SD2465. Isa Blagden to Sarianna Browning
Published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 29, 292.
[Florence]
[ca. 6 July 1861]
Dearest Miss Browning
I sent you a letter the other day and I am now rather sorry that I did so, because it may perplex you, however as Mr Browning tells me he has urged you not to come, I hope you may be guided by him for I think now the urgent necessity for your coming is diminished[.] The fact was, I felt a disinclination to direct and advise in certain matters, for fear of not doing exactly what was right and at that time Mr Browning seemed incapable of doing anything himself but he is now better and I shall act now under his directions so that it will not be such a responsibility[.] He has been more wonderfully supported than I can describe. It seems as if the blessing with which she died was on him, for though his grief is acute, it is so tempered by resignation and acquiescence that it does not prevent him attending to all his affairs. He is doing all he can to get off to you—if I can I will go with him as far as Paris, but I am very much shaken and I scarcely think I shall be able. However, I was in any case going to England so I shall follow him later. I have persuaded him to come & sleep here—it is better air, and the walk up does him good—besides the evenings & nights at Casa Guidi would be too horrible. Pen is as well as possible. He does not forget his Mamma at all—likes to talk of her as much as possible, but child-like does not notice the loss—his tears at first so over came his Papa that he tried to stop them—and the shape his grief now takes is taking as much care as he can of his Papa—little womanly attentions he pays him, which are very touching—but of course in general spirits he is much as he usually is. All Mr Browning’s friends do their best. Count Cottrell made all the arrangements for the funeral. Mr Trollope has done all he could[.] Lytton who is at present in Florence comes up nearly every evening to sit with him, but no one can do as much as you will. With you he will slip back naturally into his former life. God bless you & comfort you.
Your’s affly
Isa Blagden
Publication: None traced.
Manuscript: Lilly Library.
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