From Emma Darwin to G. H. Darwin 5 August [1886]

My dear George

I know quite well all about M^rs Wharton. I sh^d like to know her Xtian name. I wish I knew the date of the Brit. Ass. but I am afraid I shall be away at Basset. I hope however that you will send Gwen here & you & Maud & Carrie join her here. She will be made much of. I go to the Hookers on Fri 13^th & on to Basset on the 16^th & I shall be at home again on the 26^th & if you are there before me I hope you will make yourselves comfortable— I hope you keep Gwen out of the town now that scarlet fever is about.

The Litches left us yesterday & meant to sleep at Dover. They will have a good crossing today.

They go first to Bayreuth for some of the Wagner Operas. They take your aversion Hombourg in the way, & mean to loaf about for 2 days & hear the bands you used to detest.

Mr & Mrs Reed called yesterday— He looks as young as ever, but seemed easily slightly overcome— He enquired m. about you & was referring to have xtened Gwen—with pleasure.

Little Nora got her first tooth— She is very placid but has not Gwen's energy— Rasmus is grown prettier wh. surprizes me as 5 is not so pretty an age as 4— His eyes are lovely—especially when just out of his bath— Tho' why that sh^d make them brighter I don't know—

Yours my dear George w. love to Maud—