[Pride and Prejudice] Stupid life in the 18th century

The Bennett sisters were a little depressed when they returned from the Weirs.So they stayed at home with little Ellen, learned knitting from Mrs. Gardenal, and cooked with Mrs. Finger until Mr. Bennett came to pick them up.

"Dad, thank you for giving us a worry-free life." This short parting has made Jane different. She has always been a smart girl, but she just lives in an ivory tower.

Jane, Elizabeth stepped forward and Mr. Bennett hugged together.

Mr. Bennett was flattered by his enthusiasm for his daughters. "Oh, my beautiful little ladies, is there not enough pocket money?"

"Father, how can you think of us like this! However, if you are willing to give me more pocket money, that would be the best!" Elizabeth took the opportunity to say.

After lunch, the Bennett mother and daughter went back to the guest room to pack their luggage; Mr. Gardinal took Mr. Bennett to the study.After coming out of his study, Mr. Bennet clearly decided to stay in London for two days before returning to Longbourn.

Elizabeth probably also thought of the supplier of Barry Weir and Uncle Edward.

Jane Bennett obviously had something on her mind, so she waited until the dinner was over, and when everyone was about to move to the living room, Jane grabbed Mr. Bennett. "Dad, can we talk for a while?"

"Of course, my child." Obviously Mr. Bennett also found out, so he was very gentle.

"Dad, I'm very touched that you took the time to talk to me. I always thought you liked Liz better."

"Oh~ why do you think so, you are all my children."

"Dad, I actually want you to do me a favor this time."

"What makes my lovely eldest daughter so troubled?"

"Elizabeth and I met a crew member of the British East India Company in the market. His name is Barry Weir."

"Oh, your uncle already told me about it."

"Dad, what I want to talk about is his younger sister and younger brother. They have been working in a textile factory before, and the environment is very harsh. Soon Mr. Weir will go on a long voyage again. I wonder if it is possible to pick them up to live with us? I can not I want pocket money, okay? Dad."

"Oh! Jane, my dear, have you ever thought about the difference in identity between you and them? If we take them home, are they considered adopted children? Or are they considered guests? Barry Weir is a crew member, and he will be in the future After going out to sea for a long time, and living in such a long time, where do they define themselves? Jane, they won’t have as much dowry as you, so let them accept to form a family with those workers or farmers, and they can still unacceptable?"

"Oh, Dad."

"Honey, you are very kind, I am very happy. But now there are more than the three or four unfortunate people you have seen. You must know that there are many more unfortunate people in the East Side. It is impossible for us to help everyone, maybe Can you think of another way?

"Dad." Jane felt a little sad about her powerlessness.

Mr. Bennet put his arm around her shoulder and stroked her gently. "Jane, they are very strong, they have taken on their own lives, and they don't need your pity."

"But I want to help them."

"Children, if you treat them as friends, don't give them alms like this. They have a hard life, but they will not be ashamed of these behaviors. You think they have no protection from their elders and have to go out to work independently. Living in the East End, is it embarrassing?"

"No, how come. Dad, they make me admire."

"So, you can't humiliate them with alms. Maybe you have other ideas?" Mr. Bennett stood up after speaking, and ended the conversation here obviously to give his daughter some time to think.

Elizabeth stood by the door and heard all the conversation between the two, and then walked away quietly.She also thought about how to change the situation of the Weir family. In fact, they were already developing in a good direction.But what else can be done?How to do it is also a question.With the beginning of the Industrial Revolution, the enclosure movement will intensify.Owner farmers will lose the opportunity to cultivate and flood into cities in large numbers; manual workers and artisans will also lose their jobs.

With such a reality and doomed result, she has no idea or method; it is not good to know too much, especially when she is powerless.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

On the afternoon of the second day in London, Mr. Bennet and Mr. Gardenal called on Baldwin Stoke.

For Baldwin Stoker, who was going to sail to the Qing Dynasty, it was a dream meeting. They talked a lot about plans and ideas.

Baldwin Stoke didn't inherit a lot of property from his grandparents. He now earns quite a lot thanks to his grandparents' accumulated and expanding connections.

The most important thing is that he has never been to sea, he only knows a few small shareholders of the British East India Company, so all his ideas are too good.He intends to form a fleet of 10 ships and needs a lot of cash and partners.

But obviously Mr. Bennett saw this problem, so he didn't let go at all; instead, he shifted the topic to the textile industry, which was just beginning to flourish.As an intermediary, Mr. Gardinal, who was already a little emotional, also calmed down. It is obvious that Mr. Bennett has a long-term and sharp vision.

Birdwin Stocker was well-bred, and at the same time he was very sociable, and he changed the stiff atmosphere of the conversation without making a fuss.

"Gentlemen, I can actually say a few words when it comes to the textile industry, perhaps Mr. Gardiner does not know. I invested in a Manchester cotton mill a few years ago. It was only worth 200 pounds, only dozens, oh! I can say less than fifty people. Now there are more than 300 workers, mainly in the two departments of spinning and weaving. Now, in my factory, spinning has begun to use Water-powered spinning machines; shuttles are also used for weaving. I have to say that even now, the timing of this industry is very optimistic.”

Mr. Bennett is obviously very moved. He also knows a lot about the textile industry, but he has no channels. "Oh, Mr. Stoke, to be honest, I really can't join your voyage plan to the Qing Dynasty, but if you really lack funds, why don't you sell some of the shares in the textile factory to me. What do you think?"

"Oh, oh! Mr. Bennett, I can say that your eyes are still slightly in front of your eyes. But if you can pay me in cash, I can sell 35% of the shares. You must know that I only have 50% in total. Now 35% of the market value is about 1700 pounds. Of course, your transfer is also a help to me. If you can settle the settlement as soon as possible, I can only count you 1500 pounds. What do you think?"

"Mr. Stock, I have to say that your decision is right. You must at least give yourself some leeway." Gardinal said, actually regretting that he didn't have any extra funds to invest in the shares.He had already agreed to Barry Weir before, and he even agreed to Stoke's request for cooperation.It seems that he is indeed too impulsive.

"Well, Mr. Stock, I'm very moved by the price you gave. How about it, Barry Weir will come to visit Gardenal's house tomorrow; if it's convenient, please join us in our conversation."

"Of course I'm free. In fact, I'm also a part of Barry Weir's cooperation."

"I'll see you tomorrow. Thank you for taking the time to talk to me today, and for the thoughtful hospitality at the house. I had a great time this afternoon."

......

The next morning, several men gathered together and had a more in-depth discussion on private goods exchanges in India and the voyage plan of the Qing Dynasty.

In the end, Mr. Bennett decided to spend 1500 pounds to receive the shares of Baldwin Stoke's cotton mill, and also participated in the investment of 500 pounds for Barry Weir's plan.Now all the rent for this year has gone out, and there are some savings that can be used for turnover.

"Mr. Weir, since you are all going to India, why don't you follow the example of the British East India Company and bring cheap cotton cloth to sell?"

"Mr. Bennett, of course I didn't dare to think about it before, but now, I can make a plan." Barry Weir was very satisfied with this visit. It can be said that it exceeded many expectations, and the three gentlemen agreed. cooperate with him.

"Well, that's foolproof. After all, just buying Indian products and selling them back is just to cater to the interests of some people. Besides, aren't the products of the Qing Dynasty more attractive?" Mr. Bennett smiled, and the obvious benefits Satisfied.

Birdwin Stocker answered with a smile. "Mr. Bennett, your plan to join the Great Qing Dynasty now will not be over."

"Mr. Stoke, the Qing Dynasty is still too far away after all; and you have to build your own fleet this time. I wonder if Mr. Weir has any good candidates and sailors to recommend?"

"Mr. Stoke must have a lot of contacts, but if you don't think I'm doing too much, I have a few good crew members that I can recommend to you."

"Okay. If I want to recruit people, most of them will be found from the ship of the British East India Company. Mr. Weir, you can rest assured and bring someone here."

"With your words, I will try my best to find experienced people to give it to you."