5123. Sophia Landor to RB
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 30, 141–142.
Tachbrooke.
Octr 16th [1862] [1]
Dear Mr Browning
I hasten, as soon as I can, to relieve you of vexation & annoyance regarding the correspondence with my Uncle Walter; pray think no more about it, for no harm has been done: you have given me credit for more wisdom, influence & power of usefulness than I am endowed with, that is all. I did hesitate about showing my Uncle Walter’s letter to my Uncle Henry & came to the conclusion that I dare not withhold it, for the following reasons: I have in fact no authority to act or speak for my Uncle Henry, as if I were in any way his representative & he is so distrustful, that when compelled to act for him, I do it with great hesitation & fear. With much that is generous & kind in his disposition, there are also some things the reverse. Nature & habit have combined to render him a thoroughly cautious man of business, careful not to commit himself & distrustful of others, especially of Nephews & Nieces, whom he has ever regarded with suspicious eyes. It was not till after many years of filial attention to his maiden Sister [2] & ample proof of integrity, that he began to entertain the hope there might be some good in those unpleasant appendages; & tho’ my attendance upon himself, of late years, has to some extent allayed his distrust, yet it is by no means eradicated & were he ever to discover that such a letter as the one in question had been in my hands & I had withheld it, he wld have been greatly displeased. It seemed to me that such a discovery was very possible, therefore as he happened to be very well at the time, I determined to pursue my usual course & have no secret that cld be avoided. As far as he is concerned, I think the result has been good: he has been always expecting appeals of some kind from his Brother, he now thinks he has quieted him, at least for a time: he will scarcely be surprised if he receives no answer & in a few weeks probably it will be altogether forgotten. You must not suppose that the annoyance occasioned was quite equal to the expressions used; my Uncle is apt to express himself strongly. But I shld not always venture to do as I did on this occasion; if he had been at all unwell, it wld have done mischief & in that case I must have returned the letter, unread by him. To own truth, I did not expect that you wld forward it to Italy, unless moved to do so by more urgent solicitations, & since the report you have received from Miss Blagden, it wd be almost cruel to do so: but it is yours to use as you may find expedient. I shall not say anything of Miss Blagden’s report, it is only what we ought to expect & my Uncle’s constitution is so strong, the season of decay may be long, even at his age. I have always expected he will be the survivor of the 3 & feel far more anxiety that his last days shld be passed in peace & comfort, than that they shld be long protracted. Oh! that the noble gifts with which he has been endowed, had been better employed, & that, at least these last hours, might be devoted to preparation for a better life!
I am grieved & vexed about the Pictures & the trouble & annoyance thrown on you, but you will do what is kindest & best. On this subject I say nothing to my Uncle, it in no way relates to him & therefore it is not needful to let him know of it. I am thankful to say he continues well: my Sister left us yesterday. Today I have a cheerful letter from the Forsters, I hope she is gaining ground now. I fear my long letter will weary you, pray pardon all that is needless & believe me
Gratefully & Sincerely Yrs
Sophia Landor
Publication: None traced.
Manuscript: Yale University.
1. Year provided by Miss Landor’s reference to her uncle Henry’s letter, which she had discussed in letter 5120.
2. Elizabeth Savage Landor (1776–1854); see letter 4739, note 1.
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