From Emma Darwin to G. H. Darwin 7 June 1882

My dear George

Our plans are now fixed we go on Monday 11^th to L. H. P. & from thence to Laura's on the 19^th & home on Saturday the 24^th. & on the 3^rd of July I alone go to Ellen Tollet at Bushey, where she has a house for 5 or 6 days— I wonder what you will do— Frank & Bernard will be here till Thursday 14^th when they will join us at L. H. P. & if you were inclined to come there, I am sure At Caroline w^d be pleased at your offering yourself.

After July 9 or 10, I shall stay at home quietly— Leo. was nervous about his exam— He has unpleasant sensations in the head & at that time feels fit for nothing. This shews that it is high time he sh^d leave off his cramming. I heard from him that the 1^st day had gone off well with no distress; but that was an easy day— The Sat. will be a hard one, writing military history as hard as he can for 6 h^rs— Monday is the last— He has however resolved to throw it up if he finds that it seems to be really bad for him—

You heard how savage M^rs Vansittart was to Fr. when she found him at her lodge. She is behaving just like Sir Walter Elliot in Persuasion when he w^d not demean himself to have his house advertised. Ida has sent me the advert. of Grata Quies & I am glad to see that it is by no means a very large house—most of the rooms 23 x 17. & not too many bedrooms. Fr. enjoyed his week at Cam. & the certainty of employment next year. If we can get Grata Quies on any reasonable terms (& re-christen it) I am sure it will be wiser than the Grove, in spite of the charm of the garden there. People will be more likely to drop in at M^rs Van's. At Fanny drove over from Abinger on Monday. She got prosperously to Epsom in Effie's carriage but there her misfortune began; or rather at Croydon from which place she came here through Beckenham, Bromley, & Farnboro'— about 4^m round, & was very tired & her horses too I sh^d think. I am so glad Sara is here at the same time she is so agreeable. U. Hensleigh is here too— M^r Goodwin came on Sat. by sheer dawdling lost the whole of that day, & Sunday was only tol. with some sunshine; Monday quite intol. & he only got some glimpses of sun on Tuesday p. m. However he has made 2 pretty drawings one from the house & one looking at the house. Leo. is much inclined to join Leonora in Ireland after the exam, tho' it can only be for a few days; but I think it will blow it out of his head better than any other way. I wish you c^d have given me a better account of yourself my dear old man—

I don't know whether you or W^m. will fill up this paper—

I have paid the poor rate. M^r Goodwin was so pleasant he improved our party.

Yours my dear G. | E. D—