Darwin's Orchid is a short Charles Darwin memory from The Darwin and Dickens Conspiracy: a rare orchid from Madagascar is waiting for Darwin at the docks, and a rival has sent thugs to take it first. You race across the river, grab the flower off a boat and bring it back.
Part 6 of 6 in Charles Darwin's London Stories
Darwin explains that one of his so-called associates wants the orchid and has hired ruffians to collect it. Get to the docks ahead of them, find the orchid aboard one of the boats and carry it back to Darwin, who believes the plant could change how people understand the natural world.
Talk to Darwin, travel to the docks across the river, take the orchid from the boat and return it to him.
Both optional objectives come down to travel. Head straight across the river so you reach the delivery before the hired thugs, and once the orchid is in hand, make the trip back to Darwin by carriage.
This is a one-off favour rather than part of the smear campaign against Darwin. It opens The Darwin and Dickens Conspiracy pack, whose next memory, Our Mutual Friend, brings Darwin back alongside Charles Dickens.
A Struggle for Existence
A Struggle for Existence is the fifth Charles Darwin memory: Florence Nightingale tells you a policeman has hauled Darwin away, and the two of you go after him. You kidnap the officer for answers, then fight through a Templar hideout while Nightingale treats Darwin.
An Abominable Mystery
An Abominable Mystery is the second Charles Darwin memory: a plant no botanist recognises is making people in a Westminster park delirious. You investigate the flower beds, follow tracks to a cart full of the plants and then use their pollen against pursuers while driving Darwin to a safe disposal spot.
Cruel Caricature
Cruel Caricature is the fourth Charles Darwin memory: posters showing Darwin as an ape under the slogan "We are not apes" are going up around London. You tear them down, catch a billposter and follow the trail to an underground print shop that you blow up.
Defamation
Defamation is a short Charles Darwin memory: Darwin asks you to fetch him a newspaper, and you find a Blighter bullying the newsboy. A foot chase follows, and the thug's leaflet shows that someone is paying to spread attacks on Darwin.