4684. EBB to Isa Blagden

As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 28, 36–37.

[Florence]

[mid-June 1860] [1]

I am quite distressed, dearest dear Isa, quite disappointed—& how to advise you to bring other expenses on yourself & fatigues perhaps in vain, it is impossible to see. Nencini seems to think it is not hopeless– If you could get some of the rooms of the 50 scudi villa? If the people would divide it?

You hate Lucca, [2] & your going there that damp month of September might not agree with you. Pray dont in any case, take a ‘cottage’ without seeing it–

I am so very, very sorry. Do you ever think of going for a time .. for a month, say, to those baths you talked of before, & of then trying your chance again at Siena? By that time, the people would probably have dropped down from their prices, & you could get rooms anywhere. Think of it. I dont dare advise.

Your ever loving Ba.

Publication: B-IB, pp. 356–357.

Manuscript: Fitzwilliam Museum.

1. Dated by EBB’s reference to Nencini, the Brownings’ leasing agent in Siena. Her comments indicate that Isa’s plans for Siena are uncertain; by early July they were more definite (see letter 4704).

2. i.e., Bagni di Lucca.

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