From Emma Darwin to W. E. Darwin [late July 1862]

My dear W^m

It so happens that Aunt Susan has a great fancy for larking down to Southampton with the boys. She w^d only stay 2 days but M^rs Pratts rooms w^d be much pleasanter for her than the Inn. I wish you w^d write her a line to Uncle Ras. to say the needful to her. How she will talk with M^rs Pratt. She comes up Thursday & I guess the boys will come to you on Friday. & whether she will come with them or a day or so after I don't know. It won't be worth M^rs Pratt's while to refuse an offer for her rooms as it w^d be such a short affair. Goodbye | My dear |

Lenny has so turned night into day that he talks & eats half the night.

I think you had better call her Mary