It was written from Feltham Court, Norfolk, and dated the previous day.
My Dear Austen, I send you a hurried line in case you should be thinking of coming down here.

I have decided to come up to London for a few weeks, and have lent the Court to Lady Mary, with the exception of the shooting, which is reserved for you.

If you are in town, do look me up at Claridge's.
Ever yours, Ralph.
I was on the point of having the cab unloaded and reconsidering my plans.

Suddenly, however, like an inspiration there flashed into my mind the thought that it would not, perhaps, be such a very bad thing if, under the circumstances, I kept my altered plans to myself.

So I stuffed the letter into my pocket and stepped into the four-wheeler.
"You understand, Ashley ?" I said.