Haworth. March 15th/ 49

Dear Laetitia

I have not quite forgotten you through the winter, but I have remembered you only like some pleasant waking idea struggling through a dreadful dream. You say my last letter was dated Septr 14th. You ask how I have passed the time since? What has happened to me? Why have I been silent?

It is soon told.

On the 24th of Septr, my only brother, after being long in weak health - and latterly consumptive - though we were far from apprehending immediate danger - died - quite suddenly as it seemed to us. He had been out two days before. The shock was great. Ere he could be interred I fell ill. A low nervous fever left me very weak. As I was slowly recovering, My Sister Emily - whom you knew - was seized with inflammation of the lungs; supporation took place: two agonizing months of hopes and fears followed and on the 19th of Decr - SHE died.

She was scarcely cold in her grave - when Anne - my youngest and last sister who has been delicate all her life - exhibited symptoms that struck us with acute alarm: we sent for the first advice that could be procured: she was examined with a stethoscope - and the dreadful fact was announced that her lungs too were affected - and that tubercular consumption had already made considerable progress: a system of treatment was prescribed which has since been ratified by the opinion of Dr Forbes - whom your papa will I daresay know. I hope it has somewhat allayed/delayed/ disease. She is now a patient invalid - and I am her nurse. God has hitherto supported me in some sort through all these bitter clamities - and my Father - I am thankful to say has been wonderfully sustained - but there have been hours - days - weeks of inexpressible anguish to undergo - and the cloud of impending distress still lowers dark and sullen above us. I cannot write much. I can only pray Providence to preserve you and yours from such affliction as he has seen good to accumulate on me and mine

With best regards to your dear Mama and all your circle - believe me.

Yours faithfully

C Bront

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