26 August 1825

  RICHARD BEVAN ESQ
CRESCENT, BRIGHTON

My dear Lottie,

My promise must be fulfilled but where the theme is to come from I know not, the subject uppermost in my mind must be withheld, lest it should wound the feelings of those I dearly love- but I may multiply good wishes, that the advantage gained by the proposed excursion may far outweigh the inconveniences attending it and that we may be restored to each other, with glad faces, and grateful hearts - I am not without apprehension that London air in this hot weather, with the thinking and the walking which a preparation for a long banishment will require, may prove imperious to dear Richard’s health - we talk of you both - and his health was drank audibly, and silently on the 22nd almost without intermission it began at 7 o’clock with very harmless beverage and ended as favourable to sobriety. Your father has I believe told you that we decline the use of your linen, but the offer of it claims our thanks - You have been very kind to my nephew Kindall and I hope he gave you the only reward in his power, by tuning his melodious pipe, when you inclined to listen- If my old friend has not shown you great attention in your widowhood, I shall import no love to the kisses she has impress’d on your bewitching cheek - your Brown Beaver Bonnet is safe from moths- ‘tis pity you have it not at hand for your winter use- but you are to have only summer, and gentle breezes will only require a Bonnet of lace.

Rich’d need not apprehend for my cough your father threatened to write of my inattention to myself, every time I accused him of this fault, which I have great reason to do as often as Magnesium and Brandy & water are called for- Rich’d will recollect Charlotte Hoare[?], whom we used to corress [sic] and talk with - she went to Mr Cuffs for her first service and became fluent on the subject of religion- she left that place for some other near Kirlbury, and is now in jail for having stolen 4 sovereigns after having transgress’d several times in theft. Scorey is gone a frolicking for ten days and your father says it is very mopish to ride alone- David does not tell us whether he comes to shoot, and Henry is kept in suspense-

Friday Morn’g- a lettr from D.B. hints his intention of coming here- he says he saw Rich’d, your father desires you will send to the Library Turner’s Catalogue which he forgot to do- I have not tried the whirligig according to father- he should have sent an artist to perform the drawings, or he can send the painting from Italy- With much love to you both, I am your affectionate Louisa B

So your friend has sent you £10! I think she wanted the money, to help her mother to get into their new house, which makes me inclined to excuse her, in a measure.
I have not seen Leader, he is employ’d at Harvest work - has been reaping- I have directed my letter to RB by mistake.