SD1426. Jane Hedley & Robert Hedley (uncle) to Henrietta Cook
Published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 16, 296 (in part).
Tours. en France.
April 10th 1850.
My dear Henrietta
Is it really true that you have at last forsaken the state of single blessedness & given away your heart & hand? Well you know I long ago suspected that those early risings & praise worthy attention to your religious duties portended something or other, but you are such curious people in Wimpole St & carry on your affairs with so much mystery that one never knows what is about to happen.
The news however is come from such good authority, your own sister Arabella, that we cannot any longer doubt that you have followed the good example of dearest Ba, & not only so, but you have improved upon it & avoided the only little rock, or great rock, which was the flaw in her marriage settlement.
Most sincerely & heartily do both your Aunt & I join in sending you our warmest congratulations upon this important event what we hope will realize the greatest possible happiness to you & your Husband– I am sure you deserve it for your patience, & the many trials you have gone through—& I have often said what an excellent little wife you wd make, & how lucky wd that man be who shd gain such a prize. I will not say any thing upon a subject that must of course be painful to you let us hope that the hard decree will soon be rebutted—for nothing can be laid to your charge inconsistent with filial ties of duty & affection.
I have an opportunity of sending this by a private hand to England and with it a little Bridal present, which I hope you will do us the favor to accept & wear in remembrance of your Aunt Jane & Uncle Hedley.
Should you ever come to Paris without coming on here to pay us a visit, I shd never forgive you so remember– Your Aunt has been very unwell from an attack of Influenza, which has left her very week [sic]—and her general health is not at all what I shd wish to see it. Your cousins are quite well & join in the voice of congratulations—also your Uncle James, who is staying with us at this moment. The cold weather has cut him up a little but I trust he will soon be well again–
God bless you, my dear Henrietta. Our kindest regards to your Husband. I remain always
Yrs most affectly
Robt Hedley.
We shall be at home till the end of June—so fix your time to come & let us know.
[Continued by Jane Hedley on inside flap of envelope]
Uncle Hedley’s letter is open, I make use of his envelope– Emily Butler has written to me, & desires all loves & congratulations to you & her “cousinly remembrances” to Surtees.
Address: Mrs Surtees Cook / Mr Creedy’s / High Street / Taunton / Somersetshire.
Publication: None traced.
Manuscript: Armstrong Browning Library, Altham Archive.
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