To: Wilhelm HI Bleek (13 April 1862)

To: Wilhelm HI Bleek (13 April 1862)

Correspondence

A letter from Jemima Lloyd to Wilhelm Bleek, sent from Hawkhurst Parsonage, Kent, and Pimlico, London, and written from 13 April to 5 May 1862. On 13 April, Jemima reflects on her love for Wilhelm and her struggle with feeling unworthy of his. Her difficult past leaves her full of doubt; despite wanting assurances, she respects the sacredness of "some things not said". On 20 April, she addresses him as "Heinrich" and begins writing the "slight sketch of our frail history" he requested. In Pimlico, 30 April 30, Jemima recounts her past month, noting her weakness and mental unrest from waiting for Wilhelm's letter, the relief brought by Dr Russell's treatment and her warm interactions with the Russells. Back in Kent, Jemima writes of informing Uncle Marmaduke of her engagement. Aunt Char and Uncle Henry wished for his "thorough sanction" to reassure the family when they are told, and she recounts her interactions with Marmaduke, including "business arrangements" (securing her money). He offers to write to Wilhelm, which she welcomes. In a discussion of her mother's family she confesses to possibly misleading Wilhelm about them due to having had "mistaken notions of things". She assures him she will wait until his mother is informed before telling other close friends and relations in England of the engagement. On 5 May, Jemima shares she has completed her "Concise History". Having just received his letter she is pleased that he has told his mother of their engagement; she longs to meet his "near and dear" ones soon. The letter ends abruptly, unsigned.

13 April 1862