8 Jul 1826

For Richard Bevan
Poste Restante
Bern
SWITZERLAND

No new pony has been found for your father

My dear Rich’d

We had the pure pleasure of receiving your letter date 26th June Lausanne yesterday- I do not reply this early to hasten your return to England as it is the wish of your Father and myself that you should feel yourself at perfect liberty to remain abroad as long as you think it will improve your health- our weather is so extremely hot, and has been of long continuance that I expected to hear that you were suffering from that cause, if you do not I fear dear Lottie does- now I entreat you dear Rich’d to be cautious in using too strong walking exercise, even if you feel able to take long walks they will be hurtful- keep in mind, that your bro’ Robert imputes his long indisposition to this imprudence. I leave this advice with you, in full confidence that you will do nothing that will retard your improving strength, and also retard the happiness your Father & I are looking forward to, in again embracing you in England- I hope Charles & you will meet - He will advocate your speedy return home - such an early sense had he of filial duty, that he slaughtered a duck for deserting its mother! could we have a better advocate? Our stay at Brighton did not exceed five weeks, the weather was cold, a great distance from the pier, and the open carriage of little use - Still I would willingly have prolonged our stay, so little inclined did I feel myself to return to London - my spirits are better here. The Bryanston young ladies were sociable, but Henry not in good cue, his expenses have been large the last year, and that prevents the mind of some people, from being placid - perhaps a good rest may compose - Son David came every day to see us, which gave me great pleasure and it was an attention which I am sure your father felt - the David family are in good spirits, and the accident no longer renders them uneasy- poor Dick thinks nobody will see the deficiency in his hand - he cannot hold his bridle so well

This place affords nothing new to tell you, but I will repeat the old story that I am your very affectionate mother.

A word or two to dear Lottie- you have been sorry for the death of Capt’n Thore but probably you expected this event - your Birds are well and I converse much with them - We have brought your plate here – ask your husband if we may look out, for a pretty residence for you, in the Salisbury Paper? I am glad you left Nice before these Invalides dragged (dropt?) off - and this hot season would have destroyed the health of you both- it has suited me in Fosbury air very well - Have you heard of the Cerjet family at Lausanne? Miss Fowke, (late Richard) called in Gloucester Place and handed in little Mr Laurence, she talks too much of her uncle’s marriage, and not wisely! Adieu LB

Fosbury House,
July 8th, 1826

Me dear Charlotte,

I have really nothing to say to you but that I concur with your mother most fully in her sentiment about your return. Robert has exaggerated much both as to your Mother’s lack of spirits & my impatience to see you both in England. I hope that you will approve of the advice given to your husband on the other side.

We expect Mrs George & the children on the 11th, I suppose that their stay here will not be long, as Mrs George is about to place George at Dr Pinchneys school at [-] [barely legible text], where James has been for some time.

We expect Mrs David & her son Robert on the 1st September for a few days shooting. Henry is endevouring to hire a shooting place, but has not yet found one to his mind- he expects to have a large range for his sporting with a house well furnished etc etc

You are quite casual in addressing me as your father but in calling me your dear friend you flatter me very much. I hope to deserve this name, I remain yours affectionately, S.B