From Emma Darwin to W. E. Darwin [21 July 1881]

My dear W^m

I congratulate you & Sara & (not the least of the 3) Lily on the benefits of a hot day— We got rid of Miss Pugh in the same way, only F's remonstrance was upon her having too m. open window instead of too little. I wonder whether you had any rain yesterday, we had great darkness & sudden cold (57^0^) & a few drops. Today is perfection bright & & not hot & the school feast takes place. Jackson is so zealous that one may leave all out door arrangements to him. Mr Collier is we think making a great success & I shd not wonder if the family wanted him to make a replica. Marian came with him on Monday, & does not make her fortune here— She ought to have been improved by marrying so nice a man— Her manner is so indifferent & wanting in respect that Bessy can hardly bring herself to call her Marian— My only aim is to be just civil enough to prevent her Jack finding out how little we like her. e.g. she sat at 5 o'clock tea yesterday reading her newspaper without even looking off to drink her tea. It is clear we need never invite her again—

This blazing weather was very nice for our lazy Sunday party— Mrs V. Lushington was most taking & won F's heart & told us such amusing things. & Hen says that she has a solid background of kindness of heart; & consideration to servants & poor— I have just heard a speech of Jacksons to Mr Collier. He stood for some time on a box (to make him tall enough) & had on Ch. cloak (for Mr C. to paint it), & talked away to Mr C. ""Do you know Sir, I believe some people don't think Mr Darwin good looking; but we can't see that at all."" Mrs Lushington's playing is quite unique & she played a great deal to us—

Miss North brought her Australian paintings & sat & adored Mrs Lush— She looks quite done up & ill herself— Dear Vernon was the only draw back, he is such a bore & so nice & good & amiable one must be ditto to him—

He never falls in to what is taking place but comes in w. some thing of his own; & he has no sense of humour.

A poor fly driver of the village was run over by an express train 2 days ago—& so dreadfully disfigured which makes it a good deal more horrible— The death instantaneous however—

Did I tell you of Mrs Parslow's death. Poor P. takes it very patiently & has rather benefitted than otherwise by Mr Ff's brutal behaviour at the funeral—as it has filled his mind & he thinks the Arch B. ought to be informed.

Post time so Goodbye— | your E D