From Emma Darwin to Horace Darwin [26 April 1873]

My dearest old man

I am very glad you have begun life so pleasantly. Yesterday the grand event of H’s answer came— a most charming acceptance, but our joy was quite spoilt by hearing the terrible news of Lady Lyell’s death at the same time. Some how she was a person whose death seemed out of the question— It took place from from gastric or typhoid fever, after only 10 days illness. I believe old people suffer less mentally than one expects, or else nothing can seem to equal poor Sir Ch. desolation, as he depended on her for every hour in the day— He has borne it well hitherto & even in the midst of his trouble sent another £50— This w. Whitworth’s £150 makes £1250 I believe—

We had a most bustling mg. all making copies of his letter (w. was a long one) to send off to the different subscribers— You will have a copy sent to you before long. Lady Lubbock kindly made 3 copies & sent them over. Mrs Hooker worked most obligingly & we got the job done by early post. Mr H. says that he shall want to know the names of his friends eventually— Mrs H. went at 2 o’clock & we did enjoy our silent P.M. & evening. She was in high good humour & I believe really liked her v. dull visit. F. was so unwell all the week that he hardly came into the room except at meals; & I stayed with him without any scruple, leaving her to her novels—of which she read 7. I believe. F. is a bit better now.

George is certainly better & is gone this mg to London to go to the Royal Soc Soireé tonight; & tomorrow mg he goes to Kew to see Sir Arthur Helps about the alterations at Trinity w. have been vetoed. He is quite relieved & comf. at having definitively given up the law, & he looks forward quite with satisfaction to being at Cambridge for most of his time

We have been looking for your book of Chemistry (not Chemestry) & cannot find it. Mr Allen has had a stand up fight w. the Ffiend & is reported to have conquered & that the services will revert to the old fashion—

yours dear Horace | E.D—