4829. RB to George Goodin Moulton-Barrett
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 28, 327–328.
Rome, Via Felice 126.
Feb. 12. ’61.
My dear George,
Arabel asks for information on a point or two concerning the business of the Trust-deed which you have so kindly taken on yourself. I have no attorney (here you may imagine an internal thanksgiving of mine) in London nor elsewhere: I did not know Mr Hawthorne [1] was one,—simply that he is Mr Kenyon’s executor who, in that capacity, wrote to me mentioning that he had the Deed in his keeping and asking what I wished him to do with it: he offered to be of any possible use, I remember—and if he still officiates as Drawer of Deeds, you can use your discretion in applying to him now—but, understand, that I leave the matter wholly in your hands, with entire confidence.
I have received an answer from Chorley which may cause a new embarrassment: he says he will do exactly as I wish “but—he must say—he had already written to Arnould to suggest that somebody else should be substituted as Trustee for himself, Chorley, seeing that his inexperience of business, his uncertain health &c &c made him a sorry help at need”—I don’t know how much of this is real diffidence & how much pique [2] —but I am bound, I suppose, to tell him politely that if he really wishes to rid himself of the trouble he would better mention it now—when the deed is being concocted—as there will be a saving of as much again trouble and expense at some future period if his apprehensions fairly get the better of him– So I shall direct him to give a decisive answer to you, (care of Arabel) and on that decision you can act. I need not say that yourself, sole and absolute disposer of Ba’s & Pen’s belongings after my death, would suit me most: but you are delicate,—which I understand, and may insist on a coadjutor—in that case,—dear George, pray press into the office anybody, whom yourself would trust in a like matter. You must be able to find such an one,—and I entreat you to do so—it being altogether an arrangement for the convenience of your sister & her child.
I never did more than “skim” the Deed in question, having merely begged Mr K. to prepare one which should secure the whole of Ba’s money to herself in case of my death,—and this was done,—as an outward & visible sign rather than for any good, since I knew what course I should take then, & hereafter by my will. I say this to show that you will have no trouble during my life,—you must not be more than amused, for instance, by Ba’s unpatriotic proposals to sell out & transfer stock,—her’s will always yield the respectable 3% less income-tax: [3] my own (i.e, that portion of hers which comes to me nominally) I deal with after my own fashion,—(and have invested a trifle, a month ago, at 6% which I have no kind of fear about, I would have you to know!) Seriously, you will do all this, troublesome as it is, for the love of Ba, and in consideration of the entire love & trust she has in you,—impulses which I cordially approve of & sympathise with. I write therefore to Chorley by this post, and you can act upon his answer at once. Take my truest thanks beforehand, and believe me, dear George,
Yours affectionately ever
R Browning
Publication: B-GB, pp. 268–270.
Manuscript: Pierpont Morgan Library.
1. Robert Hawthorn, co-executor of the will of John Kenyon (see letter 3931, note 7).
2. See the third paragraph in letter 4633.
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