From H. E. Darwin to Johnathan [late 1866]

Dear Johnathan

F. says that he will give you half to help in the horse, so you can buy if you like. I'm a little distressed at the size of his head in the photo, but still if it is a good horse that can be borne. We've just got another horse from Short, & John has ridden Grizzel off. It is a v. nice riding horse—bigger than Shamrock—rather like an old hunter for a man of 16 stone— I thk it is much better to get a horse that has been somewhat used, at any rate it shows they have had some stamina—wh. is what a good many of our horses have never had. Last Sunday was a very brilliant one. W^m. G. & L. for boys—the Vernon Lushingtons & the Agassiz. Ernest Pauline Rilian & [St.] B.C. It was very good fun—& all went off well. William & L. went off on Sunday. L. thought he would risk being arrested & fluke a late train. We haven't heard how it has gone off—but he says he doesn't want to come home next time so he doesn't care. Hope & [illeg] seem most awfully happy at [Caerdeon] & it is all I can do not to follow them. They are breaking up however now. They say it has been quite lovely—& quite agree with your view as to its being m. beaut in winter than summer. It will be v. nice to have u & Frank home. It feels so funny to have G. down every Sunday. I can't get used to it, but it is always a fresh surprise. Today Bessy & I have had our french lesson. I am learning up for Cannes. If i get a french maid. I hope I shall make a step— I expect to set off on ab^t. the 14^th. of Jan, wh will give me a pretty good dose of all your holidays.

Return the enclosed note of Franks.

yours H.E.D.

How awfully gay you seem with your dinners with Parkins & hunting & what not.