SD1425. Susannah Cook to Henrietta Cook
Published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 16, 295–296 (in part).
Whitehall
April 10th /50
My dearest Henrietta
So many letters have been dispatched to you from here, that I thought I would put off mine for a day or two particularly as I was able to wish you joy in person on Saturday morning. Believe me dearest Henrietta there is no one more rejoiced than myself at your happiness & oh how thankful do we all feel for such a sister. I am sure there never were two such fortunate people as you and Surtees—it would be impossible to say which ought to be most congratulated– I know Mama & John have both expressed our feelings of happiness in having you in our family but I must add from myself how seriously I share in those feelings—& most truely do I give you a sister’s love. And may you both long live to enjoy your happiness. Your happy letters have been such a pleasure to us. Mama begs I will thank you very much for your most interesting & kind one received this morning for the accounts of the marketing amused us exceedingly. What a cheap place Weston seems, with such prices your income will be quite grand. I rejoice with you dear Henrietta most sincerely in the kind and handsome conduct of your brothers, they have shown what good hearts they all have. The row on Sunday was what was to be expected but I certainly think there is great hope of his giving way—at any rate we must look to the bright side– Thank you much for sending us Alfred & Sept’s letters to read—we were so pleased & amused with them. They are capital. Mama & I had the pleasure of seeing Arabel yesterday at Miss Trepsack’s. I have not seen her looking so well for a long time—& in such high spirits, her own loneliness is quite forgotten in thinking of your happiness– She told us all about Sunday evening, but thinks nothing more will now be said. She says the sympathy & kindness of her brothers is such a comfort to her—we stayed with Miss Trepsack until 1/2 past six– I think she was pleased at our going to see her. Arabel left at six to attend some School & when we came away Miss Trepsack was just going to start to dine in Wimpole Street. Arabel is coming down here some day soon. How much we talked of you both yesterday I daresay you can have some small idea. Every body says the sooner Arabel follows your example the better—& I hope she will manage as well as you did everything and arranged so well, & you behaved dear Henrietta splendidly—how delightful it was to see your face lighten up after the ceremony. You will be quite sorry to leave Weston Super Mare, and ideal weather—pray what does Surtees bring home in his basket? The mackerel? & how I should like to see you trotting about–
Yesterday Mrs Reynolds called to congratulate. Mama & I were not at home, but May & John saw her—they said she was most kind, & expressed herself so very much pleased, & approving of all you have done– Today Mrs Owen & Mrs Bayford came to offer their good wishes. Mrs Owen seemed quite enchanted & thinking it is quite glorious. What a pleasing person she is. She talked of you with the greatest affection. Tell Surtees his God-mother (Aunt Bell) wrote this Sunday a very touching letter—& begged us to convey her own & her sister’s most sincere good wishes to you both–
Poor Mary has been very ill the last few days, & to-day was so very bad we sent for Dr Todd—she suffered all night with the Tic. The Doctor says it is excessive debility– She seems a little better now.
I must send off this scrawl as it is past nine– All send their best & kindest love to your husband–
Believe me
My dearest Henrietta
Ever yr most affect Sister
Susan Cook
Treppy would make us all drink yr healths in cherry brandy yesterday–
Address: Mrs Surtees Cook / 2 Oriel Terrace / Weston Super Mare / Somerset.
Publication: None traced.
Manuscript: Armstrong Browning Library, Altham Archive.
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