From Emma Darwin to H. E. Litchfield [23 September 1877]

Dearest Hen—

I have been made so happy by your 2 Thursday p.m. notes. F. told me yesterday that he felt sure nothing bad c^d be coming on—but I believe since our great misfortune I always forecast evil of the worst sort. It was so unlucky W^m being just gone—

What a charming landlady & chambermaid you have got— It is as you say m. better than being at Lucerne— I told you about Leo. ricking his knee at Lawn Tennis— Horace went to him *P [symbol for yesterday] *Q after receiving a most comf. acct of him reading novels & keeping a Chemistry book by his side, w. seems to get him ""no [furder]"" & receiving visits enough from his fellow officers, especially from his own ""Boss"" who he has always hitherto hated & now finds he must like. He is sure to be laid up—I am v. cross w. Effie—see enclosed— I shall not ask Ida again for some time— To be sure I. herself may not wish to come— I had a down hearted little p.s. from W^m (but I told u)— Violent N. E. wind these 2 days— B. well but inside relaxed— I have written to Elinor. no more today—

I sent u a letter from Laura— F. has had a tight chest for some days w.

Tuesday— I send all these for the times when you may like to think of something else—

A letter from Bessy Beartinberg most beaut— It seems the foolish W^m left Engsthen because he thought Mab. was bored—however I am sure he is too uncomf—mentally to get m. good they are gone to Mürren on Sat. & will come home from thence. They had a lovely sunset at Engsthen & walk down from thence next mo.

Fr. went to London *P [symbol for yesterday] *Q & saw Mr Pick— He seems to think it q. useless his coming to see Leo. but gave a discouraging account on the whole as to the length of time it probably will be ailing, tho' he thinks he may return to Chatham in 3 weeks & hobble about; but not have his class—

I find we made a great mistake the other day in not having in F. to see Charley Lyell.

It did come across me but he was tired & asked not to come in. I have heard from Kath. Lyell who had seen Sir Joseph after his return q. well & she expresses Mrs Leonard's disappt. about F. We must ask them before long—

Horace's visit at Combe Bank was v. pleasant he had quantities of shop talk w. Mr Spotty & Huxley & a gt deal of fun & talk w. the Huxley girls. & walks & a row on the water &c—nobody there but Tyndalls & Mr Heist.

He is now hard at work on his Vermimometer & has enjoyed receiving his brake for the bicycle made after his scheme.

If he can but get his Dynamom. off his mind he will go to Cam.

Ellen writes ""I ought to have told you of G's engagement to his 7 years love but at first I c^d hardly believe it was all true & did not publish it. Now I am hopeful that all will be right— — — His mother is q. reconciled—not so I fear Penelope—

Here is a more encouraging account of F—& I look forward to seeing her pretty comf. on Friday.

yours my dear | E. D—

I was put q. in spirits by this Russian victory before Kars—& so many prisoners & not so m. bloodshed—