The Charles Dickens Letters Project
Period:
1861-1870
Theme(s):
public readings
friends
social engagements
To EMMA PENDER,1 5 MAY 1863
MS Christopher Bing.
Address: Mrs Pender | 9 Park Street | Westminster | S.W.
GAD'S HILL PLACE
HIGHAM BY ROCHESTER, KENT.
Tuesday Fifth May 1863
Mr Charles Dickens very much regrets that as he is announced to read on Friday the Fifteenth,2 he cannot have the honor of dining with Mr and Mrs Pender on that day.
- 1. Emma Pender (1816-90) née Denison, second wife of Sir John Pender (1816-96), Scottish textile merchant in Manchester, submarine communications cable pioneer, and politician, who organised work experience positions for CD's son Alfred (1845-1912) in the textile trade. See To Frederick Lehmann, Pilgrim Letters 10, p. 217.
- 2. CD read Little Dombey and The Trial from Pickwick in Hanover Square Rooms, London, on 15 May 1863.