272. Henrietta Moulton-Barrett to EBB
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 2, 80.
[Hope End]
[ca. October 1827] [1]
My dearest Ba– The sight of Anne rather alarmed us all as we fancied you were ill. I envy you your comfortable room & blazing fire. Arabel slept with me last night we had a stupid evening as you may think—an attempt at Music but a failure. I finished my blue housewife last night but the three drawings will never be done. A thousand thanks for your good account of the Bazaar. James Trant brought me four drawings one of Eastnor, one of Lord Byron & two of the [illegible word] Bridge; he drove Papa to Worcester today. Minny appears all the better for her drive yesterday. Mrs Drummond is certainly to be at the Bazaar but the Monies not as they are going to have a party at Colonel Moneys house Tuesday till Thursday Papa is very angry about it. They are all to dine at Eastnor on Tuesday I do not think you will regret much at not meeting them. I am quite delighted to hear you are to have such a large party. I expected you would stay till Tuesday so I am not very disappointed. I like Lady Margaret! I hope you will make another attempt (at the basket[)] tonight. Papa is to bring the doll from W[orcester]– Mama brought a pretty pattern of a lighter plaid from Mrs D’s but I fear we shall not accomplish it. I gave Occyta your message he says Oh Yes with a very significant nod– Make Anne tell you the bustle there was last night with poor Jack Cook [2] – Bro is gone out to shoot. I wish for you every minute but shall more particularly when we eat our Saturday’s currant pudding. Pray write to me.
Your own
Henrietta
Address, on integral page: Miss Barrett.
Publication: None traced.
Manuscript: Armstrong Browning Library, Altham Archive.
1. Dated by various references, including those about the “blazing fire,” the bazaar, and Occyta, which identify this as an answer to the previous letter.
2. Son of Thomas Cook, one of the tenant-farmers.
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