Sharp met Jane Austen in 1805 while working for Edward,[3] and their friendship continued after she left for other employment.
[6] Sharp was dismissed from her employment by the Austens in 1806 for reasons that are unclear, but soon found work as a governess and later as a paid companion, though she had to give up these positions because of failing health.
While Austen was working on Pride and Prejudice in 1811 and/or 1815,[1] Anne Sharp visited her at Chawton, despite apparent opposition from Jane's sister Cassandra.
[1] Sharp's health continued to give her trouble, however, and her letters on the subject eventually led Jane Austen to suspect that her illnesses were partly psychosomatic.
[2] In addition to being the heroine of Godmersham Park, Anne Sharp is a major character in Lindsay Ashford's 2011 crime novel, The Mysterious Death of Miss Austen.