SD1843. Alfred Moulton-Barrett to Henrietta Cook
Published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 21, 378–379 (in part).
Fontainebleau
2 August 1855
My dearest Henrietta,
In accordance with what you have heard from Wimpole Street, I have to tell you that the deed has been done– I am a married Man—and as I gave you my sympathy & moreover as you have always shewn the kindest love towards me I ask you to say & do all you can to soften the hard judgments there may be passed against me–
You must know my dearest Henrietta that I have loved Lizzie for years—for a long, long time we have been engaged—& engaged with the perfect concurrence and approval of those who have for the greater term of our engagement taken the liveliest interest in her.
The marriage occurred yesterday in the Embassy at Paris—her cousin George Ryves—a most particularly nice fellow—gave her away & her aunt Mrs Ryves, was present at the ceremony.
The opponents to my marriage—at least those, whose opinion I have any cause to respect—argue my insufficiency of means—I reply—since Liz has means of her own more than ample to defray the extra expense & since my employment is more certain than lookers on suppose, I consider myself justified–
I cannot write more today but will in a few days send you a copy of a letter which was forwarded the Governor & which he never deigned to notice–
I shall announce the fact to him by this night’s post– No further supplication—he has thrown me off ages ago—& I will not pretend to own that which I do not possess.
Lizzie sends her kindest love to you & begs with me that you will give her the sympathy of a sister–
My love to Surtees—tell him I smoked five cigars the day of my marriage– Timothy Titmouse all the world over save & except the “Ten thousand a year.”
We leave tomorrow en route for Marseilles– I have sent cards to no one– I was told that the publication of my marriage would set ones claimants enquiring & so have said nothing– I shall write to Ba—you never saw such a handsome lad Penini has become—he was the wonder of Marseilles.
Ever yrs
my dearest Henrietta
most affectionately
Alfred–
Publication: None traced.
Manuscript: Armstrong Browning Library, Altham Archive.
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