The Key to the Bronte Works Part 31

[101] In _Chapters from Some Memories_, by Anne Thackeray Ritchie.

[102] By "Mrs. Brookfield's party" Lady Ritchie means the later distinguished party. In _Mrs. Brookfield and her Circle_, page 305, vol ii. (1905), a first dinner given by Mr. Thackeray for Charlotte Bronte in November 1849, is spoken of by Mrs. Brookfield as not having been a success; and the second great party at which some clever women were present, to meet Miss Bronte in 1851, is mentioned with the fact of the non-success of the 1849 party, on pages 355-6. All this now leaves clear the occasion of the 1850 private family dinner at Mr. Thackeray's house, when Charlotte Bronte sat next Lady Ritchie in a light green dress.

[103] Mrs. Gaskell's _Life of Charlotte Bronte_.

[104] _Ibid._

[105] The Roman numerals refer to the Preface.