Summary

CD and ED bequeath an annuity of £50 to J. Parslow [the Darwins’ butler].

Summary

Has had two bad days with boils.

Is reading Last days of Pompeii [Edward Bulwer Lytton (1834)].

Summary

Reports on his father’s health, and Catherine’s. CD, himself, has been a little sick.

Hensleigh [Wedgwood] thinks he has settled the free-will question – "we have none whatsoever".

Summary

His health not good.

Has been reading John Evelyn’s Life of Mrs Godolphin, and Mme Sévigné.

Summary

Family news. Finds Shrewsbury too noisy.

Summary

Anxiety about R. W. Darwin’s health.

Summary

Has been unwell but is improving. His father also very ill.

Summary

CD fears he must wear Emma with his unwellness and complaints.

Summary

Recounts his misadventures on the train journey back to London. Tells of a visit to the FitzRoys and a friendly letter from Lyell. Whether CD and Emma should live in central London or in the suburbs is a perplexing problem, much discussed by relatives and friends.

Summary

Writes lovingly of small events since he left Maer. Fears their opinions may differ on "the most important subject", religion, but is grateful for his openness about his "honest & conscientious doubts".

Summary

Responds to items in CD’s letter, just received. Suggests parts of London where he might look for a house. Gives news of friends and relatives.

Summary

CD and Erasmus continue to search for a house in central London. They have tea with the Carlyles.

Summary

Has accepted the Hensleigh Wedgwoods’ invitation to go to London with them; can look at houses with CD. She wishes to avoid extravagance; asks him to choose three or four for her to see.

Summary

His search for a London house. He visits the Lyells, who give solemn advice to choose their London acquaintances carefully.

Summary

She agrees that London is the place to settle. She is eager to see him and full of plans.

Summary

Describes the journey home and the long talks on their return. No maid has been found, so he should engage the one she saw, "for ten guineas & tea & sugar a year". She thought CD looked unwell and overtired.

Summary

Responds to his "business letter" about the maids, then chides herself for feeling dull and disagreeable when she has had everything all her life.

Summary

The house at 12 Upper Gower Street is theirs.

Summary

Is delighted to learn they have "Macaw Cottage" [12 Upper Gower Street] – their second choice; hopes they have disposed of the dead dog in the garden. Much family news.

Summary

Seeks to persuade CD to leave town at once, go to Shrewsbury for doctoring and some rest, then come to Maer for more rest, for he has looked "so unwell". She knows it must be hard for him to be unable to do his work.