From Emma Darwin to W. E. Darwin [8 July 1877]

My dear W^m

Bessy came in very brisk on Saturday mg. R. having met them at Charing X & very cleverly advised her to leave her luggage & so catch the early train. Hen & she had joined at Brussels after B. had spent 2 days w. the Kilians at Aix, where they were so hospitable she had some difficulty not to stay longer. They had a beaut. passage & Hen. not m. tired. They are coming here on Friday, Hen. having many scrattles to do. Geo. came Sat after some pleasant days in London— He saw most of his friends & had a Sunday evg. at the Huxleys, where he saw the redoubtable Miss Tennants who inspire such universal dislike that I am very curious to see them. Lenny came too— He seems always to be at hand in Eras. domestic troubles, for this last servant is gone, not suiting; but he hardly knows what happened as he only saw Eras. for a minute. They had the Dr to see him however, who said he was not drunk; however, Eras had not liked him from the first & was glad when he gave warning himself. M. Rajon came down on Thursday bringing the picture & a proof sheet of the etching. They all admired it; but I rather dislike etchings & don't like the picture; so it was not likely to please me.

Sir John called & told us among other things that he & Grant Duff had seen Gambetta & Jule Simon at Paris; & found them quite composed & not anxious about affairs. He said M^rs Mulholland was well in health & going yachting, which sounds odd; when coming home w^d seem the most natural thing to do; but however it may be good for her & nothing like any gaiety. Horace went to B. Carters' at Petersfield for Sat & Sunday, & he was in hopes that Dickie would go with him. F. is very busy with Fr help about the bloom on plants; & I hope something fresh will turn up when that is done. I think Bessy had a great deal of quiet enjoyment at Kreuznach & the comfort of feeling she was of great use to Hen. Aunt F. & Effie are both rather disappointed that the move to Abinger seems not to have given her more of a start.

Yours dear W^m | E. D

Tell me what your weather has been— a g^t hail storm on Friday & cold ever since.

Many thanks for y^r pleasant letter  I am v. sorry we killed M^rs Cutting we must manage differently next time.