SD2399. Arabella Moulton-Barrett to Alfred Moulton-Barrett

Published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 28, 358.

[Stoke Court, near Taunton]

[ca. 10 September 1860]

My dearest Alfred,

Will you by return of post, send me a true & faithful account of all I owe you for butter chickens, &c & sugar, that I may send the money by Storm. This debt to you, is quite on my conscience so do let me know exactly what it is. This going away of them all from here, is a dreadful business—& how Henrietta will bear it, I don’t know—but of course poor Storm can’t stay on here for ever. It is a great expense to Surtees, to say nothing else– George is going to take lodgings in a house close by, for a month. How long I may be here it is impossible to say. This sad & distressing illness is likely to be a very long one– The medical man the other day, talked of “many years” it might be– At any rate, I shall stay until they get a governess as I am useful in teaching the children & even then, I shall not like leaving Henrietta until she is very much better, if it so pleases God to restore her– I am afraid Lizzie will not like spending another winter at Bryngwyn—but a winter is soon over—& when nothing else could be done, she will wisely reconcile herself to the necessity. I trust you will all have a happy winter. Poor dearest Storm has had a sad commencement on his return home– You must all try to make his home bright & happy for him to compensate in some measure– Give my best love to dearest Lizzie, & a kiss to darling Baby–

Dearest Alfred,

Your affecte

Arabel

Publication: None traced.

Manuscript: Eton College Library.

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