From Emma Darwin to H. E. Litchfield [13 September 1877]

Dearest Body—

I have just been reading Monday's letter & feeling that at least we know dear R. was not worse on Wed—& that you must have had D^r Moore for 2 nights at least—& you will have the nurse tomorrow—

G. liked her looks v. m— He is going up today to meet Elinor in case of any more last words— If we send a brother it will be Horace— But Elinor will be best of all. I hope you will sleep together— I have copied out what you said to Bessy which was very sweet & she must feel herself that R. wd not feel at ease with her as he wd know she wd not be at ease w. him. Elinor's age & being married & the sort of person she is makes such a difference— My poor body you had a dreadful day on Sunday, but I don't wonder at your trusting that the Swiss D^r must know whether there is inflam. or not—

I think you had better tell Elinor under the seal of secresy why you did not send for W^m. I conclude it was that you c^d not bear to stop this meeting. What a blessing it is your having such v. kind people as the Pollocks & Rotherys. Geo. was so utterly done up when he had made all the arrangements (& nobody c^d have done it so well for the nurse & c) that he could not have gone. Clement is coming here for one night. I refused him once & then changed—

A v. sweet note from Hope. I have felt all along that if you did break down I c^d come to you (slowly) without any harm & leave F. without any real anxiety— But if Elinor is with you I shd feel m easier than if you had a brother. F. & I do feel so grateful to her. Alice was here *P [symbol for yesterday] *Q & v. kind about it saying she knew the journey w^d not hurt her if she was careful.

yours E.D

Just got your tel thro' Eras. ""going on well""—

I am sending a small box of whole meal by Elinor as George did not feel [v]. sure of the Norwegian kitchen w. contains them reaching you—no doubt you want them medicinally.

Mrs Ruck knows your Hotel & says they are so kind.

Frank has offered Thursday—warmly to go—but he w^d feel anxiety worse & as B. is not q. right yet he w^d certainly feel going so far—