From Emma Darwin to H. E. Litchfield [27 June 1877]

Dearest Hen—

I don't expect a letter today after the grand budget of yesterday. Whoever is Nanny Allen, one of the Williams I suppose or a Tom?— What an odd chance— That was a very feeling letter of Effie. I am rather surprized at so reserved a person as At F—being very much to Effie. It is provoking for her to lose Ida for so many weeks on what you may call a duty visit. I walked yesterday to call on M^rs Hank— It was q as m as I c^d do, so I was thankful for a rest & a cup of tea. The 2^nd daughter looked so nice & tasteful (& unlike her mother) that I felt sorry W^m sh^d be cut of from one of the few girls with whom he c^d really get acquainted. I asked her to play w. she did very well— one of Chopin's waltzes I have heard E. Carter play— They shewed me their new tennis court in the gravel pit— It looked hot & gritty & not half so nice as the lawn, but Fr. says it is better to play on.

Mrs H. asked me to come in tomorrow evg. but we are going to Netley & I shall not manage it. I came back thro' Rogers garden which shortens it almost half I think, & met Babsey & M. just at the gate— She is super excellent for staying out of doors very long— Leo. did not accomplish his Sunday at L.H.P—he is now at Dorking & no doubt he will have some dealings w. them— Jenny & Co. are staying at Boughton till their house is ready for them. How shocked Charlotte will be at little Harry's naughtiness It was v. hospitable of her, as there was no need of it. I am glad to say that Harry is going to leave Folkestone & go to Jenny for a bit, w. will cheer him. W.J. is better however

I shall feel q. ready to go home on Wed.— I want to look after At Eliz. & it will be pleasant preparing for you & Bessy. Babsey will certainly be there to receive you— That blessed old Emperor is at Sir J. again to ask whether F. w^d be at home this week. I rather want him to go to Uncle Ras. on Tuesday & offer to call—w. w^d be m. less bother than his coming to Down— Horace has left his bicycle here & Fr goes out on it every day. These roads are so made for it—Geo. lip is almost well—

Well I will write to Leo. or Horace & I don't know which of them cares least for a letter. It shall do double duty any how— F. does not find enough to do here & is in rather a languid way—