From Emma Darwin to H. E. Litchfield [12 May 1880]

Dearest H—

R. has indeed managed a delightful lark for his w.m.c—& one they cd never have hoped for by any exertions of their own   Mr Crawley seemed m. interested in the affair— Carry & Bessy had a comical reception at R—bourne yesterday— They were engaged to dine & C. to play to Mrs B. C—

When they arrived the face of dismay of the butler shewed they were not expected & they proposed to go away again— However they went in & found the 3 (Snow being there) at dinner on a chicken. Poor Alice was m annoyed at her forgetfulness & it looked ungracious—

They had enough to eat & C’s playing was extremely appreciated by Mrs B.C. who I think must care for it more than she used to do. F. & I opened the trenches on Mr Innes *P [symbol for yesterday] *Q as hotly as we dared— At first he said he wd not allow any exchange as we might get somebody worse; but F solemnly assured him that was q. imposs—& I think we had some effect— Mr Innes preached on Sunday about Science & Religion not being incompatible—the ladies were at Church— He & Mrs I. think poor Mrs Hoole in a very bad way—

We had Mrs F. Lyell & Miss Sterling, to say they c^d not come to luncheon (so we did it cheap—)—

Her mother has been v. ill & they were taking her to S^t Leonards— F. Lyell has had another property left to him in Yorkshire so they will be sure to leave Bickley— Conny L—called at the same time. They were so certain of Sir J's election that when they received a tel. to say he had failed they thought it was an April fool—till he rec^d another from Childers condoling w. him

Goodbye my dear. E.D. We do v. well w. Carry & she plays w. Fr.—

Mr Atkinson came *P [symbol for yesterday] *Q & B. sat 4 hrs a basin of water & sailing boats was the chief amusement this time—