From Emma Darwin to Horace Darwin [22 October 1873]

My dear Horace

I hope we shall hear that you still continue able to do some work. I hope also that George has taken a turn for the better. I fancy Major Carr & poor Jenny are setting out in this horrid storm; but I hope they are going overland. It makes it all the more dismal setting out in this dark blustering weather. I think D^r Clark is doing Hen. & gradually working her up to get up to breakfast— She takes a walk the first thing in the mg. & that she felt impossible some time ago— Also another walk later in the day, rain or shine.

The poor Brooks’s have taken a house in the village & if it goes no good to her it will be a great benefit to me in taking her off my hands, as I can’t look after her down there; but I believe the change & having more stir about her will do her good—& Brooks being away from her all day will do him good—

We had the Dicey’s to dine on Monday from R—bourne & so they were a g^t party of Clarkians— She does credit to him too— Albert is very agreeable & amusing but talks in such a fluffy voice F. & I c^d not hear him.

Emily Thorley has been with us nearly a week   She is one of the happiest people I know, owing to her loving heart & her intense religion, & I often wonder that this does not spoil her comfort more in being with us. Some topics came on w. the Dicey’s, but nothing m. to signify, but I was glad to shunt them away— The Langtons have settled to go to Cannes at the end of the month & Lena is coming up to Bry– on Friday for dentistry &c.

The gong has been finally condemned as too hideous

I am afraid poor Tommy is to be finally condemned also but I shall request to hear nothing about it—

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