From W. E. Darwin to Emma Darwin 8 November [1892]

My dear Mother,

We were very glad to hear from Bessy that you were going on well & that Norman Moore was satisfied with your progress. We shall hope to find that you are down stairs in a few days. It has very much puzzled us to be congratulated several times on the fact that the petition against Leo. has been withdrawn, it has been seen in several papers, but we have not seen it, nor did Bessy mention it though Leo. was staying at Geo's at the time she wrote. It would be capital news if true, & would make all the difference in their coming ball.

We are celebrating the coming of age of young Fleming, & are all going to a ball at North Stoneham house tomorrow night, I think both Lucy & Arthur will like to see a tenants' ball, & the house itself is worth seeing inside: they went yesterday to see a meet of the hounds near, & it was a lovely day & they liked it very much. The two little girls are charming & Susy will be very pretty & is very quick, as you guess Sara is enjoying it immensely, they stay here another week, & then go to Meran instead of Grasse: this will more amusing & will be all in the way to Venice where they intend going in the spring. Today is another perfect day, but alas I have to go to Portsmouth.

Good bye dear Mother, it is good news that you are going on well | Yours affec. son | W. E. D.