From Emma Darwin to H. E. Litchfield [10 May 1879]

Dearest H—

I am very sorry to hear of your old enemy appearing again— I have no doubt that Mr Butt will recommend entire quiet. I am afraid it came on enough to spoil your visit to Laura in some degree— I am quite vexed at Effie's injudiciousness in taking Rose to that particular concert— She might dread going very much & yet not have courage to say she wd not go—& if it turned out to be a dismal empty concert into the bargain. I don't know what is to be done for poor Rose— Today is sharp but bright & pleasant & I actually walked w. Aunt Anne to Mrs Bullar's garden & back & sat & heard a nightingale. I am in extra strength & so is F., but a little bothered by Herr Krause gobbling up all his [lit] bits & leaving him little to say On Thursday Sara rode on her poney—up & down the road while we walked & today she is gone a real ride w. W^m on the pink mare, she sits well & enjoys it & I do believe it will do her good— She looks well for her The pony is like a small Jonny also in disposition

We had a tremendous job to prevent Button going as she is passionate to go with the poney— She has a sweet little face & was lost all day yesterday.

Aunt Anne looks older than any one I ever saw. She is cultivated & m. interested about books but not interesting to talk to about people & I feel perfectly at ease w her— She takes her 2 walks regularly—

Bernard is still upon his trumpets & drums. Sara charms him & excites him & he had one joke to agacer her with all yesterday. Fr is certainly in better spirits than at home. Yesterday At Anne & I drove (w. him on the box) to convey him part way to Bishopstoke to fetch his new bicycle. w. is m. safer than his old one— He & W^m are to have lawn tennis this p.m— I am quite satisfied w the weather as it is dry but still sharp. Mr Pattrick wrote a cordial note about the presents & desired to thank you— I feel r uneasy about Camilla & I think I shall invite her when we get home. He says she gets no better & takes nothing but beef tea & milk & the D^r comes every other day— Also Harold has had bronchitis.

I hope Elinor looks in at you in your solitude. The v. Hafen's are not moved yet—waiting for this useless deed of separation. I have written to tell her Mr Hacon's real opinion about it & how ineffectual he thought it against such a man— I am so heartily vexed at having let the affair out to At Eliz—as she is evidently still full of it,—& I am $\frac{1}{2}$ afraid of her sending some more money— With love to [Ara] yrs my dear | E . D

If I had these roads & these horses I sh^d like driving.