SD1416. Alfred Moulton-Barrett to Henrietta Cook
Published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 16, 292 (in part).
[London]
Sunday morn
Instead of going to
Church
[7 April 1850] [1]
My dearest Mrs Cook–
Allow me to congratulate you on your altered condition & may it fulfill every happiness the thoughts of the last five years have led you to hope for. I would not dare attempt to put so high a price on Surtees as you, but I can faithfully say there is no man of my acquaintance in whose hands I would more willingly trust your happiness than in his. Therefore I would dissuade you earnestly from suing for a divorce until it is proved that he is guilty of other crimes than those of poverty– On the other hand let not Surtees imagine that he brings all the honesty & wealth (for there is other wealth than that of £.S.D) your partnership possesses– The experience of the last five! & twenty years, you may tell him with my love; convinces me to the contrary– The particular amount I decline to tell you as it might raise a fire in your cheeks which would consume the rest of this elegant epistle– That would be a pity as the only interesting part is to follow– Governor came down to dinner—looked round the room—“Where’s Henry?” “He is coming immediately.” “Where’s Miss Arabel?” “Got a headache.” Enter Henry T.—“You are a pretty fellow a quarter past seven”—log: the Gov: & no more of the conversation will I detail—suffice it to say that it wandered from Sugar to rails in a most indefatigable manner. & it was not until after Henry had left that he alluded to you with a “Well—this is a curious affair that occurred this morning.” They say he spoke very quietly & calmly—discussed what you had to live on & how you could live on it & having settled those little matters of state he expressed his displeasure at Surtees’s letter & said if he knew where he was to be found he would give him an answer. I tell you just as it was told me the bitter with the sweet. For they were surprised in the way he talked & some prophesy a reconciliation will be effected in course of time. God grant it may be so & turn the Governors heart from so piggish a determination as that of swimming against the stream of happiness. The only really good thing he said was “Thank God I have only one more daughter left & I suppose she will do the same.” Patterns of monkish excellence are his sons, suited for eunnuchs offices in Turkish harems.
You would have been much amused with Foster. He told us almost angrily that he knew nothing of it until after it was over– The Cook he told us was in a violent rage that she was the last– You all managed it very well & it reflects great credit—but next time young lady you do such a thing wear your shawl a little longer as ladies do not wear magnificent silks when on their way to matins– Fosters child met you & could not think whatever you were going to do–
We are going to bully little Alfred when he comes today—shouting out on the staircase—“A Surtees the bridegroom’s man”– Will take care not to do so when he is near the window for fear he might throw himself out– Arabel had a sleepless night on Friday as well she might—but this morning is much better & sits with her mouth open thinking of the Governor but don’t be nervous at this as the summer flies have not made their appearance– With this very lame attempt at a joke I will cease preventing you & Surtees from making pretty speeches to each other & believe me Henrietta that every kind wish & prayer of the “bredren” attend you & yours
Ever your affate Brother
Alfred
Matt Bell desires his kind regards to you & Surtees & prophesies perfect happiness for both.
Publication: None traced.
Manuscript: Armstrong Browning Library, Altham Archive.
1. Dated by reference to Henrietta’s marriage, which occurred the previous day.
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