3874. EBB to Jane Wills-Sandford
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 23, 76.
39. Devonshire Place
Sunday– [5 October 1856] [1]
Dearest Jane,
I know I have been as naughty as usual, which is saying much. But never was anyone so beaten about the head (in a spiritual sense) as I since I arrived– Work, work, work– When it’s all done, which it is’nt yet, I shall read novels for seven years, by way of the necessary rest–
We have been away from London for six weeks, & have only just returned .. away from London at Ventnor, at Cowes, & at Taunton, in visits to friends & sisters—proof-sheets flying after me even then, & keeping me chained for many hours on most days– Now we are here for yet a fortnight, if we can cram our business into it—& then we go to Florence & Rome, or to Algiers! dreadful alternative.
I am glad you are going to live in the South of England if you like it—only dont ask me to do the same, dear Jane.
I am very, very sorry that you should have had so much anxiety, & your sister so much suffering– [2] I would rather have her share than yours– I did’nt write, because I heard of you, I believe .. & was, besides, so distracted with things to do– If I wrote to Sarianna, it was in the most fragmentary way along the hem of Robert’s letters–
Oh yes—do come & see me when you can. Remember that I want you, & am here only for a fortnight now. Love to your sisters—& regards to your father—& much love for yourself from
EBB—
Publication: None traced.
Manuscript: Armstrong Browning Library.
1. Dated by EBB’s reference to having “just returned” to London. The first Sunday after the Brownings’ return on 30 September was 5 October 1856.
2. One of Jane Wills-Sandford’s three sisters: Elizabeth Udney Wills (née Wills-Sandford, 1820–73), Ellen Maria Sarah (1827–1901), and Caroline Julia (1834–1915).
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