Faraday to Mary Deacon   11 May 1861

31 Black Lion Street | Brighton 11 May 61

My dear Mary

From day to day it seems to me long:- for I want to see you at home again, and I cannot tell when that will be:- so I must write:- it is a poor expedient but better than none.- All the questions I could ask you in this sheet I get answered by Jeannie, & that is a great comfort; but still it leaves a great deal that the thoughts ask quite unanswered. It is a happy thing however that you are back and safe, & with those who have the most right to you, & the most need to be informed of your risks. I often think that whilst an affair is in hand, it is better not to imagine possible troubles; but when the matter is over, one may allow oneself to think of the sorrow & regrets that would have oc[c]urred in such and such possible cases and we ought to be thankful that they have not occurred. Now, too, you have your husband¹ with you & so your family pleasure will be complete:- though no doubt thoughts of the future will arise as the thoughts of the past clear up[.]

Jeannie says that she received your letters yesterday and wishes me to say so to you. She feels rather remiss in writing home altogether; but with Visitors, is much engaged, i.e in addition to the care of your aunt:- and to that I can testify. I do not know what we should do without her, and to day I have been constrained to decide a matter in respect of her which I could not help. She longs to come home & be with you; and only restrains herself by thoughts of the trust which I, and we, put in her; and I have wished her to make up her mind to stop with your aunt here as long as she stays i.e until this time next week. I do not know what your aunt would do without her; especially when I am away, & when we return home. Now I shall be away from here next Saturday & Sunday², & cannot do without Jane here. When she comes home you must have a holiday together. She (Jane) feels the same as regards her own home; but when through kindness to me & us she feels what must be or ought to be, she makes up her mind patiently to it: & we talk about you if we cannot talk to you.

I think we are all improving here.- I shall be in town on Sabbath day, but as I purpose returning to Brighton on the same night, fear I may not see you. Give my kindest love to your dear husband. I long to know about him but do not like to ask questions in letters.- Give my love to your dear Mother³ - & father⁴ - and Margaret⁵ & all.

from Your Very Affectionate Uncle⁶

t.o.

I send you a letter I received from Mr. Dilke⁷.- It is not altogether pleasant;- but I have learnt what to expect in like cases. Jeannie has (I think) written to you & William about the matter | MF