3130. EBB to William Surtees Cook
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 18, 238.
15 Bentinck street
Oct– 6. [1852] [1]
My dear Surtees,
Thank you for your continued good news of our beloved Henrietta– It is enough to keep the thought of the bleak wind & cold wet sky out of my head—I almost wonder I should cough at all–
For the rest, you are far too complimentary, Surtees, and I am fain to cover my face in these two lingering caps, that modesty & shame may hide themselves together. These last of the caps go to you at last. We asked Peninni this morning, “to whom they belonged,” & he answered “Miss Toot,” .. I cant imagine from what source of information, as none of us ever called the new darling to him by another name than the “new little cousin”. Miss Toot.! I dare say he is the first to show her such respect–
Dearest Henrietta! I do wish I were close to her—and yet I dont want to have to say another farewell– God bless you all– I really cant write a word more, through being overwhelmed with the latter forms of business. People are making petticoats on all sides of me– Arabel sits on the sofa– Robert prophecies that we shant be ready to go on saturday.
The Tennyson christening took place yesterday, but I had to stay at home & let Robert go without me– He nursed the baby for ten or twelve minutes, & it laughed & crowed & never had been seen to be so satisfied with the world, said Tennyson. There was a brilliant breakfast–
Now, goodbye—God bless you– I shall write to my dearest Henrietta from some point of our journey—not now—because it is’nt good for her to read– My true & tender love to her, & the children!
Your ever affectionate sister
Ba–
We like your rooms very much, the people are so obliging– Arabel received the p[ostal]. order safely–
Publication: None traced.
Manuscript: In private collection.
1. Year provided by EBB’s reference to the “Tennyson christening” which took place on 5 October 1852.
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