Recipient:
Fanny Keats (1803-1889) was Keats’s younger sister. Sent to live with their guardian Richard Abbey’s family, she was deliberately separated from her brothers. Abbey did not allow visits and even discouraged letters. Nonetheless, Keats, always protective of his siblings, wrote often and visited when he could. But his illness prevented visits during his last months in England; he left for Italy without saying goodbye. In 1826, Fanny married a Spanish poet, Valentin Maria Llanos y Guieterrez, who had admired Keats and visited the poet just three days before his death. Fanny and her husband left England in 1833 and never returned. They lived in Italy from 1861-1864, where she became friendly with Joseph Severn.
Introduction:
In this letter, Keats mentions Fanny’s guardian Richard Abbey.
Wentworth Place – Monday Morn –
My dear Fanny,
I am improving but very gradually and suspect it will be a long while before I shall be able to walk six miles – The Sun appears half inclined to shine; if he obliges us I shall take a turn in the garden this morning. No one from Town has visited me since my last. I have had so many presents of jam and jellies that they would reach side by side the length of the sideboard. I hope I shall be well before it is all consumed. I am vex’d that Mr Abbey will not allow you pocket money sufficient. He has not behaved well – By detaining money from me and George when we most wanted it he has increased our expences. In consequence of such delay George was obliged to take his voyage to england which will be £150 out of his Pocket. I enclose you a Note – You shall hear from me again the day after tomorrow.
Your affectionate Brother
John
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Link will appear as Hanson, Marilee. "John Keats Letter To Fanny Keats, 14 February 1820" https://englishhistory.net/keats/letters/fanny-keats-14-february-1820/, March 17, 2015