From Emma Darwin to H. E. Darwin [spring 1869]

crooked legs quite out of the question. If you are at Euston Sq. I wish you w^d call on Miss Taylor (21 Taviton St) & thank her about Miss Meek & ask her whether she thinks it necessary always to write with the circulars. She is not satisfied with the progress tho' as the votes are nearly doubled I am surprized she is not, but (this time I must say it is chiefly her own doing. You need not go unless it comes in y^r way. I expect Wilson must have been charming in Lucia. This m^g I heard a great barking & scuffling in the hall & went out & found Polly quite mad with joy, I c^d not think why till I saw y^r grey collie wibble on the stairs & if she c^d have held her tongue she might have worried it in peace. However she has not hurt it. Ch. L. writes a v. g. account of Ed. who has gained 4 [illeg] since he began Mr Skeys stimulants We must remember a pretty combination of fl. A^t Eliz has now it w^d do for these little beds in front. Forget me not, yellow Alysium & creeping phlox. Her bed is quite pretty. Tell A^t F. I am v. s. she can't come but we shall be very glad to have her whenever it suits yours my dear. E.D.

F. is poorly with tooth ache—