From Fanny Allen to H. E. Darwin 15 July [1871]

My dear Henrietta,

Thank you most warmly, for your letter of yesterday, making me a partaker, of your happiness! I sympathise, with my whole heart, in your joy! for in life, there is nothing, can equal, a happy marriage, your present home is an example, & from what Effie tells me of M^r Litchfield you have every chance, of realizing this best of earthly gifts— In saying M^r. L is unselfish, you say everything for him— it is a great blessing in your future life, that you will not be widely separate from your native home—within call of it either in joy or sorrow—& in close neighbourhood also, of your closest friends! Effie has done her duty in giving me full, & pleasant information respecting ""the fortunate man""— There are no drawbacks in your new life that is to be, except the great wrench which must always, when the home is a happy one, make the wedding day, a solemn one—combined of joy, & sorrow & unfit for millinary & scenery—& I am glad your taste is above it. I also like your VenenianQQQQ scheme afterwards— so, you will observe, we have talked you well over. I should pity your father & mother if I were not certain that your happiness will be their happiness, & it is the natural fate of birds, & parents to see their brood fly to make nests for themselves.

Effie & Hope came last night not tired, & made a hearty supper. I think Hope looked less fatigued of the two— I am sorry that we have no sun to welcome them to day, & it is misty also.

So now good by dear Henrietta & Heaven bless you!— Give my love to your father & mother—& to your whole family—

Ever your's Affec^y. Fra^s Allen—

Your marriage has set my mind agadding, & I want & wish for others  Some of your brothers, & Effie, Hope, & Ernest— Is there any hopeQQQQ—

I must add a P.S. to whisper to you that your letter is a charming one!