From Emma Darwin to H. E. Litchfield [23 October 1879]

Dearest H—

Some how I never have time in the mg. & I am expecting Ware's plants tomorrow so I shall have less—& as you are not coming on Sat. it is more worth while to talk to you— That letter of Laura's is v—satisfac. as shewing how important T.H. thinks it that the relations of Effie & Horace shd be cordial— I mean for Ida's happiness. I think Laura judged well not to offer herself— How much L—cares for Mr Blunt & what a stupid woman Mrs B. is Laura will tell us something about the visit. I had fancied she wd have been at Dil. Poor Hope what a painful state she is in & what a number of months she has still to wait. I am afraid too that the fear of the danger of it troubles her, which it never used to do for me. Fr. was talking of running down to Brighton on his bicycle to see Mrs R—but I think he has given it up. Bessy has written to offer herself to offer herself to Hope for a call—w. I am glad of—

We shall be very glad to have you on Thursday— Lady L's funeral will be tomorrow. The bell was telling for her yesterday because as Brooks told me it had been forgotten before— It seems too odd that any one sh^d have cared & sent to desire it to be done. Mr Ff. is to perform it w. I wonder they can endure. Fr. seems extra hard at his work now & today explored to Farley on his bicycle w. the view of going to Brighton but found it q. too rough. I am going to see a maid tomorrow who is too young for me & if I find her nice I will write to Hope about her—

Goodbye my dear | E . D

Jane choses (12) tea spoons I wonder whether you or R—wd get them for us—none of yr old silver but spick & span & w. A. M—engraved on them r. stout.