From Emma Darwin to H. E. Litchfield 15 November 1881

Dearest H.

I pity you about your house—this one has the merit of the back drawing room being as cheerful as the front—or rather you will make it one room—(how large I wonder)  F & I are strongly of opinion that you sh^d not consider our tastes in the matter, for tho' I think we are both likely to have long lives, it is most unlikely that poor Q.A St should be much longer any thing to me & I shall be still more seldom than I am now wanting to do any thing but see my friends, & F. will be accustomed to do one set of things in a day & so make up his mind to a drive—

I think the distance to Ch. X of Kensington wd be your chief objection— Have you ever thought of Chelsea— It sounds very peaceful (in Life of Carlyle)—& a river, even a dirty one is always interesting. (N.B. I have written to Bessy P. about Ida's blankets—

I am turning out the rubbish in the roof of the house & Lewis is to carry it off & give something for it— I am giving a tidy bedstead to John—(& an untidy mattress. What a lovely day Sunday was. & you seem to have made the most of it— I loafed about w. Leo & realized for the 1^st time that Chatham comes to an end in May & if he does not get into the staff college he has not an idea what will become of him—

I went to Church (in chair) but I think for the last time, I think it is bad for my soul.

Sir J., Amy M. & the Tyndalls called in my absence, & it seems to have been pleasant, but I never m. like the calls. Leo & Geo. had gone off before by Bromley—G. calling at Mrs M'— By the way Mrs M'. asked me if she m^t ask you to call & see Ella at school. She seemed satisfied about her. Here is a pleasant letter of U. Fr. w. I don't want again— Louisa K & U. Harry do not come, for some mysterious reason, but will come during Xmas if I ask them. She & [girls] are invited to 31. for that time. Hookers & Mr Graham come on Dec 3. & I hope the W^ms also

Yours my dear w. love to R. | E. D

Will you send directions to Hindley— I think you have dimensions