From Emma Darwin to H. E. Darwin [spring 1868]

My dearest Body,

The day was so loevely yesterday that I did Lady L. & Mrs Atkins. Lady L. was at home in a white gown & enormous eggs hanging about her like Lizzy's bracelet. I am sure the little extravagant must buy new jewelry to be in the fashion. She was very amusing chiefly about ""Not wisely but too well"" which she liked very much & sh^d have done just the same only she would have gone straight off from the Crystal ""For it does nto signify what a man does if you care for him"" à propos to my objecting to his making love to a married woman. I said Kate was a very naughty girl & Lady L. said ""Well I am afraid I am just as naughty.""

Mrs Atkins was out & I drove round thro' the park & had forgotten how pretty it is. John has fished out the old old ragged saddle which appears to fit the pony well. The seat is quilted & it used to be comf. but it will always look very untidy patched with light leather viz. pommels covered. the outside flap & seat are good. The inside flap w^d be covered when ridden upon. I have told him to wait till you have tried it to see whether it is extra comf. & good fitting. The drive was perfection in point of temperature. Papa is baddish today & not able to work—Parslow said you put him in mind of something at Orp. about flowers & he can't remember.""