3546. EBB to Alfred Moulton-Barrett
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 21, 137–138.
[Florence]
[Postmark: 13 April 1855]
<***> [1] over to us & pay us a visit? There is a railroad from Leghorn to Florence, & ten shillings English will bring you by it to our door– (Second class of course– Nobody here travels otherwise–) We will take a bedroom for you, & we will “board & do for you”—you shall be ruined by no manner of means, please to observe, .. & your reproach among men will be wiped away, [2] of never having seen Florence! .. which is worth seeing, I do assure you. Then I shall
<…>
if you can any how– Give us that great pleasure, & let your brotherly affection make it a pleasure to you also–
I was delighted to hear of your occupation at Marseilles– [3] As soon as I heard I wrote for your address, & Arabel omitted to send it directly.
You will scorn to hear English news from me. The worst is that dear little Altham has been ill—though he is well again, thank God. Henrietta’s plans seem uncertain & uncomfortable. In Wimpole Street, they are well. Trippy has emigrated somewhere [4] —(I cant make out where through having missed somehow some note of Arabel’s that was to tell me <she> has given up her old rooms, & is to <be> “walking about” by the time I come. I dare say she will live to write a monody on me. I am very well though—have quite rallied from my attack on the chest in the winter,—& am being slowly fattened on cod’s liver oil, in order to making a decent display in the London stalls after may– Penini thinks it answers .. but that I’m “still a little too gentle”—for a perfect state of convalescence. So he told me today–
I had a letter today <from> Mrs Martin who gives me news that you will be sorry for– I am very sorry– Sir Robert Price is obliged to submit to the sale of his property– [5] I did not k<no>w that such a thing was even apprehended–
Do you like Marseilles? I only know it by passing through– It’s fashionable not to like it. But I like the very scenery, .. that wild, ragged, desolate, stretchy landscape, & the picturesque, coloured population–– Still, as a residence, the agreeableness may be left doubtful.
Write to me & tell me of yourself– And do come, if you can anyhow– Think how near you are! I feel as if almost I could touch you over the sea– Penini would like to see an uncle—‘en attendant’ [6] an elephant– Robert’s best love <***>
Address: À Monsieur / Monsieur Alfred Barrett / Hôtel des Empereurs / Marseille.
Publication: Ronald Hudson, “Elizabeth Barrett Browning and Her Brother Alfred,” Browning Institute Studies, 2 (1974), 142–143.
Manuscript: Eton College Library.
1. One third of half a sheet, which included the signature, has been removed affecting text here and below.
2. Cf. Luke 1:25.
4. Mary Trepsack had moved from lodgings at 26 Welbeck Street to 13 Park Street, near Clarence Gate, Regent’s Park. In 1897 Park Street was renamed Glentworth Street.
5. Foxley, in Herefordshire, the family seat inherited from his father, Sir Uvedale Price.
6. “While waiting for”; the elephant being in Paris.
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