From Emma Darwin to Leonard Darwin 24 April [1876]

My dear Leo.

It is so pleasant to think how soon we shall see you that I feel it is hardly worth while to write. The 17^th will be here in no time. It will be perfection for y^r journey this way, only you will not have time to look about you— As for the alternative of the other plan I think you w^d in that way also have had July & Aug. at Malta which must be the hottest months.

We have had Hen. v. unwell with a feverish attack & thought it w^d be a satisfaction to have Dr Clark— His visit was very cheering, as he thought there was no cause for alarm; but he thought her v. weak & insisted upon feeding her up in a way we should never have ventured upon— She has gone on well since his visit & gets up a little every day; but she is always v. slow in regaining lost ground— The weather is perfect now. We are going on Wed. to Q.A. for a week & we shall leave her here for a few days w. Hope to take care of her. R. will be here too only away in the mornings. Lawn tennis has just set in & Rich. is as zealous as ever, now his scalded foot is well—

I am actually going to call on M^rs Ff. today, as there is little chance of my meeting the Ff. in the road, & he shewed by his engaging familiarity w. Frank at the Teesdale’s dinner calling him my friend Darwin that he g. wished to be reconciled— I do wish for the power of being civil to Mrs Ff. & it is not likely or necessary that F. & he shd ever meet again— Dickie turned up yesterday from Clapham v. à propos as Fritz had just taken himself off & they were m. puzzled what measures to take. Fr. & Arthur enjoyed themselves heartily  Here is F’s last letter w. I shd like back again. Geo. enjoys his rooms & work & tennis, & is going on well—

yours my dear old man E. D.