SHIPBUILDING SCANDAL
March 17, 1811
Readers will recall the tragic sinking ofHMS Moynein a minor squall during her maiden voyage in January, with all hands lost. We have now learnt that the Surveyor of the Navy has uncovered despicable acts by the builder of theMoyne, Harper and Sons of Medway, which are likely the cause of the tragedy.
Two ships under construction for the Crown at the Harper shipyard were found to include inferior cuts of wood and ‘devil bolts’—wooden pegs disguised as good nails by the addition of iron or copper caps to the ends. One other Harper ship remains afloat in the Channel, and will be brought to port with all speed for a thorough inspection. The Navy has severed its contracts with Harper and Sons on grounds of malfeasance, and the solicitors at Weems and Norton, London, have offered to represent the families of those lost on theMoynein a suit against the shipbuilder.
WICKED WARSHIP-MONGERS
May 23, 1811
The scandal that emerged from the Medway shipyard of Harper and Sons after the loss ofHMS Moynehas ignited like a barrel of gunpowder, engulfing several other firms engaged to augment His Majesty’s Navy. The Surveyor of the Navy, having identified the culprit in the loss of 257 hands aboard theMoyne, then undertook to conduct unannounced inspections at dozens of other shipyards simultaneously. These were launched on the 1st of May, and we at the Post have been reliably informed that evidence of tactics similar to those of Harper and Sons, which line the pockets of the shipbuilder with Naval funds while risking the safety of our brave sailors, were found at a number of yards, among them such well-known concerns as Jones Brothers (Lyme), Walthorp Co. (Hull), and Jemison Yard (London).
Will the owners of these establishments flee to the former colonies, as Mr Harper and his sons are believed to have done? It is the opinion of this poor scribbler that they ought to end in gaol.
PATRIOTISM PREVAILS
June 11, 1811
At last, a bit of good news from a place that lately has seemed mired in treachery and corruption—the merchant shipyards of England. Specifically, the Thames-side yard of The Gardiner Company, long known as a preferred shipbuilder to the East India Company.
Having undertaken since the Year One to provide the Navy with a ninety-gun ‘second-rate’ ship of the line every three years, the yard was subject to the Surveyor’s surprise inspection, mentioned in previous columns. There they found no cheap tricks, no inferior materials or shoddy construction, but a fine vessel only a few months away from joining her three sisters in the long battle against the Tyrant across the Channel.
You may wonder, readers, why this is newsworthy, for a number of other yards were found innocent of the corruption evidenced by the cowardly Harper and his ilk. The reason is this: The Gardiner Company has not only built quality ships for our good sailors, but has from the inception of the contract accepted payment for her Navy ships at a rate 7% less than they would require of the Company for similar vessels. Several employees of The Gardiner Company stated that the discount was instituted by the late Mr Neville Gardiner, founder of the yard, and continued by his nephew Mr Edward Gardiner, the present owner, out of nothing more nor less than love of King and country.
Let us all raise a glass, or a teacup, to that excellent brand of patriotism which quietly benefits our empire and the great struggle in which it is engaged, and restores to us our faith in mankind.
BARONETCY BESTOWED
August 2, 1811
Mr Edward Gardiner of The Gardiner Company, the shipbuilder justly lauded throughout England, is now Sir Edward Gardiner, baronet, by decree of His Majesty. A statement from St James reads, in part, “Such loyalty and goodwill to the Crown and her Navy, conducted with no expectation of reward, has rightfully earned the admiration of Their Majesties, who anticipate receiving Sir Edward soon and expressing their gratitude directly.”
As we await the trials of Misters Jones, Walthorp, and Jemison for their treacherous, one might even say treasonous, actions, let us also rejoice in the elevation of this most superior example of the English merchant class.
CHAPTER1
ELIZABETH BENNET
I know Jane was as relieved as I was when my uncle’s carriage lurched into motion, carrying us away from our father’s estate, Longbourn. Uncle Gardiner looked on us with a knowing smile.
“Though I never thought you would accede to Mama’s pleas,” I said gratefully, “I must thank you for standing firm.”
Uncle’s eyes flicked heavenward. “There was never any question of Lydia joining you. As I told your mother, even were she old enough to be out in London, her manners are far from acceptable for the society there. The opportunities available for you in the circles I now have access to are too great, and too precious, to risk even having Lydia in my home when you and your aunt receive callers.”
“I would say that fifteen is too young to be out even in Meryton,” I grumbled. “In London—” I could not restrain a shudder “—she would not be satisfied until she had exposed herself and our entire family to ridicule.”
“Even without Lydia, it is likely my popularity will fade as quickly as it came, and I mean to broaden your acquaintance while I may. Your mother and I agree: we should both like to see you well-settled and there is no one near Meryton worthy of either of you.”
“And so we are to London and if at least one of us does not return home betrothed, we shall never hear the end of it,” I laughed. “It will be up to you, Jane. We must find you a duke!”
Jane and my uncle laughed, and he shook his head. “I do not move in the very highest circles, girls, though I occasionally brush up against them now. Jane may have to make do with a baron.”
“I should be quite satisfied with a gentleman who is honourable and kind, and able to support a family,” Jane said softly. “It is very kind of you both to suggest that I could attract a great man, however.” Though she is quite the prettiest girl in all Hertfordshire, my sister’s beauty is exceeded by her modesty, and it is left to me to expect the best for her.
“I think you will also be well-received, Lizzy,” my uncle said. “You will meet a greater variety of people than Meryton can boast, and some of those will value your wit and intelligence. You will surely make many friends and dazzle more than one gentleman.”
My modesty is not so great as my sister’s; I know I am a pretty girl, though not her equal. And yet, I did not share my uncle’s optimism. “I shall hope you are correct,” I replied, “though I am in no great hurry to marry. I wish primarily to have interesting experiences with interesting people. If I should happen to find love I shall not let it pass by, but I do not expect it.”
