From Emma Darwin to H. E. Darwin [28 May 1868]

My dear Body

I am quite fatigued w. writing to Mrs Cameron. one has to be brilliant & affect so I must be short. Anne shall bring Lenny's dress clothes tomorrow, & unless I hear to the contrary, she shall call at Q. A. on her way & see if there is any thing for her to do— It is still only 50 tho' pretty to look at. Aunt Eliz. is a little relieved that Allen is not to come till next week when it may be warmer. She believes he requires fresh hot meat 3 times a day, but I think that must have been when he was recovering. It really is a trial to Mrs Rob^t who is not rich or over servanted to have such a brother constantly & I believe she takes in v. goodnaturedly  I am afraid by Ellen's account that poor Minny has had a return of her old complaint  Do you know? She is ordered to the high parts of Switzerland what can that be for?

I brought out the Sea Gull to begin—but we have had it—so have taken to Framely Parsonage which comes out so sharp after that horrid stuff we have for our Sunday reading. Your letter just come & I don't the least mind your not coming home till Thursday m. H.s come on Tuesday & go on the Friday week & I advise you to go (not that you sent me the invite). The only reason against it is that Cam sh^d knock you up. w. I don't expect; as you will feel very ready to rest over your fire w. Elinor.

I have written to Lenny. Baxter has not sent Liebig so Anne shall buy some as she goes up—& Eau de Cologne shall not be forgotten.

I am glad you were good about the play. Good bye my dearest | I hope you will be jolly. | yours E. D.

I am sending a Col of money to Bessy—I expect she will be jolly too if it is fine. The Neckar is beautiful I believe, but I am sorry she did not follow Effie's advice however she had better do what they prefer. Thank Eff. v. m. for taking the trouble. Such a solemn letter from Allen who suffered quite as m. as he appeared to do. (Your novel is come but we are so fond of Framely now I doubt if we shall leave it—not at any rate will we hear what Lettie J. is like).

I saw Polly rush out of the window w. a treasure in her mouth to worry at her leisure & found it was a dozen stamps  The governess furor is nearby & has produced £5 from W. Clive at any rate.

yours E. D.

Of course you will keep Anne for Mrs Galton