459. EBB to Lady Margaret Cocks
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 3, 42.
[Hope End]
Monday. [6 August 1832] [1]
I have been so sorry my dear Lady Margaret, to miss seeing you, that I must write a few lines to tell you so. Unfortunately I was told that you were not alone,—and as they are packing the furniture & we are all in great confusion, we could not receive strangers, & did not know until your carriage was out of sight, that Lady Eastnor was your only companion. Therefore I said to my maid—we cannot see anybody—and now I am looking at your cards & repenting.
It would not be fair in me to ask you to take the trouble of driving over here again,—and yet I should like to see you!!– We do not know on what day we go,—but it is likely to be some day very soon—and indeed we have remained here longer than we expected when I wrote the enclosed note [2] to you. I send it just as it is, altho’ so much out of date—for in case I do not see you dear Lady Margaret, here again, it will say to you what I cannot say,—& what perhaps I could not say, even if I had that gratification. Offer our kind remembrances to Lady Eastnor. I hope she is quite well. Do write one line to me, & believe me ever
Yours affectionately
E B Barrett :
Publication: None traced.
Manuscript: James Hervey-Bathurst.
1. EBB said in letter 458 that she would not send it to Lady Margaret “until the beginning of next week.” Letter 460 makes clear that the date first set for the removal to Sidmouth was Wednesday, 8 August. Together, these references date this letter.
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