Page 68 of New World Tea Company
“How much would his investment be?”
“Thirty thousand pounds–his total income for three years. I think he hesitates to commit such a large sum. The last word I had from him is that he has gone to Rosings for the month of April to consult with his aunt about investing part of his cousin’s estate in the venture.”
Wickham continued, “I assured Darcy I expect to recover half of the investment in the first trip. After two trips across the Atlantic, we would have profits annually afterwards.”
Caroline asked, “Two years before profits? How much money are you talking about?”
“The preferred stock will pay about fifteen thousand pounds in profits annually.”
“And you need thirty thousand pounds to start this business?” asked Caroline.
“Yes, I need the funds to purchase the ship.”
“Darcy can afford ten or fifteen thousand himself and he needs to locate an investor for the rest,” Wickham said. He leaned closer and said, “I believe he wants to keep the wealth within his family and improve his cousin’s marriage prospects with an investment.”
“Does Rosings Park have such an income?”
“The cousin might have a dowry of some monies, or Darcy might plan to mortgage the farms,” suggested George.
“Her dowry? Can the funds of a dowry be invested in company stocks?” Miss Bingley asked.
Wickham acted as though he had not heard the question, and Caroline repeated her question, “Mr Wickham, can a dowry be used to purchase shares in a company?”
“Forgive me, Miss Bingley, I was planning a letter to Darcy,” Wickham replied. “Yes, the funds in a dowry can be used to invest in a company.”
Caroline stood and declared breathlessly, “I have twenty thousand pounds that I should like to invest in your business.”
Smiling broadly, George replied, “Marvellous, Miss Bingley! We shall ask your brother for permission and get him to come to London to sign the papers.”
Lifting her nose to express her opinion of her brother, Caroline explained, “No, I have attained my majority and can make my own decisions regarding my dowry.”
Mrs Young interrupted the conversation with a warning, “Twenty thousand is a great deal of money, Miss Bingley. You must not use it all in a single investment. Use only half of your fortune in this investment.”
“Why not all?” queried Caroline.
“The ship might sink, or there could be another war, making travel to America impossible,” Mrs Young continued.
Turning toward George, Caroline asked, “What do you advise, Mr Wickham?”
“Invest only ten thousand pounds,” George replied. “I shall obtain the remaining twenty thousand from Mr Darcy and his aunt, Lady Caroline de Bourgh.”
“Will that give Mr Darcy more say in this new business venture?”
“Yes, Miss Bingley. He will control two-thirds of the stock,” George admitted.
“Then I shall invest fifteen thousand pounds and be equal partners with Mr Darcy in your new ship.”
Mrs Young smiled and said, “With such a move Miss Bingley, I believe Lord Campbell will beat off Mr Darcy’s attempts to regain your attention.”
Finding herself in front of a mirror, Caroline preened and replied, “Mr Darcy has money, but Lord Campbell will likely bethe Earl of Argyle soon, and his wife will be Countess of Argyle. How can being merely Mrs Fitzwilliam Darcy compare with being a countess?”
~~~
Chapter 29.A Pleasant Walk
The first morning of her visit in Hunsford, Elizabeth rose early and joined Mr and Mrs Collins as they broke their fast with weak tea and some toast. The table was not set with butter, preserves, or other foods. But rather than remark on the meagre offerings, Elizabeth asked about the parsonage furnishings, the kitchen’s appointments, and the plans for the garden.
Mr Collins had turned the ground for a large vegetable garden in the back of the house. Charlotte prepared the beds with fertilizer from the empty henhouse before she planted green peas, onions, and a variety of greens. Interested in the garden, Elizabeth asked, “Did you plant potatoes?”
