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While Jane Austen's aunt Jane Leigh-Perrot awaits trial on a theft charge, her cousin Montague Cholmeley discusses an offer from Mrs. Austen to send one or both daughters to stay with her. The aunt declines because she cannot provide suitable accommodation. This extract shows how close Jane and Cassandra came to sharing the disruption of the prosecution; it does not show that either actually went. Their aunt was acquitted in March.
You tell me that your good sister Austen has offered you one or both of her daughters to continue with you during your stay in that vile place, but you decline the kind offer, as you cannot procure them accommodation in the house with you, and you cannot let those elegant young women be your inmates in a prison, nor be subjected to the inconveniences which you are obliged to put up with.
Extract from Life and Letters (1913), p. 134.