From Emma Darwin to G. H. Darwin [18 August 1881]

My dear George

We shall like to hear about your Basset visit— I think [illeg] Beamish must be pleasant too—

We are going on prosperously   At Caroline quite wonderful in point of strength, going up & down the stairs with ease (comparatively) & sitting up till near 10 o'clock. I think she will go up to see Eras. from here & sleep a night or 2 at Bry. Sq (Farrers)

Uncle Frank came yesterday—as well as he always is. Fr. & Bessy dined at Ravensbourne & met the Moores. They set to at the word game instantly after dinner, & after 6 games Bessy gave up, D^r Moore remonstrating w. her faintheartedness. Marg^t & her children came yesterday & Bernard enjoys them heartily, w I am glad of, as I thought he hardly liked any children.

Fr. bicycled to Ravensb. on Monday & after his return he was towsling & tickling Bernard as much as he c^d bear when B. said "I think you have been too much excited at R—bourne".

We had the Band of Hope under difficulties yesterday—w. furious showers but they were not too many to have tea in the veranda & play about more or less in the rain—

I am afraid the corn is in a bad way

Yours my dear George | E. D