Letter from Charles Dickens, London, to Angela Burdett-Coutts, 1842 November 12 : autograph manuscript signed.

Regretting that he cannot accept her invitation as he is "...in the agonies of plotting and contriving a new book; in which stage of the tremendous process, I am accustomed to walk up and down the house, smiting my forehead dejectedly; and to be so horribly cross and surly, that the boldest fly at my approach. At such times, even the Postman knocks at the door with a mild feebleness, and my publishers always come two together, lest I should fall upon a single invader and do murder on his intrusive body [...] In starting a work which is to last for twenty months, there are so many little things to attend to, which require my personal superintendence, that I am obliged to be constantly on the watch; and I may add, seriously, that unless I were to shut myself up, obstinately and sullenly in my own room for a great many days without writing a word, I don't think I ever should make a beginning. For these reasons, I am fain to be resolute and virtuous, and to deny myself and Mrs. Dickens the great pleasure you offer us;" adding that they would like to visit her when he has completed the first number and asking if Mrs. Dickens might use her box at Covent Gardens to see Miss Kemble.