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

John Scott is gratified at Bentham’s proposal that he become an associate of the Linnean Society.

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

Request for plants.

CD’s continuing ill health.

Summary

Request for plant.

Receipt of Oliver’s letter.

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

Emma prepares JDH for his visit to Wedgwood factory and Barlaston.

Summary

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

Summary

CD has been so ill they must discourage visit by WDF. Recovering slowly with new treatment.

Summary

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

Summary

Urges WDF to send trap he has invented to the exhibition and competition of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Advertisement of Brailsford’s Patent Vermin Trap enclosed.

Summary

CD says Meneanthes is now in flower.

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.

Summary

Has moved into the Gower Street house. Is pleased with it and its location.

Hopes to be able to finish his Glen Roy paper soon.