From Emma Darwin to G. H. Darwin and Maud Darwin 21 September [1889]

My dear George & Maud.

I have to thank you both for nice long letters, so you must take this between you. I long to hear about Alnwick & I wish you (M.) cd have been with him—

The departure of Bernard has been our chief event. He went off v. stout & kept it up to almost the last minute w. Frank at Eton. Frank liked the matron & the master under whom B. w^d be, & the sleeping arrangements were quite civilized, a row of little cubicles & a bath in each— He knew several of the boys & Willy Clark is in the same dormitory, which Ellen is sorry for. There came a very jolly letter from him yesterday, saying they had had great fun at night, as they were allowed on the first day to make as much noise as they liked.

The second Crystal P. party took place yesterday & about 3 o'clock came on a high S. W. wind & rain, & I was afraid that the fireworks w^d not take place— About 7 the rain stopped & ev. thing was prosperous— We had the 4 children to dinner, most silent & decorous— Ras. said "How I wish Gwenny had not gone away". How I sh^d like to see that lovely Ulleswater again— Does G. remember a small picnic we had on the opposite shore & lighting a fire. I hope M's people have had fine weather in Scotland & have not tried to see too much— Did the little maid arrive all right, & how does she op. as they say in Staff— It is nice to hear of M^rs Du Puy's vivid enjoyment & refreshing to think of anyone who has never been anywhere— F. & Ellen go to the Winkworths tomorrow, & Leo & B. come here.

yours my dear 2. E. Darwin

I enclose an envelope to Hen. & will you send this on to her   She will want to hear about Eton—