From Emma Darwin to W. E. Darwin [2 August 1878]

My dear William

We are in the agonies of preparation for the Litches. entertainment & after the furious thundershower last night, the weather seems really to be ordered for the occasion, if it holds out. I don't trouble my head about anything. Parslow & Jackson are full of zeal—

I don't wonder Sara was pretty well done up yesterday.

So many presents are a tremendous strain upon the mind.— It makes America look very near, to be getting them ready— I am afraid there is very little hope for Dick's poor wife. The Litches visit to you seems to have been most idle & enjoyable. Hen— cannot speak highly enough of Button's charms, esp. of her sweet smile. If it had not been for breaking Polly's heart I sh^d always regret not having stolen her when you w^d have parted with her. The other serious thing is to hear that you still have bad intentions about the little oak tree (which I am convinced will never grow tall & only spread a little). You will regret it if you ever do so wicked an action. The Langtons are below & come up to Lawn tennis— Also Lily von Hafen— Lena walked to Orp. station yesterday on her way to London, in the hottest cloth dress., thicker than a man's coat— Miss Brander is on a walking tour (by herself) & is to come to At Eliz for a few days— I want to see her— I sh^d think the Inns w^d refuse to take in an odd looking dusty woman with no luggage—

Here is the cheque I get to enjoy my table more & more like the way F. enjoys his study—

My best of loves to Sara | E. D—

I hope you will manage to come this next week