From Emma Darwin to G. H. Darwin 6 August [1890]

My dear George

Bessy would like to fulfil her long intended visit to Basset on the 19^th & it would be very suitable if you could come here on the 20^th instead of going first to the I. of W. It will be a geat pleasure to have you whenever it happens— About the Franks I believe it will be an effort to Ellen to come here at all events & I wish to have them quite alone— She is always r fidgetty about Frances being excited w. other children & I believe she will have an easier mind if Frances is quiet w. Alice, instead of the delight of being w. Gwenny. We have not heard again since the 1^st day—when she felt better already—

I am glad to think Bee is really better— She went to London yesterday for a day's shopping, & came down again pretty brisk. I am very glad to hear of your pleasant scheme to the Italian lakes— I know I sh^d enjoy the children in your absence & they would not tire me, but I feel afraid of any responsibility while you are at such a distance— Such as happened about recalling Ellen from Switzerland; which I felt w^d have half killed me if I had had anything to decide.

Your note to Bessy just come. The W^ms stay over Sunday & I shall be most glad to see you on Sat— We shall have the Leos—& I believe I had better give up Maud, as I find the presence of a good many persons of whom I wish to see as much as I can is unavoidably tiring

She knows how fond I am of her & will not mind—

Yours my dear G— | E. D–

I was very dead Sunday & Monday—& this lovely hot weather makes me weak

P. S. It is pleasant to know by a side wind that your pupils value the lectures— Rather a disagreeable article on Ellen in the Standard as if the subject had been so worn out that what she said was too obvious—but I dare say she will not see it, & she may not mind if she does— Per contra the article shews that she is worth controverting.

I trust Horace is getting right pretty quickly

I quite agree about the rent to M^r Filmer

yours my dear G | ED