5699. RB to Lady Dufferin

As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 32, 47–48.

19 Warwick Crescent

Upper Westbourne Terrace, W.

Feb. 12. [1866] [1]

Dear Lady Dufferin, [2]

I had the honor of an invitation from you for the 15th Inst. which a previous engagement obliged me to forego. I this moment receive an intimation that this engagement is “unavoidably postponed”– I only mention this in order to be at peace with myself,—so that, if by any improbable chance my place should still be vacant, I should not seem indifferent to your kindness. Pray do not be at the pains of replying to this note should all have happened as I expect.

Pray believe me, Dear Lady Dufferin,

Very faithfully yours

Robert Browning.

Publication: None traced.

Manuscript: Armstrong Browning Library.

1. Year provided by RB’s reference to Lady Dufferin’s invitation, which he also mentions in letter 5704.

2. Hariot Georgina Hamilton-Blackwood (née Rowan-Hamilton, 1843–1936), wife of Frederick Temple Hamilton-Blackwood (1826–1902), 5th Baron Dufferin, later Earl of Dufferin (1871), still later Marquess of Dufferin and Ada (1888), diplomat, Viceroy of India (1884–88).

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