| Description | Sending a memoir of Adelaide Newton, as Eleanor slightly acquainted with her; good wishes for the new year to John, Eleanor and “the four darlings”; glad that Eleanor and the children have recovered from mumps; week before last had been extremely cold, need to keeping fire on overnight; has not heard of “the gas fires” before; kind but unsuccessful attempt by Mrs Booth to make peace; hopes Eleanor will have heard from Harriet; not sure when Frederick leaves Wingham, not sure when Harriet goes back; pleased that Harriet has been able to visit them as they don’t have many acquaintances in the area, particularly for their daughter; very pleased with picture of John, only looks at it occasionally, does not want to be idolatrous, picture includes the church and a glimpse of St John’s Lodge; hopes she has seen Frank and his wife, has heard that she is “an excellent person”, sailing today for Bombay; has enough arrowroot; sending of hamper with precautions to remove the apples otherwise the moisture will spoil them; time of year for meetings at Derby, including “Church of England School Society”, “City Mission”, and next week “Sailors’ Home” at which Captain Gambier is due to speak, expects that Eleanor knows him; love to all; pleased that the children were able to “witness the school treats”; hopes that Eleanor has recovered from the fainting and has sought “proper advice”, must have a cause, ignore what people say; Aunt Lizzy sends love and a tract to Eleanor [child]. |