From Catherine Darwin to Emma Darwin 1 May [1851]

My dearest Emma

You were very kind to write me that dear little letter this morning and it was a great consolation to Susan & myself to receive it— It is indeed quite true that we valued and loved your poor lost child; Susan was quite affected by learning that you remembered, that she has said how much she should like to take her a tour;—she is a great loss to us in the hundredth part after you, for I often used to think in my solitary old age, if I lived on Hayes Common, what a bright affectionate little niece I should have in her, and how she would not despise me, but be always so cordial and kind-hear⁠⟨⁠ted⁠⟩⁠ which was so entirely her nature. It is indeed a most deep and bitter and unexpected sorrow and grief;—and like all other deep and sad sorrows, with no comfort but time.

A little Sunbeam Susan truly calls her.

Thank you dearest Emma, for letting us see that affecting letter of Fanny Hensleigh's; I hope you will not mind my having sent it to Marianne & Caroline; it will be carefully returned to you, you may be certain.— They are hurt, if we do not send them everything we can.—