Adelphi Tce,

London

5th August 1817

 

My dear North

 

Thank you for your letter of the 25th inst. although its grim tidings make a mockery of my gratitude. I have several times tried to see Clarke, but am denied admittance to Carlton House on every occasion, which only convinces me that he has indeed been successful in his wicked enterprise. Consequently, I now have no choice but to try and undo his iniquity for this, above all else, I must do.

 

If memory serves, there was in that dread volume a counter-incantation which may be fruitful here. Therefore, I must by some means extract the book from the Regent’s library without Clarke’s knowledge. I do not yet know how this may be accomplished and I fear it will take time – and time, old friend, may be in scant supply. No man may know the day nor the hour of his passing but God grant me time to reverse Clarke’s foul deed, for if Death should claim me or him before I can erase his sin, then all will be lost, for such spells may only be cast upon the living.

 

May God grant me the strength to right this wrong and to triumph over that conceited sinner, James Stanier Clarke. Pray for me, North, and for the success of my endeavour, so that Miss Austen may be freed from a dreadful bondage and find peace in her eternal rest.

 

Yr affec: friend

Vicesimus Knox