[1]

Down Friday [10 December 1858]

My dear William

It is a long time since I have written to you. I am glad you will go to Rugby. It is a pity not to keep up old friends & you will enjoy it. We are all pretty sharp again & I expect to be beautified before I see you. Your father however is not very well & I hope he will take a dose of Moor P. before

[1v]

the holidays. I certainly feel it a great relief Miss P. going & so does she I think, as she seems in better spirits. We are not going to have Miss Thorley now tho' I think we may in time, but I am looking out for a Swiss for 6 months or so to set you all talking French & German. Mr Thompson has the living of Keston given him by the

[2]

Archbis & he well deserves it. The house there is too good for the small living. Mr Sheppard I believe is going to leave Hartfield but this is not certain. They do not much like him. The Leith Hillians are going to buy one of Mr Mortimers Arabians

I think Aunt Caroline will suffer some agonies when first they ride it.

[2v]

Goodbye my dear William my news is not extensive

yours affect. mother

E. Darwin.

Lenny fell into the ice "with the utmost fertility"