THE Duke took an opportunity, when the Captain was sitting alone upon one of the benches, buried in speculation, to send his servant to him with compliments and an invitation to dinner the next day. Though very much surprised, he said he would wait upon his Grace at the time appointed.
The Duke received him with great civility, took him aside, and informed him that he was induced to give him this invitation at the particular request of a lady who had a most tender regard for him. The Captain entered the room with great curiosity and wonder, which was not diminished when he saw at the table his own wife and children. The wife was as much astonished as the husband.
Soon after dinner, word was brought that the Duke’s solicitor attended. He was introduced, and pulled out a deed for the Duke to sign. The captain and his wife were still more astonished, if possible, when they found the writings contained a settlement of £200 per annum* upon them and their family.
In the 1740s, the Duke and Duchess of Beaufort paid on average £10 10s to their maidservants per annum, and £18 9s to their menservants. Figures from Domestic Service and Gender, 1660-1750: Life and work in the London Household (2000), by Tim Meldrum.