[Postmark: September 11, 1846]
Thursday.
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.