...Once again :) but simply on a numerical basis I'II discard my idea Mr Gardiner may've been a wine merchant. There seem many tea-dealers and linen merchants. Only guessing. I recall some joke by Miss Bingley to her sister, 'calling in at his shop next time we're in London'... Seeking a good deal on an item, thereby betraying her own merchant origins or merely being superficial Caroline? ;) I doubt JA would mention or hint at Mr Gardiner's trade unless it contributed to the storyline and it woudn't interest readers of her own time.