821. EBB to George Goodin Moulton-Barrett
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 5, 63–64.
[Torquay]
[Postmark: 21 June 1841]
Ever dearest Georgie, I write on the only fragment of paper within reach,—my strength being another fragment: for I have been up today & tired by my letter to Papa besides. “Conspiracy!” Yes!– Conspiracy!– That is the word. I beseech you, George, not to acquiesce in it quietly, but to speak for me if you have not spoken & help to avert the evil I have no courage to face, of remaining another year in this miserable place—another year—involving perhaps the rest of my life.
The sending for Occy cd mean only one thing—that some weeks (at least) delay in the removal was contemplated. I must judge of things as I see them—& this is obvious! You say “Dont come to London because we want country air”—& immediately you send for Joc to London!– What am I to infer?– Are you not conspirators?–
Now, Georgie, my dearest kindest Georgie, do try to produce a decision, and let some sort of carriage be sent to me at once. Why not Harman’s? [1] Twenty guineas—what is it, as a consideration?
Dr Scully is nervous about the journey, & will say so. But it is about the journey, about any journey & at any time—and his opinion is that if I have resolved to do it (and i have) it had better be done without loitering. He said himself—“Well—Harman’s carriage is the best means I can recommend,” and he hoped some decision might reach us by tuesday. And now it seems as far off as ever.
As to Clifton .. if I dislike it!– If, George!– There is no if. Why you everyone must know perfectly that there is no hypothesis in the matter. Clifton wd be better than Torquay because any place wd be better—but almost any other place, Salisbury Plain for instance, wd be better than Clifton. My object is to be within reach of London—choose the place & I will thank you all. But then Papa!– He must not be displeased—he must be pleased. He must, Georgie, to please me. But why shd he care for that horrible Clifton? As to the rail-road Dr Scully bids me beware of it. He wont hear of my trying it. And ask Joc what he said about “three days”. I cant help being anxious—& the sort of twilight I am kept in is not likely to do me or anybody good.
Ah Georgie!—if I were well it wd be different!– But as it is, if the thing be not done now, I may be forced into quiescence in this place. And I say solemnly that in such a case not one of my family shall remain with me!– God bless you dear kind George. I dearly love you a<ll—> every on<e.> This f<or> yr private hand.
Ba.
Address: George Goodin Barret Esqr / 3. Paper Buildings / Temple / London.
Publication: B-GB, pp. 62–63.
Manuscript: Pierpont Morgan Library.
1. It is not clear whether this was James C. Harman, coach maker, of 27 Charles St., Tottenham Court Rd., or Samuel Harman, coach builder, of 100 Gt. Russell St.; both are listed in Pigot’s Street Directory of London for 1840.
___________________
