From Leonard Darwin to Emma Darwin [March 1882]

Dear Mother

I am afraid the Staff College is in a bad way, as even this week I have not worked as well as I might. And now I hear that 4 are going up which means that two must be plucked. But I am not going to bother my head about it very much. Next week I shall be at Chatham, and hope to do a good week's work. I have been coming down to supper here late 2 nights, once Bee came to town, and I came down to lunch one day; so instead of not seeing each other at all, or very seldom, we have seen each other every day. I am beginning to be taken round to be shewn off. In London I went to M^rs. Fraser's mother. Here I have only been taken to see a nice old man at the Alms Houses. He seemed much interested in the marriage, and was pleased with Bee's visits, which ""always cheered him up"". It was nice to find our what a real pleasure her visits are the people she goes to. This afternoon I am going to be taken to tea to some neighbours, which wont be so nice. I have all sorts of messages to give, but I have got them confused. Major and M^rs. Fraser to say how pleased they will be to come to Down someday; and Bee to thank you for your kind notes. She likes Bee best, and sends her love. We have not made any plans yet; but as far as we have gone our idea is to be married about a week before I go to Oxford to work at astronomy, and to go somewhere on the Thames for that short time. That would be early in July. She seems to think that she could not get all she wants done before that, but I cant see why. However there is time to make our plans yet and change them pretty often. I have had a lot of nice letters from friends. I have not yet written to George but I understand he does not arrive till the 10^th.. Hope Father goes on improving.

Your affec son | L Darwin