To: Wilhelm HI Bleek (24 February 1862)

To: Wilhelm HI Bleek (24 February 1862)

Correspondence

A very long letter from Jemima Lloyd to Wilhelm Bleek, sent from Pimlico in London, 24 February 1862, continued until 5 March. She explains in great detail her misunderstanding of his feelings and why she questioned her love in response to his October declaration and couldn't give her "heart's answer" at the time. She delays telling her English family of their possible engagement until she has received his "answer", mainly to avoid being shaken by "wearying advices". She describes her relations in England and her struggle concealing her news from them. She reflects on vanity while preparing to send him her photograph and updates him on her health and Dr Russell's advice concerning her possible return to Africa. Jemima then provides the "concise history" Wilhelm requested-how she and Lucy, after years of hardship, were cast out by their father and forced to live alone in Natal. She describes the struggle for survival, the world's judgment and the few true friends who stood by them. She details Lucy's broken engagement to George Woolley, their painful misunderstandings and his sudden death, leaving Lucy in despair. Hurrying to close her letter, Jemima responds to Wilhelm's news, including his possible appointment at the Grey Library. She is grateful for his wish to help but knows nothing can change her father's feelings. She ends with "Only and always your own."

24 February 1862