313. EBB to Hugh Stuart Boyd

As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 2, 156–157.

Hope End

Wednesday. [ca. July 1828] [1]

My dear friend,

I was going to write a few lines to Mrs Boyd for the purpose of begging herself & Miss Boyd to dine with us today at half past three, instead of drinking tea with us at six. I hope they will be able to do both—& that they will consent to receive our request thro’ your medium, as I wish to thank you for the kind expressions of your note yesterday. Lady Mary Shepherd is not a friend of mine,—but, on the contrary, a very slight acquaintance. [2] She is staying for a short time at Malvern Wells on account of the ill health of one of her daughters,—& called here for the first time a few days ago. When she proposed to me to go with me to your house, I felt pleased,—because I felt sure that she would at least amuse you. Her talents are mathematical & metaphysical,—but her conversation is very able, & brilliant, & entertaining. I cannot fix a day for our visit, tho’ I hope on every account that it may not be a distant one. In the meantime you must believe me when I assure you of the deep value attached by me to every expression of your regard, & of the truth with which I remain

Your sincere friend

E B Barrett–

Address, on integral page: Hugh Stuart Boyd Esqr / Malvern.

Publication: EBB-HSB, pp. 56–57.

Manuscript: Wellesley College.

1. The reference to Lady Mary Shepherd places this letter after no. 312, and the change to a less formal salutation dates it to around July 1828.

2. Speaking of Lady Mary in a letter of 8 June 1836 to Mary Russell Mitford, EBB said “she used to frighten me more than any woman I ever knew. There used to be fear for me even in the pure intellect of her eye. She has uncommon powers of mind & conversation.”

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