Re: My Wife

Charles Dickens (cdickens@RMPLC.CO.UK)
Tue, 28 Jan 1997 13:52:34 -0100 

My dear Mr Goodyear,

  It astonishes me that my treatment of my poor wife
should be characterised as mistreatment, and that it
should be related in any way to my friendship with
members of the Ternan family, with Ellen Ternan in
particular, in whom I took a particular interest, and
whom I made a beneficiary of my will.
  Soon after our marriage, it became clear that
Catherine and I were not destined to make each other
happy, but I truly believe it no boast when I say that
for many years I bestowed affection, companionship and
the comforts of life upon her, making allowances many
men would not have done for the defects in her
character.  Alas, these became more pronounced after
the nervous collapse she suffered in 1851, for which,
I should say, I procured the best treatment available.
Thereafter, it was not only her want of character with
which I had to contend.  I had to endure opprobrium such
that one might have supposed me responsible for her
inadequacies.
  It is true that I decided the time had come for us to
part the year after I met Mrs Ternan's daughters for
the first time but, however narrowly I examine my
conscience, I can find no part for this meeting in my
decision, other than its showing me how women of firm
character and truly womanly instincts, smiled on less
by fortune than poor Catherine, might conduct themselves.
  Catherine, you should understand, was provided with
her own establishment, her own carriage, her own income,
and every comfort of life.  When first we parted, it had
been my intention not to sever all communication between
us but, not long afterwards, events occurred of which I
cannot and will not speak, which made me see that further
transactions between us would be profitless.
  I had known and admired Mrs Ternan as an actress for
many years, before I met her daughters, and I took an
interest in them as a result of my admiration for their
mother.  Ellen concerned me in particular because I believe
I detected in her qualities of personality which ill-suited
her to a life on the stage.  When good fortune relieved her
of the need to lead such a life, I rejoiced with her, and
with her family.  I revere Miss Ternan's memory, and
impeach as a monstrous calumny any suggestion that my
interest in her was connected with my parting from Catherine.

Faithfully yours,


Charles Dickens
________________________________________________________________________________
>Dear Mr Dickens
>
>I wonder if you would care to answer a personal question?
>
>Why did you mentally mistreat your wife, blaming her for your infatuation
>with Ellen Tiernan?
>
>Yours
>
>M Goodyear
>
>

======================
Charles Dickens
charles_dickens@rmplc.co.uk
Author