From Emm Darwin to H. E. Litchfield [30 May 1876]

Poor old Horace is so unwell & miserable it is sad to see him— Also it is highly inconvent his not being able to go to his machine today where Geo. was to have met him. He did telegraph to stop him yesterday. His walk quite did him up yesterday. He hopes to go up on Thursday— We all went up to Mr Streets & trespassed all about—& any thing more lovely I never saw—

The flower garden creeps up the valley & the view is a good deal more beaut—than this, but no doubt it w^d have been a more expensive situation, as the earth works are very extensive. They had the choice of that site I believe— Then having Holmbury climbing up out of your grounds is so charming. F. went w. us; but was taken w. a dazzling fit & turned back— I must take him again as he won't dare to go alone—

I like this house more & more, & out of this window (At F.s writing table) I can see the view. The drawing room is most pleasant & liveable (all but that fault) & infinitely superior to the library at Abinger. We certainly do enjoy our liberty today, though Snow has been both agreeable & entertaining. Yesterday we read aloud her pamphlet on suffrage, which a good deal converted W^m & me— Thinking as I do that the game laws & land monopoly is one of the greatest drawbacks to happiness in the country, & as women in general will have no sympathy with either, I think suffrage will be an additional handle against them—

We have sent off all the household to wander over the hills & disport themselves. Eliza staying at home. Frank has printed a letter (by the way I shall never endure a printed letter) it does look so uninteresting & it is very difficult to read) in tremendous excitement at discovering some wonderful behavior in the glands of the teazle. F. is all agog too, so I hope it will not fail.

William's strength in walking is an excellent sign & if he comes home tired, he soon gets rested.

I shall say no more about your coming my dearest as you must judge for yourself.

yours E.D—

You know how I wish it—but that must not influence you— B. is v. happy here w. so many walks— I think Horace must be brewing the gout & I hope it is so—something definite is less disheartening— Do you know wanted a home by Romance of a dull life. It is here & we mt read it, if not too dismal for F—

You addressed your Sunday letter to Down—so I got it today—