SD1296. Anna Brownell Jameson to Lady Noel Byron
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 14, 367–368 (in part).
Florence–
Nov– 12. [1846]
I had the comfort of finding your letter here—a letter so full of interest—so suggestive, that I long to reply to it at length …
I left Pisa with exceeding regret—or rather our friends there. The attachment on all sides seemed to gather strength daily & it was time to part—since our existence was to be of necessity divided– Not often have four persons so different in age, in pursuits—& under such peculiar circumstances been so happy—so harmoniously happy together—however here we are in beautiful Florence—very beautiful—very bright—but also very cold. I have seldom suffered more from cold—for these great Italian houses are wonderfully uncomfortable—I remember it was ever so—but had forgotten the discomfort & only remember[e]d the beauty– We are in a lodging in the Piazza Santa Croce—close to the church– Sir Charles Herbert & his family, old friends of my fathers, are here & are in every respect most kind, cordial & serviceable– The girls are good natured, musical, speak Italian like natives & are pleasant companions for Gerardine—& so far all is well—her genuine delight in the objects of beauty around us is very agreeable to me– I have to contend with some bad habits & some hereditary faults, but the sweetness of the temper & the exceeding quickness of perception render her a charming companion– I am a little afraid of her being led into some dissipation here—of course it depends on myself how far I shall allow it—& I will do my best for her–
When we first arrived here, I went for a day to the Hotel d’York, where the Table d’hote is celebrated for the company & the viands—opposite to me was a lady who immediately fixed my attention—first by the extraordinary beauty & abundance of her hair & then by the strange contrast between this beautiful hair & her face which was oldish & with no pleasing expression—it was the Countess Guiccioli. …
Address: The / Lady Noel Byron / Esher / Surrey / England.
Publication: None traced.
Source: Typescript at Bodleian Library.
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