3860. EBB to Anna Brownell Jameson
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 23, 57–58.
3. Parade. West Cowes.
September 12. [1856] [1]
Dearest Moña Nina, we were carried away in a blast of wind to the south of the Isle of Wight, with my sister & brothers who have gone to Ventnor for two months– Then we came here, where we have been a week, & shall remain a few more days– At first, dear Mr Kenyon struck me as much better than I expected to find him—he looks occasionally like himself .. and his kindness & generous, patient sweetness are always himself, or more– But there are changes—he is feeble, and he suffers the burden of life painfully, .. and I grow gradually sadder about him– Still, if he were younger, I should hope. There is no proof of organic disease of the heart, though abundant proof of symptomatic disarrangement of it. The want of breath is very painful—& plainly it is no asthma. He dines with us everyday, but has never been out since we came,—& complains of increased feebleness, &, every now & then, desires aloud to pass away & be at rest–
Miss Bayley is a very sensible, solicitous nurse,—full of feeling & gentleness, and yet calm & decided. I do not think he could be in better hands in nearly all respects,—but naturally, with my opinions, I should desire a less straightened vision with regard to the remoter conditions of human life. He feels it to be enough however. In affectionate attention she could not be surpassed,—& I, for one, shall always be grateful to her for what she is to him, & has been. I told him this morning of your enquiry, which he heard of with his own old glowing smile. Dear Mr Kenyon!
I am half through my book,—only half; but the printers send proofs after me pretty punctually.
Little Peni looks all the rosier for having seen so much of the sea—and I am tolerably well, though with more cough than usual, through east winds at Ventnor.
Not a word do you say of yourself. Think of persons writing & saying nothing of themselves! Better forget the stamp.
As soon as we get to London, you shall have notice. Mdme Braun is coming, & Mr Kenyon wishes us to wait here till two or three days afterwards. But it’s all very uncertain.
Your most affectionate
Ba–
Address: Mrs Jameson / Ealing / London.
Publication: None traced.
Manuscript: Wellesley College.
1. Year provided by postmark.
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