From Emma Darwin to H. E. Litchfield [12 January 1879]

It was v. flat seeing Horace arrive without you but I am sure you were right. Therm. in F's window is only 22 now & it must get a good deal of warmth from the house— I am not v. brisk & am coldified so I dare say I shall go on in my tedious fashion for some days— Leo. told me what Hope's letter was to be & I think it was v. judicious & wd not make Eras. feel tied. He only said to Horace— ""Will you tell Leo. I shall be glad to see him—or to have him"" & the next morning Horace said shall I give yr message to Leo. as a permanency? & he said Oh. Yes—it will do quite as well as writing won't it."" A few more words wd have been satisfac—but that is Eras. way— Leo. has quite settled to import his groom, at least if he finds he can lodge the horse in Eras. stables. I think he is right as a boy is such a bore & wd have to be looked after as to exercising &c A gorgeous silver invitation is come for Romanes wedding to Fr & Horace— Fr has declined & Horace is to accept & prob. not be well enough. He is a good deal better & has very nearly done his work, & is resolved to undertake nothing more unless his health is in a v. different state. Leo. is zealous about skating having got some good skating at Chatham & got some tips from some Canadians—& they are all going this Canadian mg—

I think Lily must have had a good passage. W^m. put her on board. Bern. does not mind the cold but stays out a short time. The Dyers come on Sat. & poss. the Crawleys & I have asked the C. Normans to dine but I feel very m. disinclined for them all—

yours my dear | E . D

Thank R—with my love for the beautiful Maud, & you for the dates. F. likes the little tray v. much & thinks it will do alone w. end missing.