From W. E. Darwin to Emma Darwin 3 June [1877]

Dear Mother,

I thank you for your P. S. and pleasant letter. Lucy was much pleased that you thought of her and Arthur for the great event on Saturday. He has not arrived and we are much surprised at receiving no telegraph from him telling us when he is coming. I think if he comes in the middle of the week he will run me up to Cambridge & take his chance of a place in the Senate House.

I think Lucy will hardly like to leave Grace though she is now so much better than I should hope in a week she will be quite right. I dare say you would be able to squeeze in [illeg] at one of the houses if he comes alone. I should be glad to know whether you could take in Lucy too, as she is most anxious to go if possible. I have told her that it is extremely unlikely that you could get her any place in the Senate House.

If A. appears in a day or two & would like to run up I will telegraph & find out if you can have him & I do not like to leave Sara as she is going to Spa so soon; though she hates the idea & fear the household will collapse without her I try & cheer her up & say Lucy & I will take all responsibility on our shoulders, & bear all the blame of any troubles.

I am very glad indeed that you are going as a Distinguished Visitor to the Ceremony it will be very interesting

I am sorry to hear [illeg] Jim is not brisk at Royal I should prescribe 6 month entire holiday for him. Hen. is better I am glad to learn from her letter to Sara but it is a bore that the D^r is a migrating bird.

I wish you could see us that splendid weather with all our Rhodos out it is very beautiful; I was thinking yesterday how nice it was to feel that Father had seen & enjoyed this place.

You will enjoy the quiet of Down; I shall come for a quiet Sunday as soon as I can I sent Bessy 12 vols of Lucking.

Goodbye dear Mother You will have a whirling week & I hope it wont tire you. not [illeg] haughty Sara would go to Church today.

Your affect son | W. E Darwin