From Emma Darwin to H. E. Darwin [11 January 1869]

My dear Body,

I will begin my letter this afternoon as there never seems to be time in the mg. We have just had a pleasant call from the G. Norman's. M^rs N. so bright and jolly F was sorry he c^d not manage to hear what we were talking about. M^rs N. told us of 2 odd matches. Miss Waring & old M^r Bough who is about old enough to be her grandfather & whom she is said to be nearly much attached to, & Miss Bough to M^r B's curate M^r Gordon who is a good deal younger than she is.

Phillip is come from Spain so we will invite him as soon as George is well. He feels v. m. done up today. He only went on the bicycle to Luscted yesterday, but I suspected it was too much. M^rs. N's other news surprized us also. The H Lubbocks are going to leave Gorringer & live in London: I am sure Henry must go against the grain & I shall think him a better husband—I am a little bit sorry–-

A message from Elinor to you viz. she hopes you will come as soon as you can after you get home not that she knows when she leaves home–-you had better invite Em Thorley now. I have an elegant luncheon for tomorrow. I was quite taken w. Lady M. & indeed I think I like the nobility v. m.

With respect to yr journey; at Willesden you have to mount up to the high level but by tipping the porter, it does not signify. You must come to Victoria tho!

I sh^d not fast myself w. trying to keep Polly w. you it will complicate matters & not make m. difference to her. I am sorry you have so m. rain this last week. Frank is gone for a lesson w. Rucks two w. he wants as he is gone back in [illeg] Now I suppose I shall begin howling about a bad harvest. I did not scold M^rs. Ev. only told her you were going to be housekeeper. Horace comes tomorrow I hope.

Good bye my dear my best love to Ef and tell Hope I hope she will endorse my note to M^rs. Sydney Serogge I wonder Mr Serogge cd ever get a wife. yours E.D.