SD1418. Elizabeth Cook to Henrietta Cook
Published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 16, 293 (in part).
Whitehall
April 7th 50–
My dearest Henrietta,
Words are inadequate to express, what I felt this morng when I first awoke, and recollected, you had overcome your severe trial, and that you were indeed now my daughter in law, which I assure you, gives me most sincere pleasure, and I earnestly hope, you and my dear Son, may enjoy many, many years of uninterrupted happiness together—in which good wish all my family beg most cordially to unite– You can imagine how rejoiced we all were, to see John and Susan return home, with the welcome news, all had gone on well—as you will believe, we felt truly anxious and nervous in their absence– I was very much delighted to hear, dear old Miss Trepsack was at the Church–
I must now my dear Henrietta beg of you to take the greatest care of yourself, after the severe trial your nerves have sustained and do not take too long walking until you have gained a little strength–
We have heard nothing of dear Arabel as yet, but we are in hopes we may receive some tidings of her tomorrow morng I mean to go and see Miss Tripsack [sic] on Tuesday, and to write a line to beg Arabel will meet us there, as I long to see her and hear how things go on with her– Alfred Surtees has been here this morning, in high spirits and brought the key of the Garden Gate, which tell your dear husband, I shall keep for my private use, as it has been so many years in his pocket–
April 8th So far was written yesterday, and I have now to offer you, and my dear William thanks innumerable, for your dear kind letter received this morning, which was really what we did not expect—& has made us so very happy to find you have met with such pleasant and cheap Lodgings– I cannot tell you what pleasure the perusal of your brother Henrys letter, has given us, as John is writing he will enclose it– I hope my dear Henrietta you will let us hear from you often– Susan will write to you very shortly– All my three daughters unite with me, in purest love—to you and my dear Son—ever believe me, to remain my dear Henrietta,
Your Affect mother in law
Elizabeth Cook–
Address: Mrs Surtees Cook / 2 <Oriel> Terrace / Weston-Super-Mare / Somersetshire.
Publication: None traced.
Manuscript: Armstrong Browning Library, Altham Archive.
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