SD2002. Alfred Moulton-Barrett to Henrietta Cook
Published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 23, 259 (in part).
Funchal
5 Decr. 1856
My dearest Henrietta
I pretty considerably guess that my dear little wife has not a little astonished you—first by her appearance; & last; but not least; that she should have made it without an invitation from you.
You & Surtees were so kind to agree to guard her & her wants, at the moment I left England; we have translated that to extend to the present moment– I have no doubt we are wrong—impudent etc—(add to this, a whole host of expletives)—but, we had such a capital opportunity of getting over the expense of the journey—thereby putting £20 in our pocket—that we could not resist risking your anger—however, my dear Henrietta, be frank & open with her—should she be in the way, in the slightest degree, all that we ask of you, is to house her for a day or two’s rest; & then that Surtees should see her to the train for London.
If you should be able to let her stay with you—it would & could be only on one condition—& that is, you are put to no expense whatever– You know I have been receiving a good income for the time—nearly £600 a year—& although there have been heavy expenses connected with it; still, thank God, Liz can afford to pay her way—and although I know it to be disagreeable, wretched & perhaps offensive—I would argue in favor of our being sensible– I promise you, some day or another, to receive you under our roof on precisely the same terms—that is; if you will honor us–
You must know we could not agree to your housing Liz for three weeks—the time I shall remain in Madeira—unless you agreed to our proposition—and I assure it would take a great weight off both our minds, if we thought you would be so kind–
Otherwise, my poor little wife—must go to London—into our Pimlico Lodgings—& wait my return in single wretchedness– Do—do—be kind as I know you can be– Let it be a secret between you & Liz—not known to either Surtees or myself– Do! Do!!
Liz will tell you what news there may be here—you must look at her drawings—she has worked hard–
Give my love to Surtees & the children– I hear Altham is outheroding Herod–
Believe me
Yrs most affectly
Alfred–
Address: Mrs Surtees Cook / Wilton / near Taunton.
Publication: None traced.
Manuscript: Armstrong Browning Library, Altham Archive.
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