SD979. Henrietta Moulton-Barrett to Mary Minto
Published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 4, 344–345 (in part).
3 Beacon Terrace, Torquay
Janry. 15th Tuesday [1839] [1]
My dear Mary,
Pray don’t be so very angry with me, the first part of your letter was written so indignantly, that I am half afraid to address you, & I dare say your indignation waxes stronger & stronger because I have not replied to you very speedily, but you directed your letter to London, & here I am still in Torquay, consequently I did not receive it quite as soon as you intended me to have done—however I am not going to fill up this sheet with any more apologies, but trust only to your clemencey to forgive me– I would much rather tell you dearest Mary how grateful to you I feel for all the anxiety you express, & for the sincerity of those expressions about our beloved Ba. The winter thank God has hitherto done her no harm; indeed in spite of it, I think we have reason to hope that there is a gradual improvement going on. We could not at this season expect a very rapid one but her being even a little better now, excites us to hope for a much greater improvement when the warm weather comes back to us again– God grant that such a blessing may be ours. We could not have a greater one—but He will do what is best for us– She is not of course able to go out, this you must be aware of. Nor does she often leave her sofa, altho’ she can walk– She looks nicely, & her spirits are generally good– It is a blessing that her happy disposition enables her to bear up so well– I am very fortunate to be allowed so long to be her companion here—it is as you may suppose a great comfort to me but altho’ the pleasure is so great, I am beginning to wish to relinquish it in favor of poor Arabel– We cannot both enjoy it together, but as I have been here so long it is only fair she should have her turn, & I know she must be dreadfully anxious to come, altho’ in the kindness of her heart she refrains from telling me so, but the movements of both of us, depend upon Papa & not on ourselves, therefore we can only wish on the subject– I am happy to say he is with us just now—the second visit he has paid us since we have been in Torquay. I am afraid he will not be able to stay with us very long this time, but he will soon return again– Bro remains with us, indeed he is quite essential to us—perhaps you will be inclined to disbelieve this, for I know he is not your favorite– Georgie was very pleased to hear that you are going on with your singing—& I dare say often dreams of the Gondola, & your French romances. I find you have not forgotten your old propensity of fishing for Complimints—remember dear Mary we English never excel in the accomplishment, as you do in Paris. So how will you bear us when you return– But I am delighted to find you have not yet lost your heart to any of the Parisians. Put a double lock to it, until you return to London—then I will give you leave to let it go as quickly as you may like—but I was very glad to read your opinion of the French character. You discriminate well on this subject—your enthustiastic account of the Marquis de Candeir rather alarmed me– As I know how romantically you are inclined!! Miss Clarke knows something of him– She desires her love & wishes me to ask you to enquire for her the price of Chevellis vocal instruction book—& will you for my information tell me what is the most fashionable material for morning dresses, their prices, & the price of silks–don’t forget, You will certainly write to me again before you return– I was so glad to know that you were coming as soon as March– I hope we shall hear of no change of plans. You do not mentioned Mrs. Minto particularly therefore we can only hope she is quite well– Give her our very kind love– Our dear Sam I am happy to say has not gone back to Jamiaca—I am afraid his sojourn here will not be a very long one, but I will not allow myself to think of his going yet. We have only been a fortnight with him– All the rest of the time he has been in London– I do hope he will come here soon– You must see him dear Mary, & you must like him for my sake– I know not what chance Georgie may have with him!!! Since he has been in London I am sorry to say he has been attacked again with his horrible Jamaica fever & ague– However I trust it is leaving him again– Treppy I hear is in the midst of business, & is only to be seen peeping over heaps of trunks & band boxes– She is packing up & is about to leave her lodgings as her landlady Miss Smith is going to be married to the Gentleman whose constancy deserves such a reward– I know not where Treppy is going to– Annie is paying them a visit in Wimpole Street– Papa says she is looking very well, she & the Gordons were very much pleased with Jersey– The Tulks I believe are at Brighton, they were going there for a week whilst the conclusion was put to the papering of their drawing rooms– Louisa is well—but I fear poor Sophia is not by any means recovered. She still suffers from violent head aches. How I long to hear you play again dear Mary I dare say you excel even more than you used to do– I suppose you have had delightful masters in Paris– The dullness of Torquay has been very much complained of lately, but now the parties are beginning to be in great abundance, there is such a great scarcity of gentlemen here, that even if I had had any inclination to take a Gretna Green excursion—I should not have found a companion in Torquay– Altho’ I am unacquainted with Miss Scarlett may I offer her my congratulations for her approaching nuptials, & my sincere wishes that they may have a happy result– What a good bridesmaid you will make. When are you to be called upon to perform that office? Bro seems to like Torquay—& continues to amuse himself very well—he reads German, sails on the sea, hunts, & plays the agreable to the young ladies, who are much more numerous than young gentlemen– I give up my corners to Ba who will fill them much better <th>an I should do– Write to us soon again & believe me dearest Mary
Your <ever> Affecte
Henrietta Barrett
I am half afraid you will not be able to read my scribble. I have written in such haste.
Address, on integral page: A Mademoiselle / Mademoiselle Minto / 9. Ave d’Aubin / Champs Elysees / Paris.
Publication: None traced.
Manuscript: British Library.
1. Year provided by postmark.
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