From H. E. Darwin to G. H. Darwin [June 1871]

My dear George

Please prepare your mind for the most tremendous piece of news concerning myself I could tell you. The supreme crisis of my life.

I am going to be married to M^r. Litchfield. You will say that I don't know him. That was true a fortnight ago when he asked me, but since then I do, & he has made me believe that he does care for me, as I have dreamt of being loved, but have expected that supreme happiness t fall t my lot.

I am sure he is no relation to the pastry cook, however like their beards are. His father was a retired Indian officer. He is a Cambridge man—2^nd class classic & just escaped being a high enough wrangler to get a Trinity Fellowship—which enraged his Father. but as he was even then profoundly unorthodox was a relief t him. He is clerk in the Ecclesiastical Commission where he says his work is amusing eno' & varied which is not generally the case in a government office. He enraged his Father also by giving up law for which he was educated—but he felt no desire for either nothing or too much t do. & has never repented his unambitious choice especially as he has enough money. I think he said abt £1000 a year. His only near relations are Sister married a solicitor & living near Cheltenham poorish & 9 children. From nephews & neices. Steele by name—children of a dead sister. The Father Capt Steele just coming home from India so that he will be relieved of his guardianship. Uncle, General Litchfield living in London & Aunt at Mortlake & clergyman Uncle in Dorsetshire. He seems t be friends with all our sort of people. Spottiswoodes, [Vincent] Thompsons, Lushingtons etc. The only other fact is that he is 39 years old.

I write this letter to Frank as well as t you. Tell him not to hate the ""cool heart"" if he can help it. We all like that name & Uncle Ras especially. By the way it is to be announced t you boys only just for a day or two. to get our courage up t tell the world.

Sympathetic [with] me in my happiness my own dear boys  You must try t like him for my sake for I couldn't hear anything t come between our most precious friendship. There are very few sisters in the world who have received more more happiness than I have from all of you.

your | HED