Bruges
Richard arrived safely at Turnhout Saturday[1] (by the bye I thought it very very kind of you to see him off) and I sent Mr Droeshout a cheque for 100 Francs last night - Mr Mac Clatchie saw Edward & prescribed for him - and strongly advised me to go to Spa[2] for some Months & return to Bruges for the winter but how can I go to that gambling place[3] with my 2 little ones[4]p2I think it must be Namur[5] I believe you are right that England is not the place for me at present, because if I place the 2 little ones at Clapham with the Christian Brothers[6] they get a Commercial Education but the place is as low and as rheumatic as Bruges - & Edward was removed from there by Dr Sylvester’s[7] orders If I place them with the Jesuits in Derbyshire they have pure mountain dry air but not a Commercial Education -
I think Namur is elevated & dry & the education Commercial but very dear - It is possible Ip3may place them as Externes but I do not think I shall - I do not yet know the day when I shall leave - but I hope to see you before - I am busy paying little bills but this damp day prevents my proceding[8] so vigorously as I should like to do - I have a 1000 apprehensions that I may meet with no nice people in Namur And wonder if I shall meet with a Priest like Mr Gezelle there, one to whom I can tell all my little anxieties, without mistrust or suspicion - but it must be the Will of Providence that I leave Bruges - because I am certain Edward requires a morep4elevated & drier air as a permanent dwelling & Mr Mac Clatchie says it is necessary for me to have a 3 Months change - and I cannot see my way clear in going to any place but Bruges, or Namur Can you think of anything better for the children? - I rather pine for my native land but still the purpose for which I came to Belgium would be unaccomplished if I return now - The children have not learned French & German - & they would return to their elder Protestant Brother’s influence [9]