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

My dearest Hen.

Yesterday evening the rain set in delightfully & prevented my taking an evening call to see M^rs B. C., as I had failed to on Sat. She came in so late w. pretty little M^rs. Smith who I quite enjoyed looking at. so I had no time.

The Miss Halls were there too, however the place was so pretty & I dawdled about w. Snow & had a pleasant call. Toss was v. happy playing w. the children & jumping into the water after a croquet ball. Sunday the bell rang soon after lunch & in came Dr. Farr about the census, Ch. had been rather low & done up thinking it was Snow, but it was wonderful how he received & enjoyed talking & settling w. him.

The question was to come on next day in the House, & we shall hear today whether Sir John spoke. Dr. Farr had met Gladstone at dinner at Lord Granville's & interested him in the matter. (By the way Ernest's ""place in confirmed"" tho' I don't know what that means, but something good no doubt) we sent him back in the way as he had walked over & found it long. About 3.30 Snow did appear having intended to come to evg. Church. She had her tea & staid an hour or so & I was glad to see her & have a talk—Meta G. had written her rather a disquieting acct of M^rs Josephine Butler at a lady's education meeting at Manchester, where she appeared with her shawl fastened with a brooch on one shoulder like a Grecian staue, & roses in her hair. She told the ladies she was too busy to do much but they might come to her for inspiration. I think her head must be quite turned.

In the evening we chiefly enjoyed the rain, Polly rushing in & out & having the most tremendous poodle round the lince trees where F. was dodging her. Even Tip liked going a little out in the darkness. He is very stolid in the day time but v. playful in the evg. Yesterday the great event was M^r Edwards bringing a cob. Something like Bantam only not so pretty. F's only doubt was the slenderness, however he has bought it for the chance for 35£ as they w^d not leave it for trial. I am going to send it to Chelsfield today to meet G. who wants a ride.

Aunt F. gives a miserable acct of poor Georgina never speaking spontaneously. Ellen is coming up to London for the winter as she feels she cannot bear it for long together & G. will go to the archdeacon. I am not sure that she will not be forced into exerting herself more w. a man. I have had a most gracious note from Jenny & I think she likes the money best really— She says the pretty things are pouring in. They viz At J. Carry & she come up to lodgings this day week to have the awful scrummage of the trousseau. Jenny says she depends more upon Carry's taste than her own. Major Carr has been at Woodfield a fortnight & has made himself quite one of the family. Uncle Harry takes much to gardening & enjoys the loss of the gardener. He goes to Lidwells during the London Hooroosh & Major K. goes to S^t Morritz w Lawrence. They take their dancing shoes as it is said to be v. gay.

The papers make one really believe in war only it is incredible that France sh^d be so wicked & mad. This Hohenzollern is quite as nearly related to Louis Nass. as he is to the Prussians & is a Catholic.

I am starting a watercart 3 times a week for Leves G. The poor women look so red & done up going all the way to Keston well. nearly a mile. Thank dear old Backy for his letter. You will be turning homewards before long poor things.

E.D.

The P. F. is quite charming when open—slighly too buff otherwise but sweet. I have such a nosegay. Stephanotis scarlet geranium & Maiden hair. Roses v. nice still.