4050. EBB to Sophia Eckley

As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 24, 142–143.

[Bagni di Lucca]

[?21] [September 1857] [1]

Dearest Sophie, Thank you– I am only tired through driving out just now– Not of you—no, indeed– You cannot tire me–

As to Pen, he is none the worse—& we will talk of getting up a tryst for dear Doady [2] & him when we drive together on wednesday– For on wednesday you may use me just as you like—and I am not afraid that it should be cruelly–

Three people are talking– I cant try to write any more–

Your ever affectionate

EBB.

Publication: None traced.

Manuscript: Berg Collection.

1. Conjectural dating based on EBB’s references to being tired from driving, to Pen being none the worse, and to a planned drive together on Wednesday.

2. “Doady,” “Dody,” and “Do”—pet names for David Eckley, III.

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