Page 67 of New World Tea Company
But Mrs Young replied, “Of course, they will be pleased to hear you are not sitting at home. And your letters will assuage any questions they might have upon finding your name listed in the social columns as a successful hostess. As your lady’s companion, I urge you to take this step to forestall any questions they might have.”
Again, Caroline followed Mrs Young’s advice and wrote letters sent to Louisa and Charles.
~~~
There were invitations to supper that Lord Campbell would attend, and Mrs Young convinced Caroline to wear simple hats rather than a mass of feathers. And Lord Campbell sought Caroline’s company at these gatherings, and there was talk about an engagement and wedding in summer among the observant guests. George Wickham remained in the background at each meeting, escorting Miss Bingley but allowing Caroline to bring herself forward each time to ingratiate herself with Lord Campbell. Her hopes for a future as Lady Campbell and eventually Countess of Argyll grew stronger each day.
~~~
Late in the month, as they broke their fast one morning after a supper attended by Lord Campbell in a merchant's home, Mrs Young mentioned that the nobleman commented on investments that paid dividends. Curious about the man’s statements, Miss Bingley asked, “What was it His Lordship said?”
“It was something about the East India Company,” Mrs Young stated as she concentrated as if remembering the conversation. After a moment, the lady’s companion’s face brightened as she explained, “Lord Campbell said he was anxious to find the next East India Company.”
“What do you mean by the next company? I do not understand you,” Caroline complained.
“The East India Company is very profitable; shareholders never sell their stocks. Family members inherit the stocks, and dowries often include shares,” Mrs Young replied. “We have seen Lord Campbell speaking to Mr Wickham about the New World Tea Company. Perhaps Campbell thinks the Tea Company is the next East India? Imagine the riches to be made!”
Caroline was excited by the idea that she knew the man with the shares of the New World Tea Company. If the company wereas profitable as the East India Company, Lord Campbell would certainly marry a woman who owned shares in the company.
‘My dowry…I can purchase shares in the New World Tea Company. I shall be Lady Caroline Campbell, and one day, I shall be Countess of Argyll,’she decided.
In a small piece of her mind, Caroline wondered,‘Should I speak with Charles?’
The thought vanished when the footman announced Lord John Campbell and Mr George Wickham had appeared at the door.
~~~
That day Lord Campbell spent many minutes with Miss Bingley and promised to call when he returned to London. Casting down her gaze and speaking demurely, Caroline asked, “Where are you to travel this spring, my lord? I shall… We shall miss your company here in London.”
The man smiled and explained, “My brother, the Earl of Argyle, wishes me to survey his properties in Ireland. I shall be gone for over a month, and I promise to call when I return.”
Smiling congenially, Caroline replied, “I shall look forward to your return, Lord Campbell.”
Kissing Caroline’s hand, the nobleman exited the house on Olive Street. Caroline stood at the window, watching his carriage move away from the curb and blend into the other carriages and wagons in the street. At Caroline’s side, Mrs Young said, “Miss Bingley, I believe Lord Campbell will ask for a private audience when he returns.”
“I hope it is so,” Caroline replied. When she turned from the window, the woman noticed George Wickham sitting quietly with a cup of tea and a saucer in his hands.
The hostess approached the gentleman and asked, “Mr Wickham, are you well? You are very quiet today.”
“Thank you for your concern, Miss Bingley. I am just distracted by some developments in my business,” Wickham replied. “It is nothing that should concern a lady such as yourself.”
“Now, Wickham,” fussed Mrs Young. “You know Miss Bingley, and I both are interested in the New World Tea Company and your profits.”
Miss Bingley admitted, “I do not wish for anyone to hear such discussions occurring in the parlour, but the three of us can discuss your business affairs, Mr Wickham.”
“Thank you, Miss Bingley. I have an opportunity to expand my business by purchasing a cargo ship,” Wickham replied.
“Are you going to send it to the East Indies on the other side of the world?” asked Caroline.
“No, I do not want to send my first ship to the east for two years. I shall send it with tea and British goods to one of the colonies in America where the other ships call. The captain will return with rum, tobacco, and sugar to sell here in London.”
“This is cause to celebrate, Mr Wickham!” declared Mrs Young.
“Yes, if Mr Darcy makes his investment,” replied Wickham.
Caroline asked, “Is Mr Darcy investing in your business? He never spoke of business in my company last autumn.”
“He expressed an interest when he heard about the ship, but now he hesitates. I offered him a new preferred stock that would be paid ahead of every other investor. I have fifteen hundred shares at twenty pounds a share.”
