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Chapter 3
Berkeley Square, Match 1812
“Mrs. Elizabeth, delighted that you could come.” Lady Jersey beamed, genuine pleasure marking her countenance.
“The honour is mine, my lady,” said Elizabeth, giving the countess a respectful curtsey—as taught by their dancing master at Longbourn.
Lady Jersey sat on a satin brocade settee, indicating that Elizabeth should sit on the seat opposite.
“You must wonder, Mrs. Elizabeth,” said the lady, “why I have invited you to Berkeley Square. But, by the bye, how did you find my house? Perhaps not as grand as Lansdowne, I presume?”
“While Lansdowne House is—as you say—very grand, it does not seem to be ahome,” replied Elizabeth. “Whereas, while this house is very fine, I could easily see a family being raised here, not only in comfort, but also with some affection, particularly since Gunter’s Tea Shop is situated across the way at number seven.”
“Oh, so delightful!” cried Lady Jersey, with a twinkle in her eye. “You certainly have that spark of—what shall I say?—respectful impertinence. Yet, perhaps a little more flattery, for I do enjoy it so.”
“Then I should say, ma’am, that your good nature in overlooking my impudence shows a lack of conceit that I can only aspire to, for it is often said that, though I have some wit, I am a prideful person, beyond my station.”
Lady Jersey’s gaze was as discerning as that in Elizabeth’s dreams, prior to her visit. Had she overstepped the mark? But she detected in Lady Jersey a woman of spirit and good nature—she must have understood something of Elizabeth’s character from their meeting at Child & Co. bank in Fleet Street.
“I do believe I have met my match in banter,” said the lady cheerfully. “I will introduce you shortly to some ladies of rank, who are taking nuncheon in the house. They are all good friends, but ofttimes fail to understand the manner of my mind.” She paused as the door to the chamber opened and a maid placed a tea service on the small table between them. When the maid had left the room, Lady Jersey continued.
“I was most impressed by our meeting at Fleet Street. I seldom interfere in the ordinary business of the bank, but it so happened that I was visiting when you made your presentation. Oh, how rude of me—how fares your aunt?”
“Both babe and Mrs. Gardiner are doing very well. I will pass on your kind regards.” Elizabeth took up her cup and sipped the tea, which was strongly flavoured, though not unappealing.
“Good. It is difficult for women, giving birth with all its uncertainties and pain. I congratulate your uncle for putting the well-being and comfort of his wife before his other concerns. While commerce and business can be delayed, infants entering the world yield to no one. I daresay even the Prince Regent could not prevent a babe from exiting the womb.
“Mrs. Elizabeth, as I was saying, your understanding of your uncle’s business, and that of the City, greatly impressed me. Moreover, you mentioned in passing that you manage the accounts at your father’s estate—Longbourn, is it not?”
“Indeed, ma’am. Longbourn has some two thousand acres of leasehold and a home farm of one hundred and eighty acres.It provides a good living, but certainly does not compare to your seat at Osterley Park.”
Lady Jersey retrieved a folio which had been placed on a side table. She withdrew several sheets of closely spaced writing.
“If you will forgive my impropriety, Mrs. Elizabeth, I took the liberty of learning more of your family. I can assure you that my agent was very discreet.”
Elizabeth knew not whether to be affronted by such prying into her family’s affairs, or to accept that Lady Jersey, as a matter of course, would investigate anyone with whom she had dealings. While Elizabeth had felt her report on the business affairs of Mr. Gardiner had been accepted as genuine, it would certainly behove the bank to ensure that she was, indeed, truthful and of good character. Lady Jersey continued,
“Let me summarise. Mr. Bennet’s property consists almost entirely of an estate of two thousand pounds a year, which, unfortunately for his daughters, is entailed, in default of heirs male, on a distant relation, Mr. Collins, whom, I understand, you have refused; and Mrs. Bennet’s fortune, though ample for her situation in life, could but ill supply the deficiency of Mr. Bennet, were he to predecease her. Her father had been an attorney in Meryton—also qualified as a barrister—and had left her four thousand pounds, possibly five thousand, for the will mentioned both sums. Each of your sisters will receive only fifty pounds a year, and one thousand pounds on your mother’s passing. Is this a fair account?”
“Indeed, ma’am. Your agent has been most thorough.” Elizabeth blushed, for it was mortifying to have her father’s failure to provide for his daughters open to such scrutiny—and now known to Lady Jersey, who occupied such a leading position in society.
“Oh, do not fret, Mrs. Elizabeth. The bank is known for being discreet. Mayhap I am less so, but only to those whoflaunt their connections. You are aware that I am a patroness of Almack’s, where I am in the privileged position of not only knowing those who apply for vouchers through their reputation in theton, but also their reputation in the City—whether they gamble, owe debts of honour, are impecunious, or otherwise havepockets to let. Certainly, we could not allow bankrupts and such like to pollute our assembly rooms.”
She laughed. “Why, Mrs. Elizabeth, you have me ever so loquacious. But soon enough you will learn why my friend Lady Harriet calls meSilence—for I tend to talk too much. But, let me continue.
“The bank has many customers from all walks of life. Certainly, those from thetonand upper circles are known to me, and through gossip and discreet enquiries it is straightforward to learn of their business affairs—in particular, do they wish to borrow money from the bank to repay other debts, is the dispersion of the funds prudent, or otherwise? Similarly, for those among lower levels, below that of your uncle—small merchants, shopkeepers, and the like. Often, they will seek funds to expand their business or buy out a partner who wishes to retire. These are dealt with through brokers, to maintain a certain exclusivity of the bank’s reputation. But nevertheless, such people work hard, are scrupulously honest, and repay their debts promptly—excellent clients.”
She paused, refilling her and Elizabeth’s cups. “No, we lack intelligence of the middle ranks. Those who would aspire to the higher circles. Likely members of the smaller estates such as Longbourn, and those we disparagingly callnouveau riche, though many have more wealth in their mills and mines than will ever be seen in agriculture, which underpins the wealth of most of thehaut ton.”
Whatever could the lady be about, thought Elizabeth. Why should she talk to me about such things?
“Here is my proposal, Mrs. Elizabeth.” Lady Jersey set her cup back on the tray. “I wish to sponsor you. No, not your curtsey to Her Majesty—though you are certainly more worthy than most of the simpering misses who are presented at a Drawing Room. I wish to offer you two positions: firstly, as a private secretary to accompany me to meetings of Child & Co.; and, secondly, to attend balls, assemblies, soirées, and such other events to which you are invited; you shall go as my representative, for my rank certainly precludes my attendance.”
Elizabeth’s wit deserted her; indeed, her mind had gone outside for a walk in the park. She stared at Lady Jersey without comprehension. Such a request was beyond her imaginings.
“My lady, surely you have mistook me for someone else. I am justLizzy Bennet, from Hertfordshire. What do I know of commerce—to act as your private secretary? I believe you have markedly overestimated my abilities. To attend balls and the like—London parties are so much more fashionable than the muslins my sisters and I wear to the assemblies in Meryton. Oh, please, ma’am, do not joke with me!”
