From Emma Darwin to G. H. Darwin 27 February 1883

My dear George

We were very sorry to receive your tel. yesterday ev^g. & to find that you were not well enough for such a pleasant plan—but it will any how be very nice to have you back again. I have sent your orders to Trinity. We are all greatly pleased w. the new M^rs Hughes & he looks radiant, as well he may— They called yesterday for H. & Ida to go to a pic nic to Madingley woods to dig up flower roots. In the p. m., by means of the Bath chair taking me as far as the posts above Newnham, I walked to M^rs Jackson. She is the pleasantest person I have yet seen— I was v. sorry to coincide w. Lady Main; but Sir Henry came in afterwards as a per contra—& then Lady Rayleigh & I wanted to see all the children. One of the poor little Pins, has had neuralgia all over her for some days & I did not see her—but M^rs Jackson I think is not prudent about them, having the rough noisy little Clarkes to play w. them. The other pin is a charming little thing & looks well—

M^rs Ruck & Bernard went to tea w. Miss Clough—where was a lady w. her little boy & the 2 together became tipsey & tiresome, & I was glad I was not there to try to keep B. in order & manners. Young Robin at M^rs Jacksons wanted a little drilling as he was jumping on the ottoman all the time. Lady R. said Lord R. was goin on quite well— We have had fine weather for 6 days, wh. we can hardly believe— M^rs Ruck did so enjoy the sight of the river & boats on Sat. & it was v. gay & pretty. The Litches are coming to 66 on Sat. R. keeps quite poorly— I will not write more as I don't feel sure about y^r getting this—

We were all even v m. interested in y^r acct of Abbadia

yours my dear old man | E. Darwin

Hen is at R. bourne & went to see Down sight v. dismal. Poor Sydney Sales prob. dying