5434. RB to Emelyn Story
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 31, 102–103.
[London]
Tuesday Mg [2 August 1864] [1]
Dear Mrs Story,
You got my goodbye this morning. I am not a bit the better for this new temptation of yours, coupled as it is with the news of Story’s being unwell. We go tomorrow the first thing: you may be still in England when we return, as we hope to do at the beginning of October: I shall write to you when we settle, and direct to Mount Felix. [2] Had I time I could no doubt get you tickets for to-morrow: as it is, I inclose mine, which will never be enquired about. Give it Mrs Sturgis with my true thanks for her goodness again & again even to this last time.
So once more, as Italian usages allow, I embrace you all!
Ever affte yours
RB.
Oh, don’t let me forget to say that the admirable Benzon, [3] —how can I be grateful enough for it, has produced his effect and gained me my lawful gains from friend Fields– I am paid in full,—for the last book,—& can hardly believe it yet.
Publication: None traced.
Manuscript: Armstrong Browning Library.
1. Date based on RB’s mention of leaving England the next day (in 1864 he and Pen left for their summer holiday on August 3rd) and the payment “from friend Fields” (see letter 5432).
2. The home of the Russell Sturgises (see letter 5162, note 2).
3. Presumably, Ernst Benzon, whose half-brother Sebastian B. Schlesinger lived in Boston, where the firm of Ticknor and Fields was located.
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