From Emma Darwin to H. E. Litchfield 20 September [1881]

Dearest H.

I have just got yr letter of 17^th from Spezzia— I am so sorry R. was poorly & not able to enjoy thoroughly— I remember thinking that the most heavenly thing I ever saw— I hope we shall soon hear that he is all right. I have got a new stylo. so superior to my old one that it makes writing a pleasure. We had nothing more to pay for yr 2 sheets—

I am afraid I never wrote to Spezzia (& B. & I both think you never told me to do so) so my card at Pisa wd be the first you wd hear. I think the rail from Pisa to Florence along the Arno must be very interesting.

Bessy had to telegraph to her troublesome lady yesterday as she sent no word about the children expected today— After all they don't come till tomorrow. Yesterday Bessy & Fr went to 5. T & Lawn Tennis at High Elms. The party Amy & an Irish cousin a Miss Stobert Rolfe (who seemed pretty well) & Frank— Johnny who was at home felt it beneath his dignity to play & only rather despited the others. Sir John came on Sunday chiefly to consult F. upon a speech he had to make at University College on the opening of the Medical Class. He said he know 0 about medecine & had not a word to say. F. gave him some good hints wh. he caught at—viz. to get some lives of Drs & pick out things. Three days ago George set out on Sailor to call on Mrs M'L. when he fell most violently, Geo. was only bruised somewhat & his wrist strained; but poor old Sailor has cut his eye deeply (just like Peggy) & John is very despondent & nervous about it; besides several other bruises. G. was to have gone to Mr Cleasby's at Brecon today but he seems too unwell— I hope he will go in a day or 2. Fr & Leo went to Sydney Sales on Sunday about buying a bit of his field. He does not seem willing to sell, which will be a disappt to me more than to them I think. Here is At F. to fill up. Fr is tol. but his microscope work tires him v m & it has turned out a delusion so his last 3 weeks work is useless— Mrs Mul. & her cousin are coming to lunch today, & I believe Fr is going again there to lawn Tennis— Also Fr Balfour is bringing a German from Dohrn's Inst. for one day—

yours my dear w. love to R. E. Darwin

The acct of poor Arthur Shaen is very bad. They are bringing him to London—

B. speaking of Polly said.

""Is she Miss Polly or Mrs Polly""

Me. Mrs Polly I suppose—

B— Is she married to Tony do you think?

Me— No she hates Tony—

B— Then I think she is married to Tyke—they are both the same size—

B. behaved quite prettily to little Sibby Norman the other day— Shewing her pictures &c. so I think w. nice children he will do. Little Tomkins is most distasteful. Mrs Forrest has just lost her baby by whooping cough