Lot 55: BROWNING (ROBERT)

Autograph letter signed ("Robert Browning"), to the Duchess of St Albans, declining an invitation, one page, on blind-stamped armorial paper, integral blank, 8vo, 19 Warwick Crescent, 25 January 1881

An amusingly deferential letter of apology written by the poet who was, by that stage of his life, something of a social lion himself: "certain old engagements which I have for the latter part of next month stand in the way of my accepting as I should otherwise be delighted to do. I can only offer you my best thanks for your remembrance of me, and, with all respects to the Duke, beg you to believe me, Dear Duchess of St. Alban's, Yours very sincerely...". This is possibly the letter referred to by Kelley and Hudson, The Brownings' Correspondence: A Checklist, as number 81:5, offered for sale by Sotheby's 29 March 1922; otherwise it appears to be unknown.