From Emma Darwin to W. E. Darwin [1 May 1875]

My dear William

F. jibbs a good deal & I am afraid I shall not get him to move, at least not more than for 2 days to Q. A. which he thinks might rest him, & so I dare say it would for a few days— However the proof sheets are coming in at a great rate & he will be done with that plague before long. I am provoked at the lovely weather going today, just when you are going to Ryde— (I think I never remember so pretty & charming a day as yesterday) The last 3 days have been quite charming, & were very à propos for Mabel's visit. She is a pleasant happy girl, & more sensible than I thought she was. She & Horace had a gt deal of chatter & chaff— He came home sick on Thursday  It is odd how often he has had short feverish attacks at Erith— He was to have gone to London to Q. A. today & meet Bessy for the Merchant of Venice, but they have put it off till next week.

F. has had prosperous news today from D^r B. Sanderson. M^r Colam of the cruelty Soc. had been w. him & was quite satisfied with the Bill. D^r L. Playfair is to introduce it in one house & Lord Cardwell in the other, & they think if all parties are so harmonious about it, that it may pass this Session.

Aunt Eliz. comes home today, m. more comf about Edmund, who works in his garden & is helped by Lena & her double; but I should think it a bore my wife never being without a double. Poor Lena had a g^t misfortune w. she bore with complete good temper. The housemaid overturned a cabinet 7ft high quite full of China & glass, & of course much was broken. Lady Dorothy Nevill is coming to lunch on Tuesday! It is rather serious F. will have to be so friendly & adoring (if possible) Franks are gone to Pant. Well it does not rain & you may have a decent day down there I hope—

yours my dear till next Sat. | E. D–