4580. RB to Emelyn Story

As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 27, 144–145.

[Rome]

Tuesday Eg [?17 January 1860] [1]

Dear Mrs Story,

We were expecting to be able to enjoy your company this evening in case you were good enough to give it us: my wife, however, continues so unwell that I feel you would prefer any other evening to this: will you understand & forgive us? (for I too remain worried by my vile cold, & have kept the house again all day)[.]

I send the “Westminster”—which you can, if you please, transmit to Mr Parker when you have done with it.

Ever yours most truly,

R Browning.

Publication: BAF, p. 57.

Manuscript: University of Texas.

1. Conjectural date suggested by EBB’s references to her being unwell and to RB’s cold. In letter 4582, EBB tells Isa that she had been “very unwell” and confined to her bed for a week. RB’s comments here and EBB’s in letter 4575 indicate that her illness had only begun.

___________________