SD1280. William Johnson Fox to Eliza Flower
Published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 14, 363 (in part).
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[ca. October 1846]
The Yarnolds are at Florence. If you remember I mentioned that eighteen months ago almost, when your going abroad for a time was first discussed. The climate is described as fine and healthy; but the winters are colder than at Pisa. What say you to the latter, and arranging with the Brownings? You might remunerate them by the good offices of mediation and reconciliation which may be required. I wonder whether she is still angry with anybody that does not understand Sordello? She almost quarrelled with H. Martineau for her want of perception.
Forster never heard of the Browning marriage till the proof of the newspaper notice was sent; when he went into one of his great passions at the supposed hoax, ordered up the compositor to have a swear at him, and demanded to see the MS. from which it was taken; so it was brought, and he instantly recognised the hand of Browning’s sister. Next day come a letter from R.B. saying he had often meant to tell him or write of it, but hesitated between the two, and neglected both. She was better, and a winter in Italy had been recommended some months ago.
Text: Richard Garnett and Edward Garnett, The Life of W.J. Fox (London, 1910), p. 277.
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