From Emma Darwin to G. H. Darwin 31 December [1886]

My dear George

I was glad to have yours & Maud's comf. letters. Do you remember how Bernard used to ride cantering on Frank's shoulders up & down that long passage. I am glad the Peram. is nice, it is also not dear I think £4–15– The hood will go at either end   It is nice to see the baby's face as you go along—

I hope the old men keep the walks clean—They have little else to do—

I am going on steadily but slowly— I take an airing into Sara's room— She stays till Monday wh. is nice for me & Hen comes today. It is sad about the old Mulberry: but they are said to patch themselves up again at any age— Thank Maud for seeing so promptly after Bessey— She seems quite well however Bessy has bought a Victoria & Leo beat it down from 80 to £70— it is one of Windovers— Bessy had a funny lunch at the Kilians after it was over the little boy knocked w his knife on the table to call attention & got up (10 yrs old) & made a little speech in German on his sister's birthday— quite simply & w. no embarassment (I sh^d like to see Bernard doing it)— They each had a glass of wine & touched them w. many hochs & as m. noise as they c^d manage—

I hope you are having a fine day actually Jan 1 87 happy New Year to you all

By the way M^r Henry Tomkins died suddenly at Down a few weeks ago—

yours my dear G— how Joss must enjoy his free walks

Best love to Maud & Carry

I am glad Helen is to have an outing I am in hopes some of her ill looks is owing to the loss of teeth

I have sent for some bread tickets but I doubt whether they are continuing