11 Sep 1824

Fosbury House
Sept 11th

Dear Charlotte

A double letter arrived two days ago, to which I am desired to reply - this is so sad upon me, who might with some reason say that I was discharged from service by Mrs Lady, who had no further occasion for my services. But I shall not be so captious [sic], but proved agreeable to my instructions to protest against your having a wild goose journey to the Isle of Wight instead of coming post haste to Fosbury.  I must therefore state that it is too late in the year, for a Lady to sit for hours to take sections[?] of rock and stones in a wild country, & to undergo the fatigue of two voyages for so great a pleasure - however, I must recommend you to consider what care will be taken off your carriage, filled as it will be with all your valuables (the Wellington included) when you leave it at Portsmouth till you return from the Island, for no one will advise you to take a carriage or even horses over to the Island as had every Lady advised on return to do so again, having done it once to my cost, both carriage and horses being damaged.  I doubt whether it will be right for you to leave your chattels again under the care of Mrs [-] [barely legible entry] at No.11 [-] [barely legible text]. Instead as Mrs [-] [barely legible text] is reported home from Italy, I will probably go down to Brighton.

Your mother is pretty well and her eyes much better. She will scribble for herself.  We hope to hear from you when you leave Brighton. With our love to you both,
Your affectionate SB

My Dear Lottie,

It was kind of you to write without being my debtor, but you know I should be flattered by a token of love. My eyes can now perform all which I now require of them, and enable me, more willingly to thank you. Your father suspects that the Birds were changed in their journey and I tremble for the arrowroot which accompanied them – as dead birds do not devour, and you do not mention its arriving safe. If our dear Richard is somewhat reduced by his late complaint, and a cold is added! This is sad weather for an excursion, but I refused to point out all the objections which appeared to your father, least I should be suspected of selfishness in desiring to know your company when you have pleasure in view – I must not tell you the great pleasure we shall have when your tardy chariot wheels rest at our door – We both long for the melody of your voice, a thousand times sweeter to my ear than the Miss Tomkinson’s caterwauling – I like feeling, in preference to noise.

Mrs Henry has written to me from Paris where they seem very comfortable, they were waiting there for cool weather to proceed – I am angry with Richd for suspecting that I could think his ever welcome letters dull – Tell him to repent, for his lines are a cordial in this placid region, it is the hand that bestows, not the necessity of a cordial, for I am not dull, but as the useful Jack wants occasional oil so do my cheerful spirits love to be reunited – We think it best to enclose the letter directed for Mrs Beaven and I hope it will answer the postage.

Love to dear Richard and believe me dear Lottie, yrs affectionately, L.B.