From Emma Darwin to G. H. Darwin 20 February 1882

My dear George

We saw your arrival on the 15^th at S^t Thomas— the news reaching us on the 17— & now I hope you are just landing at Kingston. That was just a fortnight. We have had fine & mild weather every since you went, but especially bad fogs in London— We were all assembled on Sat. except you— The Williams taking us in their way to London, where they will stay for a fortnight in lodging in Albermarle S^t

The Horaces go to Bry Sq^r tomorrow & I fully believe every thing will be smooth. Indeed Ida is so fully occupied with the baby that there is not much time for any thing. He is a placid satisfac. baby but not pretty— Ida had a little return of feverishness yesterday, so I hope she will take care of herself at Bry Sq^r. Fr. & Horace have only managed 2 rides together which is a pity as both the horses are so pleasant. The new tennis court is more & more approved of & they had many hours of play yesterday.

Marianne has safely got thro' her confinement a week ago— Bernard said "Nanna has got a baby too, I wonder who else will have a baby— I wonder whether Tina will"— We are much excited about the cloture debate wh. begins today— The Spec. makes sure it will pass, but that may be policy—

Message from F.

"Newbury the author of the first article in Nature is trustworthy man, & what he says about the nature of the most ancient sediments quite agrees with my impression"

W^m is much bent upon buying his house, & has some grand notions of enlarging his drawing room & dining room which I think is nonsense. They have got Prince Leopold for the British Assoc. quite owing to William's perseverance & wiliness in not taking a denial. W^m has been washing the picture of W^m Darwin & has improved it a good deal, especially the waistcoat— The new fire engine & buckets are arrived & we have some difficulty in hanging up 8 scarlet buckets in inconspicuous situations. They are now pumping it with great force out of doors & it reaches the roof of the house—

There are a good many pamphlets here some I open & am sure you don't want— Shall I send any of them.

We may hear from you now in about a fortnight— Lady Musgrave's letter to Sara about you was very nice & cordial—

Yours my dear George | E. D—

F. had an attck of sickness yesterday. It was only an odd accident.