From Emma Darwin to Horace Darwin [14 October 1873]

My dear Horace

What a long letter but I will give you F.s messages to F. Balfour afterwards. He is v. m. obliged to Mr Dew-Smith & has been looking at his Dionæas but they are such poor specimens that there is no chance of their acting. I am very glad Frost feels to sure about you. I think you had better go to Wales for a bit. You will enjoy it if you are pretty well, & you don't seem up to work now—

Thank Geo. for his letter. I am very glad we shall see him on the 7^th & I have given notice to Lenny—who had a peaceful, not say rather dull, Sunday all by himself here— The only break was managing to take a photo that dark day of the attitudes of the Desmodium, which F. will be able to make use of. He is hard at work observing & has some eczema, so is feeling very well.

On Sat. Bessy & I called on Mrs Lewes & were sorry not to find her. However today she writes a gracious note with an intimation that they mt come here in spite of their rule; so I have written to ask them to lunch next week— Tell George that Jane's marriage is off so I have kept his 10/-  I think in consideration of Betsey's 22 years of washing & ironing you shirts, you sons had better club together for her & money will be the best. F. thinks so too, tho' you have so little dealings with her & do not m. like the dealings you do have—

A gt rumpus took place at the last vestry meeting too long to tell; but the Ffiend got into a rage & said he shd have nothing to do w. the school if Pearson stayed; so then P. resigned, & it was fit he shd go after the scandal which I don't know whether you heard of—viz. a little P. appearing much before its time. No doubt he will have no difficulty in getting a good situation such a good organist as he is, & the scandal will not signify where it is not known.

I hope George will not continue his starving much longer.

Yours my dear. This must do for you both. E.D.