My dear M^r. Darwin

I write a line to you just to say that I received yesterday a letter from M^r. Huxley, announcing his willingness to become the lord of this property, after its present owner has ceased to encumber the earth; and promising to pay me a visit sometime during the Spring or Summer accompanied by M^rs. Huxley.¹ That will be extremely agreeable to me, and will afford an opportunity for making them both acquainted with the bearings of the house and premises. At the same time I may take the opportunity to tender you my thanks for the trouble you have taken on my behalf.—

Oh! You asked me a question some time ago, which I have always forgotten to answer—“whether I ever read L^d. Derby’s speeches”.— Yes always—and I have constantly thought that his seat, both when in the Commons, and in the Lords, ought to have been on the opposite of the house to that on which he sat. You see he has come over to that opinion himself—or nearly so.— I used to think that there was some weakness; or want of decision about his conduct when he was L^d. Beaconsfield’s foreign Secretary. But I have since had very serious reasons for believing that one if not two of his colleagues were thwarting him behind his back at the Porte in a manner that left him quite bewildered.²

How late and wayward the Spring is in coming!—

Very sincerely yours | Anthony Rich