SD1756. Henrietta Cook to William Surtees Cook
Published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 20, 370 (in part).
Wilton
June 12th [1854] [1]
My beloved Surtees,
Your two letters came to me this morng– I sent Esther to the P.O. to try & get one for me yesterday afternoon, but all was shut up—so I had to wait patiently—thanks |many| for writing to me so often, when you have so much to do– You are always kind– The lodgings seem very dear, but we must make the best of it—& to say nothing of the pains of our separation, it is only prudent, that we should be together as soon as we can– Most heartily do I rejoice at the idea of seeing you my own dearest Surtees next Thursday– I shall have all ready for you– Dear Mrs Cook talked of leaving us for Bath the same day you arrive—but I tell her I am sure you would like to have a quiet eveng with her, & if we are to go the day after you come, I do not see why that should oblige her to go the day before– However she will not write to the Gardners to settle any day until after post tomorrow, when we may hear something more from you– She does not seem to have any fears about going to Bath by herself—her friends must come down to the station at Bath for her, she is much better I am happy to say today—looks quite herself again– I am sorry to tell you I have been sadly disappointed this morng, our house was put in first rate order expecting the arrival of Capt & Mrs Charlewood– Mr Surtees arrived alone <…> & that Mary had a note from his sister to say that her husband had had notes from the H.Q. to go to London immediately. She supposes, it is for orders for active service, he is now on half pay– Mr Surtees thinks that in the case of his employment she will live with her aunts & will not require a house but in a few days she says their plans will be arranged—he begged that we should take the first offer for this house, & not trust to their uncertainties!– I fear you will be disappointed too, but they may take the house still, only we must not depend on them—after Mr Surtees went away, I thought I would go to the Academy, & let Miss Villiers know, that we had not let our house, <Altham &> I walked there but none were at home so we did nothing but leave our P.D.A. cards—we called on the Dovetons to wish them good bye in returning, Capt Doveton is returned looks better, he says he must try to see you when you come, wanted to know a great deal about the regiment &c &c– Robin was here this morng, & lunched with us—wanted to know if he could do any thing for us—he asked if there were any rooms in barracks for us—the conversation ended by an argument about Hentta Butler his taking her part strongly– Dearest Surtees what do you think the price of my |great box| is? 15!!! I am quite shocked about it—but I fear it is of no use asking Dyer to take it back. Mrs Cook thinks it very cheap, it will certainly keep my drapes beautifully wherever I may be, but what will you say to the price– I don’t think the carriage of it will be much, as it is not a heavy box– Our darling Mary is herself again today—Altham has a little cold in his throat, & not looking very well yesterday. I gave him some [illegible word] last night—they are constantly asking about “Papa”– We have had no more frights– Brown is on the alert, & was parading in front of our house at five o clock in the |morning| the night after Jolly’s barking—he sent me a message to say he would always come for the letters every day at 7, & would do any thing we had to do– Martha will pack the hampers—I go now to write the inventory—the house is thoroughly cleaned– I sent the kitchen blind to be done– We all unite in very best love to our very dear Surtees–
His own
Henrietta
Address: Captain Surtees Cook / 1st Somerset Militia / Plymouth.
Publication: None traced.
Manuscript: Armstrong Browning Library, Altham Archive.
1. Year is provided by postmark.
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