ba is going on as well as even you would wish her: Dr H. has just left, and tells me nothing can be better than the state of both Mother & Babe; this last little fellow grows prettier and bigger visibly. I shall get Wilson to help my inexperience and tell you all his wonderful points,—she says, for instance, that she never did see such a delicate & beautiful skin,—what would my opinion on that matter be worth? We have got a famous wet nurse, from the country, [2] —our first was a failure, but Ba will amuse you, I hope, with telling you herself. We are entirely satisfied with Mad: Biondi who is unremitting in her care—as, indeed, is Dr Harding—all goes on prosperously, thanks to God for his goodness. I put you off with a shabby scrap of note, this time, but time presses really, and next letter shall make amends– After all, “quite well” is easily said, and gives satisfaction after all. Ba particularly begs you to apprise her cousin Mrs Reynolds of this good news,—giving Ba’s best love and truest hope that Mrs R.’s good fortune may equal her own. And Ba kisses you both with the most loving of kisses .. as, if you let him, will yours ever affectionately,
RB.
I informed Miss Mitford .. can you let Mr Kenyon know all continues well? I wrote to him also, of course.
Address, on integral page: Miss Barrett.
Publication: EBB-AB, I, 236.
Manuscript: Gordon E. Moulton-Barrett.
1. Year provided by RB’s reference to Pen’s birth.
2. Tecla Celavini, wife of Francesco Celavini, is listed at 1902 Via Maggio (Palazzo Guidi) in the San Felice church census for 1850 as “balia” (“wet nurse”) in the Browning household, aged 29.
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