His [first] railway journey was disappointing.
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His [first] railway journey was disappointing.
In his first letter after their engagement, CD reports on the happy reception of the news by his family. He hopes she will not find life with him solitary and dull after the lively social life of Maer.
Recounts his misadventures on the train journey back to London. Tells of a visit to the FitzRoys and a friendly letter from Lyell. Whether CD and Emma should live in central London or in the suburbs is a perplexing problem, much discussed by relatives and friends.
CD and Erasmus continue to search for a house in central London. They have tea with the Carlyles.
His search for a London house. He visits the Lyells, who give solemn advice to choose their London acquaintances carefully.
The house at 12 Upper Gower Street is theirs.
Has moved into the Gower Street house. Is pleased with it and its location.
Hopes to be able to finish his Glen Roy paper soon.
His dinner with the Carlyles. "He is the best worth listening to of any man" – but CD cannot get up much admiration for Mrs C, partly because of her Scots accent, which makes her difficult to understand.
Has been with the Lyells doing geology.
Is reading a biography of Sir W. Scott [J. G. Lockhart, Memoirs of the life of Sir Walter Scott (1837–8)]; also Mungo Park’s book [Travels (1799)].
Has hired a cook at fourteen guineas a year with tea and sugar.
Comments on recent visit to Maer. Explains that his notion of happiness as quietness and solitude derives from Beagle experience. Hopes Emma will humanise him. Comments on marriage planned for Tuesday.
Describes recent visit by Lyell and his wife. Talked geology for half an hour "with poor Mrs Lyell sitting by". "I want practice in ill-treating the female sex."
He has the wedding ring. Agrees to coming straight home after the wedding, if that is what she prefers.
Invitation to dine at the Darwins’ with J. S. Henslow.
Writes lovingly of small events since he left Maer. Fears their opinions may differ on "the most important subject", religion, but is grateful for his openness about his "honest & conscientious doubts".
Responds to items in CD’s letter, just received. Suggests parts of London where he might look for a house. Gives news of friends and relatives.
Has accepted the Hensleigh Wedgwoods’ invitation to go to London with them; can look at houses with CD. She wishes to avoid extravagance; asks him to choose three or four for her to see.
She agrees that London is the place to settle. She is eager to see him and full of plans.
Describes the journey home and the long talks on their return. No maid has been found, so he should engage the one she saw, "for ten guineas & tea & sugar a year". She thought CD looked unwell and overtired.
Responds to his "business letter" about the maids, then chides herself for feeling dull and disagreeable when she has had everything all her life.
Is delighted to learn they have "Macaw Cottage" [12 Upper Gower Street] – their second choice; hopes they have disposed of the dead dog in the garden. Much family news.
Seeks to persuade CD to leave town at once, go to Shrewsbury for doctoring and some rest, then come to Maer for more rest, for he has looked "so unwell". She knows it must be hard for him to be unable to do his work.