From Emma Darwin to H. E. Litchfield [16 December 1876]

Dearest H.

I am very glad u will have a sight of Hope. I agree w. u that it was almost a breach of confidence to shew that letter. She ought to have felt how m. he w^d dislike having it shewn & talked over— I don't think she can do any thing so bad as you suggest—

Edwal came in yesterday ev^g. He walked from S. Mary Cray dined & walked back— He has a dog w a broken hip to sleep in his room, & when it squeaks he must get up & turn the poor beast. I sh^d not think it c^d recover— It is a friend's dog left in his charge—

I was glad his visit was not longer as I don't think Fr. is really intimate w. him. Fr & Polly walked in the dark & rain w. him part way— m. to Polly's disgust. Lincoln or Basset is turning out naughty— He kicks in harness pretty often & yesterday when W^m was on his back exercising he reared up & fell backwards w—out hurting W. however— We are going to borrow Nicholl's van & steady horse next week & devote it to his education— John. can't ""correct"" him when w. the more it frightens her so. m. Mr Nicholls is to help too—

Here is Bessy who evidently is comf. there—

I have no doubt Matthew exerts himself a little in his own house—

Mrs Grantham writes to me of Eva's music—which is really surprising She is to sing the principal part in some Opera of [Gades]—& his music is always difficult— The professional conductor was quite satisfied with her way of doing it after one rehearsal— She had heard Trebelli sing it & having the score—said it was as good as a dozen lessons. She does not get any pay, but it is a good advert. I have had 2 sights of Amy W. by herself & it is being w. At E. makes her tiresome & indeed it does not agree w. either of them. I quite liked my talk to her alone. Cecil comes today—& Marshall is coming to us.

yours my dear— | E.D—

I am v. glad you will have a sight of Hope—

P.S. The concert was gorgeous—as full as it could hold & the playing very fine— It shews how music is increasing that one should be able to assemble 8 or 10 young people in a country place like this—who can sing & play—

George was so puzzled about ""Rich"" Emily T. but no doubt he has heard by this time—