321. Mary Moulton-Barrett to EBB
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 2, 170–171.
[Cheltenham]
Oct. 1 [1828] [1]
My beloved Ba’s tearful eyes as I parted with her yesterday have hung somewhat heavily on my heart, otherwise, I can assure you it is a thankful one for the success, so far, of our enterprize. One shower of rain was all the disaster we met on our journey, from which, I was amply secured– the scenery, the roads, the carriage, all so delightful, that so far from being tired, I was only sorry when our drive was over—it is nothing! As we drove in to Tewke[sbur]y Cheesey [2] drove out, so that we soon passed him, & called at the Whinyates [3] door for direction to 14 Montpelliers Terrace—leading from Thompsons Walk to the Bath Road. it is not in the Square, therefore not quite so gay as our fancy pictured, but when the hurly burly of the day comes on, I daresay we shall wonder as much at the beaux & belles of the “passing scene” as our rustic heads can bear– the comfort of the house cannot be exceeded the beds luxurious, & cleanliness unrivalled– Pretty entrance with painted lamp,—nice dining room & drawing room above– No french window– My nice white dimity bed room over the drawing room—bed better than my own, & Hentta in a snug tent bed in the corner. There she goes dressed in her grey, & smiles to the music. Not so, for Bummy has her note to write– both my windows open, & a bright morning, assure yourself, my loved Ba that I am delightfully comfortable & well this morng, the better for my journey. Cheesey was at the door just in time to get me comfortably out of the carriage & the “neat handed Phyllis” [4] of the house, had a comfortable fire & tea in a moment– Send Henttas silk band & shoes at the first opportunity.– We find plate & linen here– Kindest of loves & Kisses to all– let us hear dearest James [5] is better
Ever yr fondly attached
Mother
We faintly hear the Music
A grand Fancy private ball on Friday
Address, on integral page: Miss Barrett.
Docket, near address, in EBB’s hand: The very last I ever received from her. One week after it was written, we possessed her no longer—— It has been wet with more bitter tears than were those, the recollection of which hung heavily on her tender heart—but may the Lord’s will be done.
Publication: None traced.
Manuscript: British Library.
1. Year determined by the reference in the docket to Mary Moulton-Barrett’s death. Month and day may be in another’s hand. See letter 94, note 1.
2. Unidentified, but the later reference to him suggests that he may have been driving the vehicle carrying the party’s luggage. Tewkesbury lies between Hope End and Cheltenham.
3. The Whinyates were Cheltenham friends of the Moulton-Barretts, frequently mentioned in family papers.
4. Milton’s “L’Allegro” (1673), line 86.
5. EBB’s uncle, James Graham-Clarke, who was at Hope End.
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