From Emma Darwin to Fanny Allen [26 March 1873]

My dearest Aunt Fanny

You will like to hear how comfortable Eliz. is. Her D^r told her not to make an experiments with her eyes for a fortnight; but she perceives enough to be pretty sure that the cloud before her sight is just the same as before— I think she had little hope of any thing better.

Bessy & I had a nice sight of Effie & Hope yesterday. We found Hope by herself, & in such unmistakeable happy spirits, that it was a pleasure to see her— She feels such a thorough liking for T.H.F. & is so sure that he is fond of her— He says he shall not expect to have the first place with Effie; but I have no doubt he will have it in time. Then came in Effie who had just been looking at grates with T.H.F. in a very light minded spirit not knowing or caring what sort they had ordered. She talked most openly & happily about every thing. They both lamented that Snow took it in such a solemn & almost dismal light that it took off all pleasure in talking to her about it— Poor Fanny looks as if she found it impossible to feel cheerful for an instant (but do not notice that I said so). Effie said that Ida made one great element of her happiness. She is a niec after your own heart. She is going to be married in a “green joseph” or whatever happens at the Unitarian Chapel & will have no wedding presents or trousseau. She is giving out her orders to that effect. Charles went to see Mr & Mrs Lewes on Sunday & had a most amusing visit falling in with Joachim who is a big burly frank mannered man, & Ch— talked to him & chaffed him just as if he was any body. Frank was quite dazzled with the honour his father had had— Ch. was talking to Mrs Lewes & happened to say à propos to what was passing “Why that's just like the picture in Punch” & then he found his next neighbour was ‘Dumouriez— The only thing that spoilt the conversation was that it was constantly broken by fresh arrivals, & Mrs L. having to get up & receive. She is very taking & gentle in her manner—

We have got Horace back pretty well & are expecting George in a few days I am thankful to say. I have felt in a great fidget about him at that distance, for fear he should have a long attack of jaundice or some other illness.

Caroline & Jos dine here today. Their girls return from Cannes tomorrow.

yours my dear | Aunt F. | E. D.

Ch. has been very well & I very tolerable. Bessy charges me with her love to you