From Emma Darwin to S. P. Darwin 29 November [1878]

My dearest Sara

I had forgotten that this was your wedding day I thought it was earlier in Nov. I trust many happy 29^ths are before you two dear ones. We had a nice sight of the Dean at the Flowers. There is some thing of simplicity about him as well as humour. He talked a great deal or rather alluded a g^t deal to you & W^m—& said he felt q. guilty in being so perfectly well all' the time, esp. when he had been talking a long time to W^m. who was obliged to give in— He said he had never laid in such a stock of health in his life; as during the voyage— (What a horrible voyage the poor Lornes had so near about the time.) He even enjoyed the long dinners. It was pleasant your finding Mrs Cutting so prosperous in every way on your return. I feel more frantic against the Gout than ever & I think the D. of Arglls letter & Mr Childers speech must be damaging to Lord Cranbrook as shewing such deception & concealment. This Afghan difficulty I conceive to be entirely brought on by the Gingoism in the Turkish war. Arthur Ruck has left his young wife & gone to the front under Gen. Roberts, but I trust nothing v. horrible will happen till spring.

I am so glad you will spare us what time you can besides W^m's^ very short scrap. We shall enjoy it heartily. My sister is pretty well & was very happy with Hope in our absence— I think she will keep to her own house unless the weather becomes mild & then she may go to 31 Q.A. S^t.

We have had the most odious 3 weeks of weather I hardly ever remember, but today there is a glimpse of sun, so I will utilize it & go down to the other house— I am glad you will see Mr Richards

yours my dear E.D | B. will write to you in answer to yr kind invite