From Emma Darwin to G. H. Darwin [13 May 1886]

My dear George

I was disappointed not to see you yesterday, more especially as it shewed you were unwell— I have been rather bad w. rheumatism since Sat. when there was such a sudden change of temp. Hen had a stiff neck & felt it too— So I have not been out of the house till yesterday when I went to see a sick old friend & cousin M^rs Croft (née Holland)   Lena & Stephen came in yesterday morning w. Mildred   Lena in high spirits & very pleasant, having enjoyed the voyage & stay in Australia   They had theatricals on board in wh. she took part—

Stephen is I believe not 18 & I sh^d think 6^ft4— & very slender— He looks languid & I sh^d be afraid had not a very good chance. He is going back to Charterhouse I believe. He is handsome & w. nice manners.

I see you have taken one of the sections at the next British Assoc— Maud will enjoy it if you don't— Today she is setting sail I am glad to think.

I shall be at home on the 25^th I think & she will be arrived— The Litches & I go to Abinger on Sat. till Monday—when Hen & I go to L. H. P. It is a g^t thing my having her there with me, as I know that Aunt C. likes so much more talking than I can give her— I have sent to ask poor M^rs Cresy to come & see me— She is a g^t invalid but better than she was— She lives near here—

I am improving my mind w. reading M^me d'Epinay's memoirs— It is odd to see that a woman who has led a very immoral life, keeps up all the cares & affections (except to her husband & he gave her every excuse) that the most excellent mère de famille c^d have— Rousseau seems to have been the most outrageous liar—but thy all think him mad— I don't know whether he had ever been her lover; but she game him a house on her estate called the Hermitage—& he repaid her by calumny & treachery— She wrote the history of her married life in the form of a novel, w. difft names—& had it corrected by her last lover Grimm (a most excellent man except for that little flaw)

The Home Rule bill seems falling into collapse I hope, but what mischief it has stirred up— How glad Lord Spencer will be I sh^d think   I am afraid I shall find At F. very unwell at Abinger. Effie's cordial invite pleased me much. R's 2 Steele nieces are here & we had grand whist last night—

Bee is fully occupied w. the Sam Frasers.

Emily T. tells me that Dicky sat at my room door & howled, but I am afraid there was a mixture of chocolate in his affections.

Bessy is enjoying Florence for a week when she joins W. & S., & had the luck to fall in w. Miss Shore at her lodging who took her about. She is clever & agreeable but v. tiresome; but Bessy thinks justice has not been shewn her—

The Horner race are all friendly & she will not feel lonely—

yours my dear G | E. Darwin

Please to address the enclosed to M^rs Swainson as I do not know her college, it is an invite to Bessy

You gave an excellent character to M^r Squire