From Emma Darwin to G. H. Darwin 31 March [1889]

My dear George

I am sure I sh^d admire all that coast— I wish it was not so far off. It is a g^t loss to Gwen not to have a digging shore. We are having a nice visit from M^rs Ruck. I am sorry she misses you— She did just see Frank for one day— They went to London on Thursday & on to Shanklin the next day. The Horaces stayed till Sat. at Bry Square, & then went to Bonchurch. D^r Pye Smith was satisfied w. his progress—

Today we are to have the Orchard children for the day, as Agga will be away— M^rs Ruck is interested in them & is v. fond of Frances— She was 3 y^rs old yesterday & is very wise. The death of poor Ithel must be a relief to M^rs R. She likes talking about him & telling how patient he was— She has had no neuralgia since she came. She takes porter & quite believes in it & we have the profligacy of a pint of champagne every day, wh. I do not object to (with water) It is very odd to hear her rejoicing over M^r Davies winnings on the turf I felt inclined to answer "I wish every body would lose on the turf"—

M^rs R. has always known every body, & was v. intimate w. Sir R. Webster when a young man. He was very engaging & charming & sang beautifully. I think he has been very ill-used by the Gov^t in allowing any sort of discussion on his conduct in the Comm. until it was over— M^rs R. admires the photo— of Boy v. m—

Bessy & I have begun reading Bryce aloud; but we find . . .