From Emma Darwin to H. E. Litchfield [8 September 1876]

Dearest H.

Every thing quite right nursing & all— Mrs Ruck complains that is v. hard Amy will talk too much now for the first time in her life— She was not the least exhausted after all those hours. I went to see the baby—w. is uglier than usual, as I was sure a Ruck baby wd be— It seemed uncomf. & was sick v. often & I found to my surprise that the nurse had given it gruel— I felt it so dreadfully dangerous for one grandmamma to fight the other about her favourite nurse, that I only expressed a mild doubt whether gruel was suitable food for a new born child, & I was v. glad afterwards that I said no more, as I found Frank had flared up manfully & quite forbidden it again (I am surprised to see how. m. of a D^r he is—even to the loss of every vestige of decency)- –-

Bessy was not to see Amy, so I persuaded her to fulfil her engagement to Emily & if everything is smooth she is to bring her home tomorrow to spend Sunday—

I hope we shall go to S—ton on Tuesday week—& I hope you will follow us there. There is plenty of room if they are furnished w. I think they are—

I am a little disappted at W^m's^ acct of himself—

yours my dear— | We have had wet but pretty days—

I am glad la femme de chambre is so happy— No doubt the flow of the conversation is worse for you in consequence— I don't believe M^rs Lewes had the faintest glimmer of an idea as to what D. D intended to do in the East. I think Gwenolen has a consid. charm—so direct & simple.