From Emma Darwin to W. E. Darwin [7 or 14 August 1881?]

My dear William

We had a lovely day for coming home, & the next day; but ever since it has been soaking (not yesterday tho') & spoiling the hay, & the garden looks overgrown & disgusting.

We have been very uneasy about Eras. who has been v. unwell, or ill indeed for about a week, & has been troubled for several days & nights with a constant hiccup.

Aunt Fanny persuaded to call in D^r A. Clark instead of his own tame D^r Black, & it proved a mistake as D^r A. cannot really attend to so many patients & D^r Black coming in regularly wd have been a comfort, as Eras. gets to look so ill that one wants a D^r just to reassure about the pulse &c. I dont believe medecine can do much for him— Frank saw him yesterday & he was talking cheerfuly & I trust he has turned the corner. Aunt Caroline was so alarmed she came up for a few days which was very bad for her, & I am afraid not good for him. She is so nervous that she gets overwhelmed with alarm & must make a bad nurse. Aunt Fanny is up there now, & then I hope Hen. will look after him, & I believe she suits him best, as she has good courage & knows when to persuade him into doing things.

Poor old George continues to have sickness every day which is very disappointing & is often nearly as uncomf as in old times. Lenny came v. prosperous— He finds his photo—work very tiresome, as there are so many times when he can do nothing & it is always very difficult.

When shall you be coming again my dear old man— F. is v. well & working like a Turk which I suppose we must make up our minds to when he is at work

yours E.D