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

My dearest Body

I was v. g. to get your note. I meant to have written to Ravensbourne but you may be starting early & so Walcot is safer–-Yesterday we had a pleasant call from D^r & M^rs Bond & gave them tea. Soon after their departure in came W^m bringing Uncle Frank who is come to meet Mabel without the least knowing which day the leaves Havne as she has not managed well. Luckily there is only one steam boat: so after seeing that come in, she will come here for the next of the day if Mabel has not arrived. We walked him out in the nursery garden as it was a lovely bright afternoon, & at 9.30 he took his departure. He told us about the Harry's who had just been at Barlaston & was astounded at the thinness of both the girls. Jenny v. happy as usual. Uncle Harry decidely likes the Carr family. Another bright mg. & W^m just gone on Tommy after walking in the garden. He has several new definitions of morals, but I give it up in despair. We are rather dismayed at a note from Miss Cobbe, saying that the Ed. & she are so much pleased at F's approval of her article that they have published his note to her, which is quite unjustifiable & he is rather alarmed at what strong expressions he may have used about the mags. It makes us feel a little flat that Stephen Holden sh^d have been in prison before. Here is Parlow's acct. The master keeping his place open is the best voucher for his character however I am v. sorry to have a [illeg] from [illeg] wishing to consult B. Jones, not a word more, but it shows that he cannot be at work–- I will write a line to Toppy. I sh^d think. they w^d neve be so crazy as to go to Normandy— We shall have to set to in earnest about helping the wounded when we get home. F. has subscribed. Uncle F. said that Hensleigh was the only one who was pleased about Alfred's marriage. Snow's relief is great as its being broken off. I look upon it as quite certain that he will not now be able to be content without some sort of marriage. Here is poor Pauline's note. I think her quest quite hopeless. The only chance for them w^d be governess' situation & then they c^d only ask low salaries as I fancy they are ignorant enough. Poor souls. I must write to her. Here is M^rs Dublin which is somewhat of a relief to my mind. What a tremendous eater & drinker this poor old soul seems to be–- I expect to hear that Eliz has been to see her & I only hope she may have some away without her. (I don't really think she w^d be so romantic)—I had a pleasant walk w. Anne on Tuesday & I shall go again today. I heard a great deal of gossip and news & I am sorry to find the household here anything but harmonious. I shall not say anything to W^m as it w^d bother him & it can't be helped. Poor Aunt Eliz! How quickly she takes the anxiety about her eye–-I have been reading Victor Hugo's poetry & I actually like a great deal—your my dear E.D.