From Emma Darwin to W. E. Darwin [late November 1879]

My dear William

It has been so pleasant to receive your & Sara's letters. I had no idea you had got the Brougham so soon as this. How I sh^d have liked just to see you incog. I am rather alarmed at the Pink mare but I suppose you feel pretty sure of her & that she is stronger than Golumpus.

Christmas is not so very far off & I do trust you will come to us then. It will be a true happiness to us— Here is a very gracious little note from M^rs Ashburner which I do not want again— Here is also Leo's most satisfac. account of himself. We have had dismal foggy weather since Monday & Laura does not venture to go out— She is very agreeable & finds the change here from the empty house at Abinger very cheering.

I have been trying to protect Aunt Eliz. from hearing of one of the periodical smash ups of the Von Hafens; but M^rs v. H. telegraphed straight to her after several frantic letters to me, which poussed me à bout & I wrote a stern note to her, which brot a most angry answer from the Countess von Lilienstein. However At Eliz. was wonderfully staunch & left it in my hands & I have now taken measures that neither telegrams nor letters reach her & At Eliz. has herself given orders that she will see none of them.

She goes to Q. A. on Monday & will be out of the way of bothers.

Yours my two dear ones | E. D (It is v. nice Sara approving so heartily)—