From H. E. Litchfield to Darwin family 14 November [1876]

My dear Folkies—

I feel so fearfully luxurious in my new room  There is a nice little fire wh. has already raised the temp^ure. several degrees— I'm lying on a featherbed—we have a mantelpiece a large chest of drawers & a dressing table with drawers. So that I am flourishing like a green bay tree. Richard carried me up here with no apparent troubles but it wasn't so delightful as being carried by the waiter. There was something so particularly dift in his way of managing me.

It has been an enormous comfort having old Pearce & she is extremely sweet tempered & amiable & I thk likes being of importance. I pay her off by allowing unlimited chatter, & have been hearing all about Mina's stockings & her cooking this morning.

What a cold night it was! I began by being rather bad with my neck & I sent for Herr Doctor & his [dog] this morning. He tells me it is rheumatism brought on by being upset generally, & as I lay in bed this morning only half warm I thought of you poor wretches & your coach drive with horror. I hope you wdn't be be quite frozen. I'm afraid [Reory] wdnt be able to walk because of the awkward [munt], tho' ladies did [do] in on the way to the spital when we came. I guess youll have had a shower or two tho' we've had none here. Pearce doesn't thk m. of the Goschen's because they've brought no Valet!

I haven't got such a nice view out of my new room is my only loss 

We shall feel your [Miss] V.M. Goodbye | dont[illeg] be [crowned]

yr H.E.L.