From Emma Darwin to G. H. Darwin [22 February 1894]

My dear George

I am in hopes that it will not be very long before you are able to come & see me again— I often wished to go & see how you were but you must not be rash as you are sure to remain weak for some time, after being in bed so long. We are having real winter for the 1^st time.

I dare say you have not read the debates— I think the Gov^t must be exciting unpopularity by giving up their bill for such an insufficient reason— W. E. G's speech was very feeble & inconsequent & Balfour's & Chamberlain's must have been v. unpleasant to hear. We have not seen Frank for a week— He is very busy & his back looks much tired as he goes home— So I don't know how Ellen is going on. She sent me some flowers wh. looked like hay when they came out of the box but recovered wonderfully esp. the anemones wh. continue growing as if they were in the ground.

Horace's influenza is mild but it is hard to have it 3 times. They are all in quarantine now—

Mary Mass. & Meggy are here till Sat— They are v. nice, but Mary is delicate & I don't believe a long engagement is a wholesome thing. She gives a delightful account of the Montgomery place in Monogham, which will be hers eventually. Hollycombe is to be lit w. electricity. They seem to have lost their heads about luxury & expense— Bessy says that Mary's young Mont. is ugly & sensible & never speaks; but Mildred is quite satisfied w. him— I had a v. nice letter from Charley— he explains the crosses to some words, wh. puzzled me— I shall write to him soon

I send enclosures to be burnt–- my best love to Maud–- I have had a v. good fortnight. I missed your visits much— also Maud's

yours my dear G— E. Darwin

Lord Derby's addresses must be better than most, but they must be dull reading   Lady D. has sent the book to me