From Emma Darwin to Sara Darwin [30 November 1877]

My dear Sara

I feel a strong inclination to write & tell you all about the wedding & how nice & sweet & composed you looked after the relief of the ceremony being over (which however was most solemn & soothing) before which you & Theodora looked one paper than the other  She cheered up too & was gay & animated. The breakfast was the only pleasant one I was ever present at—owing partly to our being rather crowded together, which always promotes talking. Then every body was cordial. I think Mrs Ashburner's face & manner partic^ly. taking & your Uncle was very kind & cordial. & what a jolly little soul Miss Williams is! Then your dress was perfect & most becoming—

I had just time to look in for 10 m. at Mrs Wedgwood but Effie came in after me who w^d tell her every thing— I got home at 4. & am quite fresh today—

Today we have our fine day & I think it is even more valuable than it wd have been yesterday; to make Basset look its best. Tomorrow no doubt it will rain. My sister will appear presently to hear my news. I wonder how Mrs Cutting has contrived to make the house cleaner than usual for you. I must also inform you how nice & well dressed dear old William looked & especially how happy—

I was touched by Ernest's cordial greeting to him after you had left the room— I think he feels a sort of envy. We all felt slightly disturbed at Horace's having no gloves, & you should have seen how W^m looked him over & smartened him up as much as circumstances w^d allow.

yours my very dear daughter | E. Darwin

R^d. who is downstairs desires his love & how m^h. he w^d have liked to be there

Now for Mrs W.E.D— for the first time Mr Darwin said yesterday I wish I had sent her my love—so you have it now— I liked the organ so much it was cheering & soothing— How in the world did Wm know what to give that grand gentleman