From H. E. Darwin to W. E. Darwin [9 October 1861]

My dear William.

Here is a letter of Georges that is worth sending on. It is a pity poor old Frank got into trouble in his exam. All the fine weather is gone here, & it is raining hard, so we shan't be able to have any croquet, We quarrelled over it a good deal yesterday. Mamma has just found yr letter in her pocket, & thanks you very much. It all sounds most comfortable. I should think old M^rs Falls must be rather a bore. M^r Sowerby came down on Monday, but without any drawing paper, so we had to scour the house for any old scraps. D^r Hooker sent him a lot of foreign orchises just in the nick of time. I have ⁠⟨⁠    ⁠⟩⁠ two rides since you went, one up to Bessys—it is such years since I was last there, not since Miss Thorleys days I believe. I do wish we had H. Hemmings to ride with.

Miss Pugh comes on Saturday, after seeing poor M^r Hawk on Friday. Yesterday Mamma went to the Union with 50 packets of Brandy balls & 30 of tea. She has quite got over her headache. I am afraid it was Knole gave it her, with Mary Peters farewell visit for a finisher.

We have gathered the pears & Orange Blenheims, such beauties I never saw. Mamma will write soon.

Goodbye dear William

I hope it wont be very long before you can come & see us.

yr affect | H.E.D.