345. Henrietta Moulton-Barrett to EBB
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 2, 203–204.
[Hope End]
[ca. 5 July 1829] [1]
My own dearest Ba/. Well! you have got me into a pretty scrape. How I shall ever look at Henry’s face again I know not– Sitting in the school room in my robe de chambre whilst Anne was doing something to my frock, in walked Henry– To conceal my self was impossible & it was as much as I could do to utter a syllable– His distress was very visible which put me still more to the blush– He walked to the fire place looked at the pictures & got out of the room as quick as he could. Can you tell me what I can do for I am almost out of my senses I am so perfectly ashamed– The boys declare that they will say something about it to him but I think this will be making bad worse. I have not been able to do any thing since so you must forgive me if I have not sent you what you wanted. Ask Mrs Trant if she thinks Henry will ever forget it– You were very good to write to me yesterday & today. I have no sarcasm for you today– Bummy was very much pleased with your Bulletin to her– I think you will be surprised to know that I am indeed going to the Biddulphs tonight or rather that they are coming for me. I would not tell you before as I fancied you would be fidgetting yourself about your return home– But my short absence cannot—& must not have any weight with you as I shall I think return tomorrow at least if I possibly can. Dear Bummy insists upon my going therefore I could not say Nay. She will be very comfortable with Arabel & Bro. I should have made her very angry had I refused– I do not think you can leave Mrs Trant till Dominic comes it would be cruel to deprive her of the comfort of your society– He must come soon I should suppose & I do really expect to see Papa with him. We have had much trouble in persuading Henry to dine with us today as he had so many fears that he would be neglecting you I have seen him since my interview when I was en deshabille– I have been so interrupted in this that I know not what I have written– I expect the Biddulphs every minute & I must help Bummy to arrange the room. God bless my beloved Ba
Her own Henrietta
Best love to Mrs Trant– I shall come tomorrow–
We have sent you & Mrs Trant a very little tiny piece of cake but we were obliged to give all the boys some.
Address, on integral page: Miss Barrett.
Publication: None traced.
Manuscript: Armstrong Browning Library, Altham Archive.
1. Dated by reference to EBB’s having written “yesterday & today,” and to the expected arrival of Dominick Trant.
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