SD1952. Frederick Oldfield Ward to Georgina Cowper

Published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 23, 247 (in part).

[London]

[?1] [August 1856] [1]

Dear Mrs Cowper

Browning proposes “punctual 7”; which, as you kindly sent the letter on, I shall assume that you accept.

On making a diagram as below I percieve [sic] that a lady is wanted to give mathematical completeness to our circle: thus

[ART]

Now, have you any friend who would like to meet the Brownings, and whose presence would also be agreable to you? I should be so pleased to receive any one who came with you; for, in my fancy, you are the queen of this little reunion, and, queen-like, should be attended by a maid of honor. Is this too fantastical a notion? if so give the least little shake of your head et tout sera dit. … ápropos—I think you must have been puzzled if you read through my note to Browning. The fact is that—though he is a capital fellow at heart—I have observed him sometimes of late years a little restless and distrait—& I thought it well to indicate the tone of our group by describing its reverse. For you will better appreciate & enjoy this finely touched spirit, if also it be finely tuned; a condition by which the poet himself may also permanently profit. This, of course, entre nous.

Ever faithfully yours

F O Ward

Address, on integral page: The hon / Mrs Cowper / 17 Curzon St / Mayfair.

Publication: None traced.

Manuscript: Armstrong Browning Library.

1. Conjecturally dated the day previous to the event under discussion which occurred on Saturday, 2 August 1856 (see letter 3829).

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