From C. A. Thorley to Emma Darwin [16 April 1851]

Dear Annie is a shade better, my dear M^rs Darwin; tho' Dr. G. says she is not out of danger, still he sees many good signs; in fact he says he has seen many children younger than she is where they have been in a state of stupor for three days, & yet they have recovered; Annie's excitable temperament is his only reason to make him fear. We passed a most anxious night but she got over 3 o'clock A.M. very well which Dr. G. told me was the critical time; Dr. G. thinks her decidedly better to-day, he has been twice, & comes again at 7. We are giving her now a dessert spoon of white wine every hour, & a medecine he prescribed last night, these two things she has taken for the last 18 hours; the wine wrought wonders at first, but of course that great effect must fail about a few doses.— I have just enjoyed feeding her with some orange juice which the dear child thoroughly relished. I long to see M^r. D. tho' we fear he may be very much affected by the sad intelligence of yesterday. Where there is life there is hope & I cannot help hoping even more than this morn. particularly as she has passed 3 o'clock P.M. so well; which was the time she became worse yesterday.— Dr. G. is truly kind, it is impossible to be more so. Poor Brodie feels it deeply but still bears up. I gave way sadly on learning first Dr. G's opinion but I am wonderful to-day. Dear Etty is amusing herself with her new doll, beads, &c. She is very anxious about the dear child Annie. I am sure you must be most desirous to be here, but rest assured that all I can anyway do for the dear girl, has been & shall continue to be done.— There is nothing more I can say of Annie as she has been about the same all the morn. dozing a good deal & her mind wanders at times but this is not to be wondered at from the quantity of wine she has taken, all fever is removed which is a great thing. Make any use you please of Mama's offer as I know she will be glad that you do as it suits you best, there will be a room for M^r. D. I trust you keep pretty well.

With Etty’s love to all | Ever yours | C.AT.