From Emma Darwin to H. E. Litchfield 25 February 1880

Dearest H—

I went to R—bourne yesterday & after sitting some time w. Alice & Miss [J]—(who was really glad to see me & quite in a rapture over Sister Dora & Miss Carpenter) I went in to Mrs B. C. She is more soulless & affectionless than every & joky—so it was small satisfaction— She looks wonderfully well considering what a winter she has had.

I found an uncomf. acct of U. Jos—at At Eliz—much distress in breathing when he lies down, so that he spends most of his time v. uneasily in a chair— Lucy is coming for 2 days only, as she does not bring any children, because of the scarlet fever at L.H.P.

Today is quite pleasant, but I am not v. sharp & am a little doubting about my beloved Parrish as I have been plagued internally.

The maids went to hear Mr Fegan last night & were delighted with him— The room quite full— There are to be regular meetings every Tuesday interspersed with tea drinkings.

I think a little enthusiasm in this dead village may do real good—

Louisa's expressions of relief at ""this most wonderful thing that ever happened to her"" are quite pathetic.

Anxiety about money seems to have been quite weighing on her latterly. It made At Eliz. regret so m. never having helped her; but it never occurred to her.