From Emma Darwin to G. H. Darwin 16 November [1890]

My dear George

I am glad you are having mild weather with gleams of sun— I had a very decorous visit from the Boy today— He sat by me looking at pictures & was not in his usual rollicking state. After a time he went to the kitchen perhaps w. some spunge cakes views;

Horace & Ida dined with us yesterday. In the p. m— Bessy & Ida carried out their plot to ensure Ida calling on M^rs Carver without being admitted—viz. Ida waiting round the corner while Bessy went to the door— As it happened she was admitted & it was all for the best, as M^rs C. made civil enquiries about Horace & Ida & it must have been a mistake of Ida's that she meant to cut her—so Ida will call now without fear. We had a pleasant call from Albert Dicey.

He liked his Unionist tour in Ireland w. M^r Westlake— He thinks there is plenty of hatred to England but very little real care about Home Rule— land is the only powerful motive. He went over Lord Lansdowne's estate. It is now tenanted by stern looking Scotch Irish from the North of I. who look as if they c^d hold their own without fear. M^r Kilbridge who was evicted from his farm having 5 or £600 in his pocket is now an M. P. Alice & Frances go tomorrow to K. Sq^r. where the travelling maid with join them. I daresay Gwenny is very happy having Maud to herself w. no troublesome children about.

Good bye dear G. & M. | yours E. D—

Boy looked perfectly well & comf