5649. Lady Cowper (1806–80) to RB

As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 32, 14–15.

Wrest Park

Ampthill

Saty [Postmark: 21 October 1865]

Dear Mr Browning,

We are so anxious to see you that we cant help making one other effort. Of course we have no regular party—but only a few pleasant friends. There are several reasons why you should come[:]

1st what difference can 2 days make in your son’s matriculation.

2d we should be so very glad if you wd bring him down here & he could study on the Train & we wd work him out for 4 or 5 hours a day in his room here for the same purpose–

3. I will never mention to your other friends that you came here—so they will not be jealous.

Now if after this you dont come I shall send to the 15. Chapman & Halls & make them pack you off & send you (and I assure you Mr F Chapman will do any thing I ask him)[.] And I shall also let the world know that after having done all you could to return a Liberal member for Herts, [1] you have turned round and are now devoted to Sir E Lytton–!!!

Can you face such terrible consequences? Therefore I expect you & your son on the 13. The 3–40. train from London Shefford North Midland.

Anne Cowper [2]

Address: Robert Browning Esq / 19 Warwick Crescent / Westbourne Terrace / London.

Publication: None traced.

Manuscript: Yale University.

1. i.e., Henry Frederick Cowper (see letter 5622, note 2).

2. Anne Florence Cowper (née de Grey, 1806–80); see letter 5568, note 9.

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