From F. E. E. Wedgwood to Emma Darwin [23 April 1851]

My dearest suffering Emma—

Charles has written I was thankful to see  the sight of his hand writing will be a comfort to you, who are never out our most sorrowful thoughts— I just add a word to tell you that I have been sitting with him for half an hour  just now he is able to find relief in crying much & [illeg] I am sure it is best for him—& next I think to go to you which he may possibly do tomorrow if able, & you may trust to D^r Gully who is full of care for him , that he will not set out if not  he will sleep in Park St probably unless feeling strong enough for the whole journey  He will have told you doubtless of the soft & gentle departure of you dear child  It was only ceasing to breathe & no change was perceptible in her face which ill as she has looked, has never shewed a shade of pain, hardly of discomfort, since Friday night— Her Life which has been made such a happy one by you both, has been blessedly closed ⁠⟨⁠wi⁠⟩⁠thout a sence of any different from the ⁠⟨⁠lo⁠⟩⁠ve & happiness that had always surrounded her— I do hope you may find comfort in dwelling on having made sure of her being spared the many sufferings of Life, & yet that you made her happy for ten years—

Poor Brodie & Miss Thorley are quite knocked up & will hardly be able to make the journey till Saturday— I shall stay as long as I can do any thing. dearest Emma I trust that I have note given you any additional pain in these few words. I can never forget the comfort of having been able to be here for you— any directions that Fanny will write for you— I will be [illeg] t execute—

Your tenderly FEW