From Emma Darwin to H. E. Darwin [18 or 25 June 1864]

My dearest Hen.

I have made an engagement for you & myself to dine at High Elms on Tuesday to meet D^r Whewell & Lady [Aff]— his wife, (unless I hear you shall be met for the 11.25. viz. 12.4. on Tuesday) so I hope you will come home in good time so as to have a rest. I accepted at all risks because I want our near neighbours to know that I can come out with you sometimes now. You are such a Hercules that I dare say you won't be tired, but if you are I will go without you. I don't believe Hope w^d mind an evening to herself but if she has but very few days to give us it would be a pity to waste any of them & we w^d send for her the next day.

I went to call at Crans yesterday & I was smart I thought it a pity to waste my appearance & set out & bethought me of M^rs Atkins who called in the winter so on I went & did her & M^rs Bowyer the clergy. but they were all out which I was sorry for. Billy is quite well & I have given them a tea box which they enjoy intensely it is their castle. Just had your pleasant letter. I think you will have enjoyed your visit thoroughly It was sure to be nothing but pain. If you want something to do on Monday you may buy me an elegant mourning cap that w^d do for the evening: But never mind as I shall send for some flowers & make my old one do. But I sh^d not mind another only it must not be solely for evening ask at Fanny to lend me a black thing or 2 ornaments. You may go out of mourning.

Yours my dear

I am glad you have written to Lizzy all to her own cheek—