In the letter, Emma thanks Innes for the seeds he has sent her. Talks about Charles and her sons, Leonard who is going to New Zealand for a year, and Show moreIn the letter, Emma thanks Innes for the seeds he has sent her. Talks about Charles and her sons, Leonard who is going to New Zealand for a year, and Frank who has become Charles' permanent secretary. Transcription: "Down beckenham June 24 My dear Mr Innes It was very kind of you to send me the seeds + as it happens I had fallen in love with Aquilegia Brodii + never [realised??] it. I hope we shall catch a sight of your son, + I have sent to Mrs Palmer to ask him to come + have luncheon with us. I am sure he will give you a good report of the Church. It is very handsome + the subdued light of the painted window very harmonious + agreeable. Mr Darwin desires his kindest regards to you + Mrs B. Innes. He is very busy over plants just not, + Frank is installed as his permanent Sec. + helper. He is to be married in a month + live at your old house, + he will be most useful to his father as he has very much the same tastes, Leonard starts tomorrow to Plymouth to join the Venus transit ex. to new Zealand. He will only be away a year; but I feel rather too old to like even that absence. We have some heavy showers today, which are a great blessing, in spite of the hay being out. There has been a great want of water. With my kind love to Mrs Innes believe me very sincerely yours Emma Darwin P.S. I shall follow your directions about the seeds." Letter, signed by sender. Sent from Down House, near Beckenham, Kent, England. The Robert M. Stecher Collection of Charles Darwin Books and Manuscripts Show less