18 Aug 1831 - 1

Richard Bevan Esquire
5 Bryanstone Square
London

Marine Square
August 18th, 1831.

Dearest Richard,

I wrote in a great hurry last night I dare say you thought here was little occasion for my letter, but to speak truth I was glad of an excuse for writing - The hours pass very slowly in your absence. Yet time is too short to wish any portion of it past. I feel thankful I hope that we are so seldom separated, & look forward to being rewarded on Saturday for all my solitary hours by your dear presence here again- Our pets are both well thank God. We get on admirably. Bessie seems to prefer me very much to any other company, & always cries when taken away from me. I hope to get a letter from you tomorrow, as I am anxious to hear that you arrived safely, & that dear Caroline is better.

Mrs Henry & Mrs David are very kind and paid me a charitable visit yesterday evening. How is your throat? I beg you will not hurry & fatigue yourself & if you cannot easily get your business finished by Saturday do not come till next week. I saw yesterday just such a carriage as we want. It had a pair of ponies - The splashing leather I thought very convenient. It was thus

[LETTER ILLUSTRATED AT THIS POINT - SEE ATTACHED IMAGE]

The steps let down from the centre. This appeared to me much better than the manner in which the splashing leathers are usually made i.e with one deep step, & none to let down which looks very clumsy. Do not bring me a yellow carriage, & [-] [barely legible entry] lining if you can help it.

No letters, Dorival is not gone, I saw him walking up the parade yesterday evening. Do not be alarmed lest I should give him the 30/-.  My finances are too low & my charity too cold to be guilty of this extravagance -

I put my letter by till the afternoon thinking something might occur worth mentioning but as it rains fast it is not likely I shall have any visitors. I think you had better get some more tea and arrow root. I do not think the quantity of the former in the tin canister can much exceed two pounds, & there may be the same quantity of arrow root. If you get any for ourselves do not forget Mrs King. I am writing to papa Dora what do you wish to say to him? My dear papa kiss him, doat on him - any more? I dear O - Taylor has not been to take my tooth out, I am in no immediate hurry so I shall let it last till he comes of his own pleasure- I shall not write you a long letter as you will probably hear from me every day till you return - Do not grudge me this pleasure - Remember me most kindly to the party in Bryanston Square, & do not forget to come back to your most affectionate

Mr Henry Elliot has just called. Wished to see you. left no message did not ask for me -

Postmark date: 
18 Aug 1831
Author: 
Charlotte Bevan [his wife, but unsigned]
Recipient: 
Richard Bevan
Addressee: 
Richard Bevan Esq., 5 Bryanston Square, London