Bath
June 5-
[c.1856]
My dearest Ben
I have not written you for a month – thinking it was of no use. & likewise having
had a month’s illness here – congestion of that horrible liver – I have been very bad
indeed - completely dependent upon Emily Jolly who has been a capital nurse – I can just walk about –
though very weak - & hope to be able to get home next week – This is hardly an
excuse for not writing – because I understood it was no good
to write – but I suppose illness
stupified
stupefied
my wits so as not properly to understand your letter. Everybody has been
most kind – & though it has been a bad illness perhaps I shall be better for it
afterwards. – Everybody else is well – Marian & Minna gone for a fortnight to a place near Hythe
Mrs James and I shall keep
house together. – I write this to catch the mail - in the vague hope you may get it
before you sail. O Ben, I’m
so sorry I didn’t write before – you are a great deal better at writing than me now –
This is the second letter I have had since I came to Bath. – You must put all down to being
so ill – but I hope to be all right by the time you appear. Oh Ben I shall be so glad when you come
home. – The Aunts are very
good – Aunt Eliza got over
the Jolly difficulties. I fear her
doctor – who has come daily – I don’t think he’s very clever but he has done her
good. – I suppose it will be even July before you come – Oh General Codrington. O
Ben – the comfort it is to
think of you so well & strong – & "really able to enjoy a fine day." –
Glorious –
I do so still – with all drawbacks. – “John” has I believe been a
regular success – What a mercy it was finished while I was so well – & before my
usually fatal months – May. – The fireworks in London were grand – but you’ll get
full accounts – as Min
& May saw it all.
May has got an appointment
on a new periodical – to be started soon – 2 columns per week – salary £100 – so Lynover is looking up. – She & Mrs James are going to Detmore & Bath in July – so you & I will have
the house to ourselves – However let us not plan – sufficient for the day – & I’m
always happy in it – you know – I’m stronger than ever in the doctrine of all things
working for good – which after a month’s liver – & as weak as a kitten still – is
creditable – & Mark - JTapley - ish! Now goodbye – perhaps
you’ll get this – perhaps not - Never mind. – We’ll keep your birthday whether you
come or no in time for it.
Ever your
affec
affectionate
sister
host is waiting – i.e. Mrs
J –