From Emma Darwin to H. E. Litchfield [4 June 1876]

Dearest H—

I took a short walk w. F. after writing to B. The walks are endless & not long— There is an air of Lullingstone about this place only a much narrower & more abrupt valley, more beautifully clothed & the lower end opening on a beautiful view—

Uncle Frank & Clarke did not come till $\frac{3}{4}$ of an hour too late & they had been delayed by the falling in of part of the Guildford Tunnel after we had gone thro'. They had to drive in flys from Guildford to the lower end of the tunnel. The dinner was not a success. F. sitting by Cicily talking company to her & I by Clarke doing ditto to him, & such a large table that one could only speak to ones neighbour—whereas we were only 7 people & if we were round a moderate table we sh^d have talked altogether. There were 4 entrees of difft sorts v. tedious & v. unwholesome for F—& Mrs Morley makes us feel rather company.— So he had a bad night & I repented heartily having brought him here—

He is prettily well today & I hope the dinner may be not so swell— He is gone out to observe ferns— Cicily is v. nice & cordial & looks the happiest little pigeon among her very nice children & charming baby– – She evidently looks well after them, but I long to stop their having such luxurious breakfasts kippered salmon &c— This mg. little Frances came in her [shining] & red dressing gown to my door to look for her grandpapa & she has stuck to him all the mg. He looks intensely happy with them.

Here is George—

How very proud it makes one about Horace & coming from such good authority as Horsley the father is engaged himself in the firm of Eastons.

What a very entertaining job for R. almost as pleasant as arranging a musical party for ones self—

yours my dear— | No card from L.H.P. | but it might come | later E.D

There is a picture of Sir John by Watts which almost puts me in good humour with ours— It is much more rugged & dismal & w. a purplish complexion like a stage coachmans.