Cambridge
Nov. 22—
My dear Mr Darwin,
I do believe there are few pieces of intelligence that could have delighted me more
than that which your letter of day contains, and you may be assured of the warmest
congratulations of both Mr Henslow and myself— That your fit of
insanity may long continue is my sincere wish, but pray don't let
me hear a word of the calamities of domestic life, all such matters ought now
to appear to you en couleur de rose, and if it is your Intention in future to resign
all such cares to your fair Lady, it strikes me you do not intend to trouble
yourself about them henceforward, under such circumstances I do not
doubt you will prove a most dutiful husband, joking apart, I cannot help
observing, what you are not to take as a compliment, because they tell me I never paid
but two in my life, that I think Miss Wedgewood a very fortunate being; and that she has
every reason to look forward to as great a share of matrimonial happiness as falls to
the lot of most people. I am glad to hear it is your intention to reside in town, I feel
that we have not quite lost sight of you, had you told me you were going to take up your
abode in Shropshire, why then—I wonder if I should have read your letter with
the disinterested satisfaction I ought to have done— Now I am on the subject
of Selfishness!, I must just say, that I do hope this event will not put a
stop to the visit Mr Henslow has held out hopes of, of your coming to us
at Christmas. I am sure you must require a great deal of information on household
matters, so pray come, and talk it all over—
Believe me | Very Sincerely Yrs | H Henslow
Mr Henslow returned from Hitcham yesterday—
