On September 12th Elizabeth Barrett eloped with Robert Browning. Elizabeth was already a respected poet who had published literary criticism and Greek translations in addition to her poetry. Robert Browning, the son of a bank clerk, had studied at the University of London and continued his education at his parents' home, reading extensively and writing poetry. His early work was harshly criticized but Elizabeth Barrett defended it. Browning wrote to thank her for her praise and asked to meet her.

Her strict father disliked Browning, whom he viewed as an unreliable fortune hunter, so while her family was away, Barrett sneaked out of the house and met Browning at St. Marylebone Parish Church, where they were married. She returned home for a week, keeping the marriage a secret, then fled with Browning to Italy. She never saw her father again.

The Brownings lived happily in Italy for 15 years. Elizabeth Barrett Browning's weak health improved dramatically, and the couple had a son in 1849. She published her best-known work, Sonnets from the Portuguese, in 1850.

The sonnets, which chronicle the couple's courtship and marriage are read in a wonderful Silksoundbooks audio book by Jane Horrocks.

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