Dearest, I write one word, and have one will which is yours. At the same time, do not be precipitate—we shall not be taken away on Monday, no, nor for several days afterward. George has simply gone to look for houses—going to Reigate first.
Oh yes—come to-morrow. And then, you shall have the ring ... soon enough and safer.
Not a word of how you are!—you so good as to write me that letter beyond compact, yet not good enough, to say how you are! Dear, dearest ... take care, and keep yourself unhurt and calm. I shall not fail to you—I do not, I will not. I will act by your decision, and I wish you to decide. I was yours long ago, and though you give me back my promise at this eleventh hour, ... you generous, dear unkind! ... you know very well that you can do as well without it. So take it again for my sake and not your own.
I cannot write, I am so tired, having been long out. Will not this dream break on a sudden? Now is the moment for the breaking of it, surely.
But come to-morrow, come. Almost everybody is to be away at Richmond, at a picnic, and we shall be free on all sides.
Ever and ever your Ba.
[7] [The envelope of this letter is endorsed by R.B. ‘Saturday, Septr. 12, 1846, ¼11—11¼ A.M. (91).’ This is the record of his marriage with E.B.B. in Marylebone Church. The number 91 indicates that it was the ninety-first of their meetings, a record of which was always endorsed by Robert Browning on the letters received by him from Miss Barrett.]
R.B. to E.B.B.
1 p.m. Saturday.
[Post-mark, September 12, 1846.]