My dear Darwin

It is so long since I have heard anything of you and yours, that I trouble you with a few lines, which perhaps M^rs Darwin will answer for you—to ask how you are this very trying Winter. We have all been here since October and are become quite settled here, tho’ at present ⁠⟨⁠    ⁠⟩⁠ Delamere up,² and some ⁠⟨⁠    ⁠⟩⁠ of us, possibly all—may go there in Summer.

We have all been laid up with this extraordinary cold weather. Sandown is a complete ⁠⟨⁠tem⁠⟩⁠ple full of the Winds, and this East one has been very biting.

What was the accident from riding, which M^rs Darwin alluded to, with you. I hope you have quite got over it, and that it has not prevented your riding as usual, as that seemed to do you so much good.³

I hope George⁴ got quite strong and well again.

I must try to make the acquaintance of your Banker Son at Southampton⁵ when days get a little longer & brighter ⁠⟨⁠    ⁠⟩⁠ I never thought Sou⁠⟨⁠thampt⁠⟩⁠on a very healthy ⁠⟨⁠p⁠⟩⁠lac⁠⟨⁠e⁠⟩⁠ ⁠⟨⁠    ⁠⟩⁠ I used to live in ⁠⟨⁠those⁠⟩⁠ parts.

What old fellows we get— you however are the younger of the two.

I should very much enjoy seeing you again, are you likely to be in Town this Spring? I suppose I shall be there for a short time next month, if able to go. How is M^rs Wedgwood— are her daughters⁶ ⁠⟨⁠    ⁠⟩⁠ But I will not go on bothering your poor Head with questions. Give this to M^rs Darwin & I shall feel immensely grateful if she will a⁠⟨⁠nswer⁠⟩⁠ it, when she has time, ⁠⟨⁠and⁠⟩⁠ will tell me all about ⁠⟨⁠    ⁠⟩⁠ and your belongings.

In the meanwhile, with our kindest regards | Believe me | Ever your attached Friend | W. D Fox