Seaham Hall (October 10 1814)
‘It is as much out of the power of “somethings or nothings” to divide us, as if I were your wife.
I answer for you with the same security as for myself. I am unconditionally yours – given by my parents as irrevocably as by myself.
In respect to circumstances, believe me they are not so old in the ways of the world as to suffer it in any form to interfere with my dearest, my only expectation of happiness.
They see me happy – and they could not bear the idea of that reverse which would follow the loss of you from whatever cause – whether present or absent.
Do not then stay away for “somethings or nothings”…
If you were here what “anxiety” would remain? Till you are here we shall all feel some…
I speak from authority when I say that there cannot be any information relative to your situation which would make my parents regret for a moment that they had given you all that is most precious to them…
Tell me then if you must remain, or if the necessity vanishes with this letter. I can say no more – do what is really best, and I shall not mistake your motives.
Monday Night (October 10 1815)
I wrote all the enclosed when I first received your letter, and yet I have not exhausted the desire to write.
That letter – for some reason – agitated me more than usual. I could be sad – not ungratefully so; but it is growing too like a dream, and till your voice reassures me, I shall dread the doubt, the very doubt, of a waking hour.
God bless you – my own – my only dearest.‘
Sources Used:
The Life and Letters of Anne Isabella Lady Noel Byron Ethel Colburn Mayne (London: Constable & Co Ltd 1929)
The Regency Recondite 