SD999.1. Henrietta Willoughby Barrett to Samuel Goodin Barrett & Maria Barrett
Addendum to The Brownings’ Correspondence, vol. 4.
Cheltenham
April twenty-ninth 1839
My very dearest Brother and Sister,
I came here with my most kind and dear Aunt Lee and much has happened since I arrived. I have met a person who has decided my future fate in fact if all goes well on the 23d of May I shall at the altar resign my independence and promise to love and obey as husband Mr deCourcy Dashwood is the second son of Sir Charles Dashwood his mother is aunt to the present Lord Kinsale on both sides this family is the very best—he is 33 ten years older than myself. At present he has not much but at Sir Charles’ death his money will be divided between his two sons and he should have 400 more. Now he must manage upon 900 p year and well we shall manage—deCourcy knows the value of money. he has seen the world and [is] able to manage. I need not tell you how much I love him to tell you how devoted he is to me is beyond discription [sic] both Father and son have behaved in a most noble honourable manner—all my money is settled on myself except 2 thousand pounds which he keeps not to spend in any case of emergency dearest Sam and Maria I am happy indeed Sam I cannot tell you all dearest de Courcy’s worth, high honourable feelings, high principles, and his affectionate generous heart– I love him most truly most devotedly and the way his family have united me is truly gratifying– Sir Charles and Lady Dashwood are here my kind and dearest Aunt has allowed my wedding to take place here and I have gladly and gratefully accepted her offer, we go to Bryngwyn for a short time on our way to Scotland when all is over send me your congratulations your sympathy in my happiness write to dearest de Courcy in your best, accept him as your brother and bless us both– I am too too happy and am grateful to God– [illegible words] You may fancy the sort of state I am in—a delirium of happiness– God bless you and yours is the earnest prayer of
your affectionat[e]ly attached sister
H Willoughby Barrett.
|Dulcey| Bell is here– I saw her yesterday. She is looking well and says she has written to you– I saw Mr and Mrs Bell of [illegible word] when they were here– Little bessy as you call her looking ill. My ever dearest deCourcy is so anxious to know you both– I expect him every moment– Poor uncle Martin has been so ill an attack of the nerves of his left arm– The Doctors fear it is the [illegible word] poor man
Address, on integral page: Samuel Goodin Barrett Esqr / The Spring / Jamaica.
Publication: None traced.
Manuscript: Eve Brims.
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