4975. RB to William Surtees Cook
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 29, 244.
7. Delamere Terrace,
Tuesday. [Postmark: 8 October 1861]
My dear Surtees,
I endeavored to break this new calamity to poor Arabel as gently as I could—she suffered deeply, nevertheless: but this morning she is stronger & better– God keep her so for all our sakes! I go to-night to my own lodgings a few doors off [1] —a great happiness do I find it that the removal is no separation whatever—it will be the dearest of privileges to attempt at least to be of some use—however trifling.
She bids me thank you for your goodness & entreat you to keep her apprised of the state of Octavius: she has heard nothing this morning & is full of anxiety in consequence. She also bids me say, in reference to a matter you wrote about in your last letter, “that she considers the demand altogether unjustifyable and to be resisted—and that she suggests Mrs Hedley’s intervention as most proper under the circumstances”.
I wrote yesterday to all the Brothers, [2] knowing what would be their fears for the health of Arabel. They must know,—& you, dear Surtees,—how I feel for them in this trial. Your own sweet little girl [3] is quite well & makes Peni happy with her company.
Ever yours affectionately
Robert Browning.
Address: Major Surtees Cook / Stoke Court / nr Taunton, / Somerset.
Publication: None traced.
Manuscript: In private collection.
1. 1. Chichester Road, Upper Westbourne Terrace.
2. Of RB’s letters written to EBB’s brothers on 7 October 1861, only those to Octavius, George, and Alfred have surfaced.
3. Mary Altham Cook (1852–1950), Surtees’s daughter. She had gone to London with Arabella the previous month. “Dearest Mary went with Arabel, whom we met at the station—to Seaton—and subsequently moved to London” (Surtees, September 1861).
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