From Emma Darwin to Ida Darwin [30 June 1881]

My dear Ida

It is so pleasant to hear of your being let out of prison a little. Not but what it all seems to have agreed with you, as Hen. says you are looking so uncommonly well. Now we must think of your visit to us, which will be so nice—if you make it long enough, but I think it will not be worth your while to move for a short one. Our times are all the same now, except our engagement w. the P. of Wales on Aug 2. but that wd only be a 2 days affair.

I hear from Eras. that he thinks Effie wd like to be asked to meet you at Down. I think this would be rather a doubtful measure, tho’ it is r. a good sign her thinking she wd like it— How do you & Horace feel as to the wisdom. I know you c^d not like it.

Our last trip was a pic nic for Bernard across the Lake & behind the headland towards How Town to a sweet little bay & bank w. old Junipers. Mim went w. us & found lighting the fire a v. long job.

Today steady rain (only nothing is steady in this country). I must write to Fr. so Goodbye my 2 dear ones. E.D—

Mrs Ruck is gone—a gt loss— I will tell her how m. you wd have liked to see her—

Ithel wrote a humble letter to Mrs Smith—w. softened her heart: tho’ she had refrained from any severe words.

Geo. goes home w. us in order to see poor Mrs M’Lennan. She has the publication of his book on her hands & it will be good for her. I do long to see you my dear. F. has proof sheets & is happy—

P.S. I am sorry that Eras. has opened this subject, as it does not in fact leave us quite at liberty not to give the invitation. If Mr F. & she accepted, it wd only be for the Sat & Sunday, & we wd take some pains to have some other guest, so as to be rather companified.