| Transcript or Index | [In pencil – in later hand] May day 1823
My dear Sir
I cannot help if you laugh at me for sending you a little bottle of Raspberry Vinegar, but you seemed to like it, and I am very certain that if it does you no good it will do you no harm. Sarah brought word back from my sister that the Literary Gazette etc, had been returned to Dr. Richardson instead of coming to me. If you can lay your hands on them pray let me have a peep at them. I am very much pleased with the Review in the Album, it so exactly gives my own thoughts and feelings on reading the work, though I suspect I should never have been able to say half as much to you. Your Book was exactly what I expected from my knowledge of you but had any thing been wanting to confirm my esteem and admiration of the writer it would have done so. It is therefore with no ordinary feelings of pride and pleasure that I find the same sentiments expressed by what I may term the public voices of my country. By the bye there are some expressions in that article which I think I recognise as Harness’s own.
The weather is so fine that I regret your journey is delayed, though it will give me the pleasure of seeing you again. Can you come to me tomorrow Evening? If you can, name your hour and Sarah shall have a cup of tea smoking to receive you. I almost invariably forget when I see you what I have wished to speak to you about. I ought otherwise to have told you yesterday what I had settled with Mr Kay to do respecting Berners Street; and I must beg you before you go, to let me know distinctly what are your wishes and intentions that I may regulate my own movements accordingly. <Your journey having been delayed, my operations will probably commence before your return.> On Saturday Evening you are engaged, and so am I, but if you come in a morning, let me request it may be before half past three, as Miss Griffin seems to have undertaken the charge of driving me out in such good earnest that, except today, I am not certain of myself any afternoon beyond that hour.
She was kindness itself during our ride yesterday, and I really feel so well and so strong that I believe I want nothing but a week’s mild weather (which would enable me to face the air with impunity) to make me quite myself again. I had need get well quickly, for I have much to do, and not a minute to lose, as you will allow when you have heard my plan. My note is in danger of growing into a letter if I do not stop short, so farewell.
ever yours affectionately
Eleanor Anne Porden.
Upper Portland Place
Mayday 1823
The Chimney sweeps have been in high glee in this neighbourhood all the morning. |