My dear Mr Darwin,

Now that you have sent Ida back to us and I have had a talk with her, I write a line at once to say that I give up my wish to keep the matter secret any longer, which indeed, after this visit, would be very difficult. This will, I believe, be a great relief to every one both here and at Down. There is not much use in dwelling on by-gones— I will only say that when I wished the matter postponed it was with a view to a very different state of things than that which has actually occurred. No one seems to have been able to keep to my conditions, and I dare say they were really impracticable.¹ For one thing—and this seriously affects my own past and present views—I could not then be aware how strong and real the attachment was and is.

I will therefore at once write to my own family and tell them about it; and release you and yours from any further attempt at concealment. I will also write a line to Horace today.²

I will only add—as I have been the great obstacle hitherto—that if his health and work stand, as I trust they will, I shall personally hope to get as much happiness from the connection as I could from any marriage which carries her away from home³

Believe me | Very sincerely yours with every kind wish to yourself & Mrs Darwin | T H Farrer