4095. EBB to Euphrasia Fanny Haworth

As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 24, 213–214.

[Florence]

[mid-November 1857] [1]

Now am I horribly vexed dearest Fanny– Is it possible that you cant come to us this evening to meet Mrs Newton Crosland? (Of course I think of myself first.). Mr Trollope is to be here too. If you get to feel a little better & inclined to throw something over your head, & so come sealed up in an envelope .. !– Only dont really hurt yourself dear Fanny. I have not the heart of a tiger quite. It is warmer today which makes me more hopeful.

Otherwise, I am very very sorry that you should suffer more vexations from England,—& also that you are not well.

The sittingroom for two would not please me much, & I cant see why the Double [2] should not be content with the dining-room or another. By the way Penini maintained to me yesterday that her name was Fanny Haworth. Thank you for the letter which I shall read with interest when I am no longer keeping your messenger–

Ever & lovingly yours

in great haste, Ba

I was just going to send & beg you to come tonight.

Publication: None traced.

Manuscript: Fitzwilliam Museum.

1. Dating suggested by the presence of Camilla Crosland and Fanny Haworth in Florence. Mrs. Crosland visited the city from late October to late November 1857 (see letters 4087 and 4101). Miss Haworth arrived sometime between 7 November and 22 November 1857. On the earlier date EBB wrote that Wilson had still not let her apartment (see letter 4093); by 22 November she had let it to Miss Haworth (see letter 4100).

2. EBB refers to “the Double” later as “Miss W,” but we have been unable to identify her further. “Double” is explained in letter 4101. She and Miss Haworth were renting rooms from Wilson at 1905 Via Maggio.

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