SD728. Henrietta Moulton-Barrett to Angela Bayford Owen
Published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 2, 368 (in part).
[Hope End]
[July 1830]
I am too happy to take advantage of dear Mr Owen’s permission to take half of what he has left to write to my dearest friend. Wd that I could tell her how much I love her by word of mouth—it appears hard that I cannot do so when I think how very near she is to us but it must be so. I confess that at first I could not [illegible word] any excuse, but when I heard all it was no longer possible either to express or feel the selfish wish. I do thank God & rejoice for all the happiness you enjoy, my dearest Angela, for indeed you seem to possess every blessing this world can afford—a husband more attached or more worthy of your love I suppose there cannot be. May you ever continue to be equally blessed. The little secret (you may guess what it is) gives me great delight. Oh that the anticipated happiness may be realized. Do write as often as you can to say how you are. There are so many subjects of deep deep interest that I know not which to give place to first in my narrow compress. That of regret I believe I must have most at heart, but I pray that it may in a short time be changed into one of congratulations as well as the other. You have the comfort to know that she has the best human assistance & if it be God’s will she should be restored she will be. I think her case cannot be more alarming than Sir Thomas’s. See what a complete recovery that is. I cannot help laughing when I think of dear Emily that she should have done so much in a little time it amuses & interests us equally. I would give worlds to see the admired swain. I do hope that it may all be arranged satisfactorily—it promises extremely well. Mr Owen has promised to let us hear how it is going on. He has made us laugh heartily at the detail of all the interesting adventures. Before I finish I must thank you for the pleasure we have enjoyed in his delightful society of the part of yourself. A good-bye is not often said with so much regret as ours was today– Our consolation was left in his promise that you should both come here next year if we are all living. This promise cannot be forgotten. Give my best love to dear Ellen. I believe I have monopolized more than my proper allowance. I must resign my pen to Ba. Do write my dearest Angela before you leave Piercefield if possible.
Ever your affect Henrietta
If you think Mr & Mrs Wells remember me will you give my compts to them—
Address, in Henry J. Owen’s hand, on integral page: Mrs Henry Owen / Nath. Wells Esq / Piercefield / Chepstow / Monmouths.
Publication: None traced.
Manuscript: John Owen.
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