From Emma Darwin to W. E. Darwin [28 May 1877]

My dear William

We are forming our plans & think of leaving home on the 9^th. or 11^th. for L.H.P. for 5 days—& will be with you on the 15^th or 16^th if it suits you. We shall consist of F. & I & Bessy & Fr & baby & nurse (no lady's maid) & footman— I enclose H. Hookers very dry announcement of her most suitable engagement. This puts a stop to Fr. going to Kew for the present & so he will come with us or rather after us—

We have had a remarkably pleasant visit from Mr & Mrs Flower & Sir Victor Brooke (they offered themselves & brought him— He is a rich Irish Baronet v. fond of Nat. Hist. & has had dealings w. F.) & Lord & Lady Monteagle. F. was m. alarmed before hand; but Sir Victor is quite especially taking & gay & full of spirit & enthusiasm & very handsome— which last fact F. was not the least aware of till I told him— However F. has been remarkably well & in high spirits which was sure to make things pleasant—

Lady M. is a spirity Irish girl very natural & gracious & ready to talk—& they all went off early this mg— I like the Flowers too tho' Mrs F. is a little too sweet— I will tell you what our plans are that you may see whether you still stick to next Sat. instead of the following one. 1^stly Leo. will not be at home (Sir Victor is going to meet him at Woolwich & be shewn over the place) & then L. goes to Cam. for the Sunday— Geo. went this mg. he has been v. well enjoyed every thing (talking & laughing w. Ida not the least). She went on Sat. to the gt sorrow of her 3 adorers—& the pitch of weakminded folly they arrived at the last day was wonderful— Frank was away at Oxford w. Mr Dyer which I was glad of as we were rather too noisy to suit him—

Please write to Horace at The Limes, Erith, if you do give up coming next Sat— It is odd you sh^d have any discoveries to make in the New Forest yrs E.