This is from the Bershire Family Historian:

Whilst in Bath in 1799, Mrs Leigh-Perrot was accused of the theft of a piece of lace valued at £1, a felony punishable by death or transportation. She was imprisoned in the house of the gaoler of llchester gaol throughout the winter, but was finally acquitted at Taunton in 18oo. It was revealed as a blackmail plot, but the threat of the punishment was very real. Family tradition saysthat Mr Leigh-Perrot was prepared to sell up everything to accompany her to Australia if she was found guilty.

During this time, Mrs Austen kindly offered to loan Mrs Leigh-Perrot Jane and Cassandra to keep her company whilst in gaol! Thankfully, Mrs Leigh-Perrot declined.