From Emma Darwin to Elizabeth Darwin [August 1876]

Dearest B—

I wrote in such a hurry after your & R.s letters that I did not say half I wanted, & one thing was that R— I think must have had nearly as great an escape as Hen—at least from having his legs broken— It is horrid to think of— There is not the least fear of Pearce objecting to stay behind, indeed no servant could; but you might as well tell her that I shall probably wish her to do so. Another thing I wanted to say—viz. that R. must not consider it the least out of the question that F. & I should come if we were wanted by Hen. becoming very unwell. (w. I do not expect) so that we want to know the worst on all occasions, & if there should be any reason to hasten us you must telegraph. We shd go by Pullman's car—sleep at Edin. & then w^d it not be best to rail to Aberdeen as being a shorter drive to Braemar?— Ask William— You had better say nothing of this to Hen—as she will think we are more uneasy than is the case—

Give my love to R. & tell him we have rejoiced over his safety many times.

yours my dear | E. D—

Bessy Pearce went to see Brooks & found his wife & daughter with him–- - They think that nothing can be done for his eyes— Miss [Th.] & Lizzie come tomorrow to spend the mg. & go on to their friends at Bromley Common—

I am going down by & bye to see the little Langtons.

yours my dear | E. D—

We are an unlucky family this year. I could wish you were all safe at home—