From H. E. Darwin to G. H. Darwin [1866]

Dear George

Enclosed is a letter received by Uncle Ras. Do you know anything about it? If you thought it worth while to go & see the man in London & try & discover whether it was male line Papa says he wd pay a guinea towards it—only it must be done in your name. I shd thk it had better wait till you come home. Praps you'll know all about it & these instructions are valueless. Also read mark & inwardly digest enclosed from Papa.

William has just gone off in a perfect whirlwind of business. he had to come up on executor business & so came here for the Sunday  Yesterday he tried the new pony & I went on Flyer—the pony certainly is improved in appearance & was as fresh as a lark. in scrambling through a hedge & fallen down hurdle once which Flyer stepped the little animal took it into his head to make a furious bound & turning round I saw first the pony up in the air & then William—luckily he alighted on his saddle again  We went a funny gaddy ride & so awfully dirty W^m. was splashed from head to foot. He says he never felt such a trot-canter he thinks he cd get used to & that he feels very strong under him. He recommends keeping him until winter for boys hunting & you boys to ride him in the summer & me for driving in pony carrywag. Wm. thinks you wd get used to his paces  at least he is sure he w^d.

William & I arrived at nearly the same time on Sat. I from High Elms where I had a remarkably pleasant dinner—escaping Henry & all of them & getting took in by M^r. Ferguson architect man—who was very amusing. What a lovely day!! I can't wish for a hard frost, but I must say drought is agreable. I shd have thought you wd like to play with somebody who didn't play quite so well as you at Tennis— In the first place winning is always nice & 2^ndly it depends on your winning whether you lose money or not, doesn't it? Aunt Fanny & Uncle Hensleigh are coming here on Sat. Godfrey [Amy] Mab & The Boy on Tuesday or Wednesday, so we shall have a full house. M^r. Parslow is still bad & very dismal at the thought of the house going to rack & ruin without his presence.

By the way I've heard from Millicent & things are all right—though I don't think the tone of her letter is very cheerful.

Papa is pretty well—we had fine doings at whist last night. The more I play the more I like it. I do think it is a lovely game.

goobye gooby | yours H.E.D.

P.S. Clem is supposed to have done the fatal deed. He has been gadding all over London with Miss Rendle & I hope it is all done. Mary Parker & her young man are settled though he is very poor. there is quite a flock of them going to marry.