5474. RB to Sophia Landor
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 31, 162–163.
19. Warwick Crescent.
Upper Westbourne Terr:
Nov. 4. ’64
Dear Miss Landor,
I heard last night from Mad. Romagnuoli in reply to my letter:—the Banker does not reply yet—I suppose, needing to get the business of the Will settled first. You will find, however, that we might have almost spared him the trouble. Made R. writes that “Mr L’s son has some writing of his father’s last wishes, and all the remaining things here were left to them—which they came and took away, and gave me a receipt which I enclose to you”—and which I re-inclose to you. It is a very characteristic procedure, and quite explains the difficulty apprehended in obtaining the Will. After all, these gentlemen know that their names are appended at least to the informal wills.
Made R. adds “I have the curtain which was bought last winter for Mr L: also, two candlesticks,—they were in the Bank accounts.” (Why did not these valuables follow “Mattress, bolster and quilt”?)
She says “All Mr L’s accounts are closed, that I know of, but Doctor Almanze (?) [1] whom I paid 2 dollars for his last two visits. I met him some days afterward, and he said there were other 6 visits: how this was, I will tell you. He was sent by Mrs West, [2] as her doctor, to see Mr L: the first visit, Mr L. asked me for a dollar for him: but not on the other visits; and I did not know exactly how they were meant”– Depend on it, there will be no interference of the family here! I mean “la famiglia.”
Made R. receives with the utmost gratitude my intimation that the family-proper will express their satisfaction at her endeavours by some such present as you so generously signified. She shall receive it as soon as Brini’s accounts arrive.
Forster will have written to you about the Piano: I only hope you have got it by this time—for, as I found somewhat to your cost, they had been obliged to cut a new front instead of simply changing the silk of the old one,—fearing that they would otherwise make a bad job of it—whence an impossibility of allowing more than 2½ per cent. discount. My own piano cost £110—less 20 per cent, as in your case, and 5. per cent discount:—for which I contended, but in vain, under the different circumstances.
I trust you got home safely and found your Relatives in good health: it was very pleasant to see you here,—you must remember that whenever in the mood to gratify our warm-hearted friends.
With true regards to Mr Landor, [3]
Very faithfully yours
Robt Browning
Publication: None traced.
Manuscript: Yale University.
1. Unidentified.
2. Theresa Cornwallis West (née Whitby, 1806–86); see letter 5023, note 5.
3. Henry Eyres Landor (1780–1866), of Tachbrook, Warwickshire.
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