From Emma Darwin to Ida Darwin [17 July 1884]

My dear Ida

We shall miss the little bodies sadly tomorrow. They will leave Orp. at 2.50—as I hope Agnes told you— Ruth comes down solemnly when Rasmus comes for his pudding & mice wh. last he almost cares more about than the strawberries. She sits on Lauras lap & picks up crumbs of bread & pops them in most handily— As well as a small bit of pudding. I am glad H— is going to stay another week— I hope the Pikes will still be there— It must be very curious to hear of ghosts first hand— I hope you will tell U. Hensleigh   Have they sent any information to Mess^rs Myers & Gurney?

We had an agitated mg. yesterday & heavy rain, thinking we sh^d have to put off the school feast, & the strawberries could not be put off—however it cleared beautifully. Bessy did it all helped by Laura & I only went on the lawn to see a few old friends, & to hear the last song— The children improvised the best fun for themselves in spreading out some planks, which were put for them to sit on, & making long runs to go on— Rasmus wanted to join the fun, but I did not like him actually to mix w. the children. Bernard had the Forrests & that unpleasant little George Tomkins—

Every child had a ball & some played steadily at catching for more than an hour   I think Laura is m. better & she really did a great deal yesterday. Hen. & R. come today & carry her off on Monday— She meets Weenie & I hope Mr Aylward at K. Square— Aunt Fanny was much interested in watching the children & Ras conversed a good deal w. her. I am afraid her visit was heavy. In spite of her not liking Laura, she was a great help. Ernest failed from being unwell wh. I am sorry to hear he often is.

I hope Rasemousky did not get too m. yesterday as he made frequent raids on cake &c—

I am so glad you have got photos done now he is so pretty

yours my dear | E D—

This may be G's wedding day— I hope it is—