From Rose Wedgwood to Horace Darwin 13 September [1876]

Dear Horace

I cant help writing to you at this dreadful time to tell you how I sympathize with you; you probably know that without telling but, judging by my experience, I think one likes to be told it and so I hope you feel the same

I am so sorry for you all   it must make it so much harder to bear this being the first grief you have had, for up till now you have all been so wonderfully happy. I hope Frank can take some comfort in the baby. I hope it is all right as Aunt Elizabeth has not mentioned it. It will be a great pleasure to Uncle Charles & Aunt Emma later on

I am so very glad to hear that Frank is coming back to live at home again I thought no doubt he would: it will be by far the best thing for him I should think   I feel so for poor Bessy it is dreadful for her. I do so want some news of her but I’ve no doubt I shall have it soon. You must be able to be a comfort to her now, Horace, I am sure for she has always seemed more confidential with you than any of the other brothers—you are her favourite brother I know. How I wish I could also do her any good

Mabel will be so shocked to hear of this; she is just about leaving Scotland so that we could hardly have got a letter to her before she leaves I am sorry to say   I hope she wont see it in the paper first. So you will understand her silence just at present; please tell Bessy also how we can not tell her till she comes on Friday or I am afraid she may think it strange that Mab has not written.

Good bye dear boy I do so wish I could do any thing to help you

your affec^ate. cousin | Rose Wedgwood.