Answers NAvM’s letter for CD. CD considers evolution is quite consistent with belief in God, but NvM must remember people mean different things by God.
ED asks MCS (Lady Derby) if Lord Derby would consider signing petitions from Mr Olmsted.
Arrangements for the disposal of the contents of Erasmus Alvey Darwin’s house at 6 Queen Anne Street, London.
The text on EAD’s gravestone.
Thanks for sympathy on death of Erasmus [Alvey Darwin].
Suggests rewording statement concerning source of CD’s views on evolution.
Recalls happy days at Penally.
Informs JDH of CD’s death.
They are impatient for CD’s arrival.
EW is reading F. Head’s "gallop" [Rapid journeys across the Pampas (1826)] "to get up a little knowledge for him".
CD has nearly settled in favour of living in Cambridge.
CD will not get to Maer that week. The Langtons are leaving and will meet him at Shrewsbury.
Tells of the pleasure that CD’s visit gave the family.
The Darwin family are anxious for FEEW’s and Hensleigh’s opinions of CD’s journal. EW is convinced that Henry Holland is wrong if he thinks it not worth publishing.
Hopes the Darwins in Shrewsbury will help her convince CD that he must not hurry their marriage too greatly. Sarah Elizabeth Wedgwood [II] adds a postscript to the same effect.
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.
Emma is surprised how quickly CD has moved into the new house and understands his feeling of triumph. Wants him and Fanny [Mrs Hensleigh] Wedgwood to settle on hiring a cook.
Is reading Mansfield Park [Jane Austen (1814)], which she finds "very suitable".
Still rejoices in having found the house they like.
Thinks he might enjoy Jenny [Jane Welsh] Carlyle’s company more away from Carlyle "as she must have her full swing in talking".
Says the wedding must be fixed for the 29th instead of the 24th.
Hopes he will look better than on his last visit.