From Ida Farrer to Emma Darwin 13 September [1879]

My dear Aunt Emma

I am overflowing w. every sort of feeling about yr dear letter w. Horace forwarded to me yesterday. So I shall write to you instead of him today—because I feel such a longing to tell you somehow—altho you do know it perfectly–-of the happiness w. comes over me whenever I think of you in the light of a mother to me. I think becoming your & Uncle C’s daughter has had quite as m. to do w. “it” as the principal person himself. Do you understand this dark sentence? I do so long to tell you something of my loving gratitude; but never can the least express it.

I suppose the real “meet Idy” time is getting nearer; but it feels just as far off as ever. It is blessed to think that you are wanting it to come as m. as we are— I think it will be good for E to be q. away— I do q. believe that when she once realizes & recognizes the changed relation, she will be comforted, but I think not as long as the strain lasts. I had a delightful letter from Harriet [symbol for yesterday]—

My best love to Bessy—it was such a pleasure having those long talks w. her

How I sh^d like to see Dubba— I can’t believe in his losing any of his charms—

ever yrs loving—