From Emma Darwin to H. E. Darwin [24 September 1866]

My dearest Body. I cannot tell what you had better settle. I don't think your missing the school boys signifies. They will come on the Friday & possibly stay till Tuesday evening. We have not heard of the other boys so I don't believe you will lose the first blush of them which w^d be a pity. On the other hand if I do go to Pyt House it must be on Monday as Aunt Fanny goes with Harry Allen on the 4^th^ but then if you came in the evening that w^d do nearly as well, only I sh^d be sorry to miss the first bloom of you.

(Tell me when you get this.) I made it clear yesterday you were to go to Lowes water on Wed. as you cannot hear any bad news now before that time. Unluckily yesterday evg. Papa was more uncomf. with giddiness & bad stomach than he has been for months & had to go to bed. However he was able to see a good deal of both gents in the course of the day. Uncle Harry is in great force & gone to Pyt House from whence he takes F. F. to Woodfield. Did I tell you Carry was engaged to a musical visit at the Charles Allens & so returned home with Arthur who was also engaged to a Devonshire visit so they went home together before going into Italy. Harry says Carry has no taste for scenery & so it must have been indeed to prefer that to the Italian lakes. Unless there is a lover which I don't believe. W^m has bought dozens of beautiful photographs & has brought you & Lizzzy pretty white wood glove boxes made of Sycamore. Also he ordered you a pair of elegant slippers like his but they are too large so you are to go & be measured. He has had a great deal of enjoyment in spite of weather. He spent 2 days with Skipworth whose little wife is rather poorly & hates Englishwomen as much as ever & finds it rather dull though she has a baby.

Papa is tolerably today.

Goodbye— | E. D.