with a sort of paralysis of the brain and loss of speech. She remained a few days sensible and recognising those who came into the room; but on Friday all consciousness was gone, and she yesterday morning at quarter past 9 breathed her last. I am dreadfully afflicted.
CHAPTER VI
HEAVITREE, NEAR EXETER
(1837-1845)
Literary Work—Engagement and Second Marriage—Articles in the Quarterly Review—Preparations for a Tour on the Continent—Promise to Write the Handbook for Travellers in Spain—Delays and Interruptions—George Borrow—Reviews of the Zincali and the Bible in Spain—Suppression of the First Edition of the Handbook—Final Publication—The Felicidade.
By his wife’s death Ford was left with the sole care of the two daughters and the son, who alone survived out of the six children born to them. He continued to live on at Heavitree, planning improvements in his house and garden, busy with his books and pen. During the first few months of 1837 he contributed two articles to the Quarterly Review.[44] He also published his first independent work, An Historical Inquiry into the Unchangeable Character of a War in Spain, in which he made a lively, vigorous reply, from a Tory point of view, to a pamphlet written in defence of Lord Palmerston’s attitude towards Spain, The Policy of England towards Spain.
As usual, his work was submitted to Addington for criticism.
In your miserable days of celibacy (he writes to his friend in May 1837) you waded through much of my MSS. Now I only trouble you with print, as you have less time to devote to those solitary occupations. I send you the proofs of a review on Pückler Muskau. Will you skim it over, and send it back per twopenny post? If you object to anything, or can add a barb or sting to any critical fish-hook, do so.
You will see “Cob” in the last number of the Quarterly. Viva Don Carlos!
Addington’s criticisms were gratefully received, and his suggestions generally adopted. But Ford could not, if he had wished, write otherwise than he was. He had the good sense to know, and not to attempt, the impossible.