From Emma Darwin to G. H. Darwin 7 January [1883]

My dear George

I am glad you have gone to Freshwater as it is sure to be pleasant— I wonder whether you will see the old houses— I believe M^rs Cameron built a theatre or something equally foolish— Frank is gone to High Elms so B. & I are alone, with Rasmus— as Horace & I. are at the W. Farrers— Rasmus is such a different child from B. & cries a good deal at all the necessary operations of life, & I fell foul on Grace yesterday for not managing to avoid an unnecessary trouble. Mary is very ill at 66.

The Horace's saw Leo's house yesterday in their way to the Farrers— It is a staring house close to the station. The grounds of Sandhurst college are beaut. but I don't know how near they are— H. & I are in an atmosphere of hunting & ball dresses, a great change for them.

B. is following in your footsteps— He remembered the arms of 18 Colleges & has drawn them from memory, very roughly, but so that he can recognize them. This is rather driving out soldiers.

I had a friendly call from D^r Paget & found him very nice & agreeable— M^rs Seeley has called not pleasant, on the contrary at first sight. I drove to the Grove yesterday by Grata Quies— I own that the entrace is v. cheerful & pleasant but Bessy says that is the only pleasant part—

Bourne's wife died before he c^d reach her. Jackson & his wife are going to lodge with him & do for him— Poor little M^rs Jackson was frightened to death at the Grove as soon as it was dark— The Mackays are delighted w. Sandhurst— I am keeping very well—but don't like to boast— I dare say you have a nice bright day— Here it is not cold but dull & muggy—

Yours my dear George | E. Darwin

The photo for D^r. A. Clark is come & I am keeping it for you to see