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

Ellen comes to us on the 2^nd for only 3 days & Amy Ruck on the 5^th.  She writes a v. pretty infantine acceptance to Bessy, & the invite comes well as her brothers spend the holiday in Bedfordshire so she combines the 2 visits. Easter Ball is the 19^th so I will ask Amy C. for it & Frank is sure to be at home. I am afraid I shall have to go. Enough of schemes I hate them they annihilate time. It was v. provoking y^r losing the nice little exped. to the island; tho' nothing could be lovelier than your sunset. It is tiresome the L's being so dilatory. Bobby's recovery is so slow that I half expect he will die after all; but he does take a little food now. Today M^rs Cowlands daughter came to ask for a night gown for her mother, & I was rather puzzled at the way she spoke; but M^rs Evans was sharp enough to perceive that the poor woman wanted something tidy to be laid out in & I sent her one of my old ones. I don't think she will live long. Elinor will tell you her visit at Lady Stephen; she seemed to have enjoyed it much—

Sat. mg. Geo. will not walk from Chelsfield as he intended, as here is our fourth snow with a driving N. E. wind just as bad as it was 6 weeks ago. I am v. g. you are out of it.

We have quite enjoyed Mildred w. I have at last allowed F. to get. He was charmed with her faithfullness to her disreputable lover & it is a powerful book. Here is a copy of Uncle Harry's note to Aunt F. which I thought the most affecting of all but I dare say you have seen it. Effie good. naturedly wrote a long pleasant note to Bessy. My heart has failed about Farrers till you come home we will ask them fr. Abriger.