From Emma Darwin to W. E. Darwin [29 August 1881]

Dearest William

I think there never was an old person who was so lamented by the young as Eras. All of you sons must feel that you valued him & went to see him whenever you could. It was the most cheerful part of his solitary life, except the habitual visits of Hen. & Effie to both of whole he will be a loss daily felt—

One can hardly define what his charm consisted in— It has been a great comfort to F. & me that we saw him so comfortable & cheerful for one day when we were in London— I wish poor Aunt C. could have had the same comfort; but she told Hen. that she was very thankful that she had come up. He was very fond of Sara too.

Yesterday the corn all about might have been carried after 2 fine days— I hope people will soon have sense enough not to scruple carrying it on Sunday in such a case. Now it is raining again— We mean to try for Arthur & Charley Parker to perform the service— As Mr Reed is no relation F. thinks it wd be too insulting to Mr Ff. to apply to him—& the sons & Hen. do not much care about it.

Bernard's passion for drawing soldiers is keeping him employed for hours on this rainy day. Of course the York party is given up; but George & Horace will no doubt go & read papers— Yours my two dear ones—

E.D—

F. was so much more hopeful than I was that the bad account was a great shock to him— We set off at once & met the news of his death at Orpington— We went on to help to settle things & Leo was w. Hen—& George came soon after—

Hen. has not been knocked up. & will come again & stay till they go abroad—

I am surprized to hear that you can manage to come on Thursday; but it will be very pleasant to have you—