4461. RB to Sophia Eckley
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 26, 239–241.
Siena,
Aug. 7. ’59.
My dear Mrs Eckley,
We receive your kind note of Aug. 4th—& see that you had not received, when you wrote it, my note from this place. Ba has been very ill—more ill than you suppose,—if you think her capable of writing to bid you goodbye from Casa Guidi, or giving Pen lessons: She was so ill at Florence that Grisanowski said nothing could be done for her but to change the air—her strength was absolutely gone—she was carried down-stairs, carried into the railway-carriage, carried up to bed in the Hôtel—& she left Florence in so pitiable a state that Grisanowski set off by the next train and spent two days in the Hôtel with us to be of any use he might: he selected for us, not the beautiful Villa I had set my mind on, but the least commodious of all that were to be let, “on hygéanic grounds” for the quantity of air obtainable in it. We have now been a week here but Ba has never yet been able to walk three steps unsupported, nor to see one human being except our own family, nor write one word—tho’ her own family must be painfully surprised at her silence—which surprise, my own writing to them in her place would only change to consternation. As for Peni, I hear him his lessons. Miss Blagden, who accompanied us to the Station, was so impressed by Ba’s illness that she chose, on her own responsibility, to telegraph to Siena that the people of the Hôtel might be ready to help, & that the Storys might be apprised and do what they could—& accordingly they were waiting and most kind in every way—but Ba has never been able to see or thank one of them ever since, tho’ a week has passed. I did not tell you all this at first, knowing it would grieve you, dear Mrs Eckley—but I cannot let you continue to suppose that she has omitted any mark of the true affection she feels for you of which she has been capable. I shall give you delight, I know, in going on to say that she is much better, tho’ very slowly regaining strength: three nights ago, she coughed the whole of the night without intermission & the daybreak found her quite exhausted—but the cough is much abated now, whether with Grisanowski’s multifarious remedies, or the restorative power of Siena, or its own wearing out. She does not take solids at all, only a little broth,—with a little toast since a day or two: but she is dressed daily & brought in & seated in a large airy room with wind in it at times, enough to turn a mill,—& the intense quiet of the place produces its due effect, no doubt. I am very satisfied that we should have gained less in your gay place—tho’ we certainly should have gained your neighbourhood, and all the delight that it implies. But you will have understood by this time how matters really stand: I trust we shall all meet again soon happily and able to discuss the respective advantages of Lucca & Siena. Perhaps I ought to have written earlier & oftener—but I have much to do, far more than I effectually perform, I fear—& letters written at the worst & expressive of the worst would only have distressed you unavailing—& why should I do that?
Peni thanks you warmly for your letter—thanks dear Doady for his kind memory of him & wishes to be nearer than circumstances have allowed: he will do his best & write directly. Kindest love to David from Ba & myself—& to Miss Eckley. Write & tell us how you are, & be sure that Ba will write the moment she can guide the pen with the little weak hand. I want to ask you a great favor, dear Mrs Eckley: you do not like that portrait of Gordigiani’s—that of Ba. I do like it as I like no other: cede it to me, and try once more with some other painter of your own choice who may succeed better. I shall be glad indeed– I will also take the other, as companion .. & sit, myself, if David likes, to the new painter, whoever he may be,—so shall we all be contented. I should really be most grateful to be allowed to do this—but I can say no more, as you see. [1] Once more, truest love from us two to you all.
Ever yours affectionately
Robert Browning.
Publication: NL, pp. 121–123.
Manuscript: Berg Collection.
1. Mrs. Eckley kept the Gordigiani portraits and later bequeathed them to Pen (see vol. 24, p. 251).
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