City Road, Witsun Monday 1805
My Dear Mary
I was much worse in health than I thought it prudent to tell you
when I wrote last, so much so that I resolved to accept Dr Disney's invitation for a day or
two. I meant to go to Ingatestone (23 miles) on Wednesday last, but having by
Mr Youngs advice taken phisick,
I was forced to stop till Thursday morning; I was home again on Saturday night,
not being willing to leave the house long to Honour, though she grows more capable every day, and because Mary was far from well,
and not quite happy. her spirits are mended with her health, and she is going on
very well. I met a very kind reception at the Doctor's. They have a noble mansion,
and fine estate. they regretted much that I could not stop with them, and so did
I, as I found my appetite mended by my short visit, I had some delightfull
walks, and brought home a present of valuable pictures. I have taking [sic]
pills to day, and have no doubt of being well in a day or two.
I have not been able to see Young this morning, but if he thinks you are not dealing right with
the knee I will write again tomorrow or Wednesday. I am surprised at your
firmness in resolving to keep it open, but think that whatever be the end of it
we shall both at last think that we have done our utmost duty by him, and rest
contented with our lot.
As to Mr Morah, you should not be unhappy about him, you know
Doctors love to hear the clink of a Guinea; there is nothing strange in his
apparent neglect, perhaps he only think you have no money in your pocket, which
would cool the zeal of the first Doctors in England. Hereafter, if you can
reside at Worthing with pleasure during the summer, if Dr Youngs method fails, and you still
want to try Morah, there is no doubt but he will act as soon as you go to him
with the child and offer
to pay him. Think, therefore, no more about that until
you want him. Mary was
only very ill several days with the head ache, nobody cross'd her she says.
I mean to write to Sister Bet tomorrow.
The engravers are coming home from Suffolk tomorrow or next day
with their sketches and they will call on me [1]
I wish much that you may make some comfortable acquaintance at
Worthing, as that will make you relish the banished situation you are forced to
be in, and therefore I am glad you visit Mr Philips. And I have no doubt that in
July you will have in your town many families who have a knowledge of me, and
who will show you respect for both our sakes. Do your utmost with the poor Charles, as I know you will,
and at the same time do not forget that your own health and recovery depends
much, or perhaps entirely on your state of mind, try to be happy.—
When Mrs Belton urges 5s. a week more rent, give it without a
scruple, or you may repent it, for you know not how many there will be visiting
the town in the next month. nevertheless, when she advances, try to bargain for
another month at that price, and so on if you stay. The country about you must
be delightfull if you can but get out, or perhaps on the Sands in your favourite
walk, but how can you get charles along if you give up the Chaise? But you must know most about
that. I very much long to see you all, but that is so natural a thing that we
all feel, that it is hardly worth writing about, the time will come when we
shall meet again Untill then, God bless you all. Give Charles a kiss for me. Love
to Hannah. Remember to send
weekly. Yours ever Dear Mary most truly
Rob Bloomfield
I hope you got the parcel with the Book and Money? You should have
acknowledged it!