| Poverty
Written by Bridget d
(1/26/2013 6:41 a.m.)
in consequence of the missive, Parish-that is true !, penned by Mandy N
 They would not have to work as governesses. And they certainly would never ever go "on the parish". It woudl be unthinkable for people of their class. And £500 a year, while not a great fortune was enough to live genteelly... They also kept 3 servants. When Mrs J is contemplating waht will happen if Edward and Lucy Steele marry without his getting a living, she tells us what real "genteel poverty" is.. an income of £50 a year, plus the little from Edward's £2000 and a "child every year". THe Dashwoods have come down in the world, but they are a long long way from the poor house or even from the circumstances of the Bates ladies. Many gentry families only had about £700 a year and were able to live comfortably enough, run a small estate and raise a family so £500 a year is a decent enough income for 4 women...
|
Board Index
