From Emma Darwin to Horace Darwin [3 June 1873]

My dear Horace

I don’t believe you boys care m. about weddings, but I will tell you all I have gleaned about Effie’s & perhaps G. won’t be quite as unfeeling as u are—

It was at the U. Chapel & a good many of her friends assembled of their own accord. Lushington Miss Stephen & Hen—& all the maids of 31. Mr Martineau partly read & partly improvised a pleasing little discourse; & after it was over T.H.F. came to Fanny said how much he had liked it, & that he was glad to have had it there instead of at church.

Then there was a long job of signing, when Effie got very white & looked ready to faint, but cheered up & shook hands with all the maids & was off from the door, driving to Abinger, which being a lovely day was very charming.

The party Uncle H. At F. came here the same P.M. looking relieved to have it over.

Hope looked dreadfully done up & went to bed early. I had a nice talk with her yesterday & found her entirely happy about the marriage. She said that Ef. had never the slightest misgiving as soon as it was settled. Aunt F. seems more sad about it; but unreasonably so as Ef. will be within a stone’s throw both in London & the country.

Lucy goes today. She is very nice & when she is by herself talks enough. Bessy & she go up & sleep at Q. Anne & B. goes on to Wales tomorrow

That weary club comes today. It always feels to me so ridiculously soon for the time to come round again.

Frank was v. indignant with Mrs Salmon’s roguery. I think it is very odd her liking to offend such a good customer, as G   I suppose she thinks that mostly people will give way rather than have a bother. Frank seems by no means confident of passing at Cam. I think he goes on Friday. Norman Moore did not pass the first time. W^m. has actually taken the bull by the horns & engaged Watts to paint F. who, after the first vain attempt to quash the scheme, submits very tolerably. He doubts whether Watts will come here as he is such an invalid but he wd attend F. in London, & I am not sure that wd not be the best as F. wd not have to be civil to him all day as he wd here.

Yours my dear sons | E.D.

I am very glad Geo. will prob. come to L.H.P. on Monday   we will take his goods