From Emma Darwin to H. E. Darwin [January 1870]

My dearest Body,

It was so calm on Thursday mg. that we hoped you had gone to sleep at Dover; but then I think we sh^d have heard from you, so I guess you slept at Boulogne. Here is a nice note from Laura. What a peculiar talent to write so nicely to a stranger about nothing particular. Ed has written that he has too many books & does not want that, but I will not tell Hope's news, from whom I have had a nice note abt Anne (who stays next week) & Arthur &c.

Lenny & B came Wed evening v. prosperous & Barlaston having been v. tolerable, though the first evening when they were quite alone was pleasanter than the 2^nd when the Emily's were up. She seems (i.e. Bessy) to be no fonder of Clem. Rose is wanting to invite Amy, but did not venture. I am sure she might. M^rs. F. was in her boudoir & a little visible. I am afraid Rose will find her life v. dull till Mabel comes home. She seems to have 0 to do w, Cecil.

It appeared that the General was in g^t pain when he was so cross to the boys. He was equally so to Amy for upsetting a chair, so one forgives him. Amy went to afternoon church & had to be fetched home $\frac{3}{4}$ of a mile!! The Gen. & Lenny went for her. He made some little apology about its being dark—

But she is not allowed to walk up & down in the road even the G worked all day in the garden, & Lenny quite enjoyed his talks with him & what he ""did not know he pretended to know, & so got along v. well"". Horace went to the ball w. good spirit yesterday & all the better because I offered to let him off. They had a practice of quadrilles & waltzes. They are not down yet, but Anne's news looks well, [illeg] that Bessy returned so only her tunic on & she had to be cutting off her gown many times in the evg.

Little Mr Maggeridge called yesterday when Papa was too headachy to see him, & it is the 2^nd time it has happened, so I have sent to ask him to luncheon. (married to a cousin of Carters & brother of Traherne). I found a good stock of this paper in my Gotto case.

Your passport is come & shall come by book post. Polly is v. comf. & I have not given her the powder yet as there are no symptoms. Jerry is recovering & his face looks quite right.

Good bye my dearest we have sold our sick cow a well one and a calf.