5113. RB to Frederic Leighton
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 30, 128.
Ste Marie près Pornic, Loire Inferieure.
Tuesday Septr 23. ’62
Dear Leighton,
I get your note this minute & answer it at once—in a hurry which only admits of the telegraphic style. The “Thursday” you appoint for Cottrell must be October 2—I suppose,—as you were to leave Town on the 25th for a week. I write therefore to Cottrell (Count Cottrell), in complete ignorance of his engagements but sure that he will call on you at 12. if he can—if he can’t, I will ask him to let you know & leave you free. I am very glad you decide on leaving the Designs [1] —as, apart from my own satisfaction in being able to see them, it would be right that Arabel Barrett should see them also.
Ever yours affectionately
Robert Browning.
Should there have been any mistake, thro’ your miscalculating the time of letters reaching this place, and should next Thursday prove the day, after all—will you have the goodness to apprise Cottrell of the mistake by a word & prevent his leaving the country, should he be intending to do so. “Count C. Hadley, near Barnett.” (at his Brother’s)[.] [2]
Publication: None traced.
Manuscript: Armstrong Browning Library.
1. For the monument over EBB’s grave. Undated sketches of Leighton’s designs are reproduced facing p. 272.
2. George Edward Cottrell (1814–89). Barnet is a far northern suburb of London.
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