‘Do you trust Mr Phillips both professionally and personally?’
‘Yes, to both. He is a most honourable man. Martha was lucky to marry him.’
‘Excellent. In that case, please ask him to attend so that I do not have to explain the situation twice.’
Soon Mr Phillips was sitting with his father-in-law and Mrs Carleton, who explained her husband’s background and the level of wealth he had achieved.
Both men were awed at hearing how great a fortune their unassuming relative possessed.
‘Why did you never mention this before?’ asked Robert Gardiner.
‘Because it was not relevant. I confess that Edward has been aware of it for a few years, but my husband had insisted on him not divulging the information.’ Mary Carleton gave a smile which was a mixture of wistful and mischievous. ‘We did not wish to be importuned for financial assistance. Henry and I both believed that everyone should make their own way… if they can.’
She shrugged and continued, ‘Another reason is that since I have no other family, everything will go to my nephew, nieces, and their children. While Edward is sensible and shows a commendable level of discretion, the same cannot be said for Martha and Fanny.’
Her brother smirked. ‘I believe I can see where this is going. Is that why you did not invite Bennet to this meeting?’
‘I confess that I do not trust his sense of humour. Not being constrained by professional ethics, he might find it amusing to let it slip that his daughters will be heiresses.’
Phillips sighed. ‘I am afraid that I have to agree with you. I also have to agree with your assessment of my wife and sister.’
‘You should know that I told Fanny that if anything happens to her husband, she will have use of my cottage, although on consideration, I believe I will make it conditional upon her hiring a governess to educate her girls.’ Mary gave her brother an apologetic look. ‘I have no wish to offend you, but I am afraid that your wife did not have the knowledge to teach her daughters to act like ladies.’
Robert Gardiner shrugged and patted his sister’s hand. ‘I know, Mary. She was a good and kind woman and a good wife, but she was not raised to be a gentlewoman. Perhaps that governess could also improve Fanny’s manners.’
‘That is my hope too. I also want you two and Edward to be the trustees of their inheritance, which is to be held in trust until the girlsmarry or they turn five and twenty. Fanny’s portion will remain in trust even after her husband’s death to ensure she will always be comfortable, and she cannot squander it.’
‘And to ensure that Bennet cannot squander it on books.’
‘I said no such thing,’ protested Mary primly, as she raised her eyes to the ceiling and folded her hands in her lap.
Robert Gardiner grinned at this display. ‘Very well. What else do you have in mind?’
‘Once I am gone, the townhouse can be rented out until it is needed to house the girls if they wish to participate in a London season. I will leave it up to you and Edward to decide. The estates will also continue to be leased. Since there are six of them, I thought to use five of them for the girls as their dowries.’
‘Those are very generous dowries,’ commented Gardiner. ‘Apart from Netherfield, where are the estates located?’
‘They are in Cambridgeshire, Derbyshire, Hampshire, Herefordshire, and Kent. As they are different sizes and values, the residual cash can be divided in such a fashion that the value of the girl’s inheritance is equal. This will allow them to choose which location works best for them. Of course, the dowries will only go to the girls if the trustees approve of the husband and the circumstances of their wedding. Otherwise, her share of the inheritance will be divided amongst the others.’
‘That is a sensible precaution. I am guessing you were also trying to protect them from fortune hunters by keeping quiet about your wealth.’
‘Precisely. But that brings me to Martha. Since you do not have children and she told me that she will never be able to have any, I decided that a simple bequest will be best to ensure that she will be comfortably settled if you should pass before her,’ Mrs Carleton told Phillips who coloured and squirmed in his seat.
‘I trust that I will be quite capable of providing for my wife,’ he protested.
‘I believe that is the case, but there is no harm in having some extra funds available… just in case.’
‘What about Edward? You have not mentioned any bequest for him,’ asked Phillips to change the subject.
‘He already received his share of the inheritance directly from my husband,’ his aunt replied. ‘Please do not concern yourself, he is well taken care of.’
The trio continued their discussion for another hour to work out the details. After Phillips left the room to draw up the documents, Robert Gardiner turned to his sister. ‘Henry left his business to Edward, did he not?’
‘If you are curious, I suggest you ask your son.’
Robert Gardiner grinned. ‘You would have made an excellent solicitor.’
~T~
