Letter from Elizabeth Gell to her daughter-in-law Eleanor Isabella Gell, on having the Gell children staying with her, with travel arrangements for their return Eleanor’s letter sent from Mrs Dixon’s was delayed arriving; hopes that Eleanor’s eyes and general health will recover; cannot get an escort to London for the boys, will put them on the train at Derby next Tuesday, hoping the guard will help them [to change trains] at Rugby, needs someone to meet them at 5:15 pm at Euston Station; sorry that Eleanor is finding her house cold: it takes a long time to air a house, asking for a fire in the nursery all day Monday and all day Tuesday ready for the children; children are well, Philip “grows fat” and not keen on learning, both are less noisy than they were to the relief of Venning; Franklin has been taught by Aunt Lizzy; they behave well at family prayers; will [send?] their books; had to remind V. and C. about hygiene for the children, discussion about appropriate washing and also children learning to wash themselves; Franklin and his brother love each other; Catherine wishes Eleanor to put an advertisement in the paper for her, is reluctant to return home, has been diligent but slow, making clothing; hopes that “poor C.” will get a good position; hopes that Ann and the housemaid will soon be better; relieved that Baby is “going on nicely”; love to Eleanor and her parents, love from everyone. PS: Realisation of an earlier train arriving at Euston Station at 3:30pm, request for boys to be met then or later at 5:15pm. 25 Nov 1854