4532. RB to Emelyn Story
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 27, 51–52.
[Rome]
Friday Night. [?2 December 1859] [1]
I am very sorry to say, I am engaged to-night: how unlucky I seem to be!
Made Braun writes that the first concert is to take place on Monday, to begin precisely at 3. p.m. [2] What do you say, what does Mr Apthorp [3] say? I know no more of the matter than what was to be gathered from the note which I sent. I do hope I shall see you & Story very soon.
Ever yours most truly
Robert Browning.
I have got a Horse—& shall count on your promise to allow me to accompany your rides whenever you can give me such a pleasure.
Publication: None traced.
Manuscript: University of Pennsylvania.
1. Dating suggested by RB’s “hope” that he shall see the Storys “very soon,” the implication being that he had not seen much of them since arriving in Rome. 2 December 1859 was the second Friday after their arrival on 23 November.
2. At Anne Braun’s apartment in Casa Tarpeia. In letter 4611, EBB writes that Mme. Braun “receives at musical matinees at her own house.”
3. Robert East Apthorp (1811–82), American philanthropist and abolitionist, and his wife, Eliza Henshaw (née Hunt, 1817–1903), were travelling in Europe, partly to educate their son William Foster Apthorp (1848–1913), later a music critic. They arrived in Rome in 1858 with Mrs. Apthorp’s sister, Sarah Henshaw Hunt (1815–95), and their mother, Sarah Swift Henshaw Hunt, widow of Ebenezer Hunt, Jr. The Apthorps went from Rome to Germany and Switzerland, then returned to Rome in October 1859 accompanied by Theodore Parker, remaining there until shortly before his death in April 1860.
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