Mary Meeke

Mrs. Meeke. The Old Wife and Young Husband. a Novel

London:  Minerva Press for Lane, Newman, and Co. 1804.

 

Synopsis of The Old Wife and young Husband

The Old Wife and Young Husband opens with a conversation between the widow, Mrs. Jane Hanham, and her brother, Captain James Bennet who has been arrested and placed in a small sponging-house in Chancerylane due to unpaid debts. Responding to her brother's request for a visit, Jane visits the internment site. Captain James Bennet asks his wealthy sister to lend him money to repay his debts. During this intercourse, Jane meets another man who has been arrested and is curious to know what his trespasses were to have had him placed him in such a situation. She denies loaning money to her brother.

The novel's narration advances three weeks and turns its attention to Jane's father, Mr. Bennet, and his wife. While they are attending to errands, they encounter various townspeople who inform them of the recent marriage between the forty-two year old widow, Mrs. Jane Hanham, and an unknown younger man nearly half her age. The Bennets and they are displeased with the rumors. Mr. Bennet brags of his daughter's fortune imparted by both him and her previous husband, but scolds the seemingly imprudent marriage that has recently taken place. Various characters ranging from a shopper, an attorney, and a neighbor of the newlyweds engage in the conversation concerning the sudden marriage. The neighbor returns to his home to find every neighbor, except the newlyweds, outside their homes hoping to catch a glimpse of the young, curious stranger who has married an older woman of substantial means.

The novel then turns to the history of the young man. His mother, Lady Gertrude Plantagenet who was the second daughter of the Earl of St. Maur, fell in love with the twenty-three year son of the Montrath family. The two lovers eloped against the will of the Earl of St. Maur. After the elopement, neither family recognized the union and cut off all ties. The young Montrath became ill and doctors sent him and his wife abroad to aid his health. The couple had many sincere friends who provided them with monetary help. Unfortunately, the change of climate did not aid in the young Montrath's health and he died. He ensured his wife had enough money to live by as well as to take care of their barely three year old son, Plantagenet.

Lady Gertrude and Plantagenet moved to the south of France where they were able to live happily on their small sum. Townspeople loved Lady Gertrude's disposition and she became a social favorite. A much older Frenchman, Count de Perigord, fell in love with Gertrude and asked her to marry him. Their union was a happy one and young Plantagenet never felt without a father. Perigord cared for him as if he was his own son. Unfortunatley, with the storming of the Bastille, Perigord felt the need to return to court to help his friends during the Revolution. When he arrived at court and expressed his opinions, which did not set well with others, his life was threatened. He returned to the south of France, only to have his castle stormed and very little time for him and his family to escape to Spain. The escape proved fatal for Gertrude. She died the day they arrived in Spain.

Plantagenet stayed in Madrid with Perigord until the latter died. After his death, Plantagenet returned to England in hope of contacting his mother and father's families. He was in debt, not because of poor choices, but because of the unfortunate situation the escape from France had permanently placed his mother, stepfather, and himself in. He contacted both families and was given two rude, unfavorable responses reiterating the families' desires to disown both lovers. He contacted a son of his parent's acquaintances who had been favorable to them post elopement. The son was also favorable and willing to pay the debts should Plantagenet join his father in Jamaica as a way to repay them. Plantagenet agreed to this plan but is arrested in London and placed in the sponging-house where Jane Hanham's brother is also located before he can leave.

An anonymous source pays Plantagenet's debts and he is removed from the sponging-house. The source asks via a letter if he would be willing to marry the benefactress who is twice his age. After consenting, he discovers it is Jane Hanham. They organize a legal settlement to where her money is shared with him to an extent where there is always enough kept separate for her should she outlive her young husband. She hopes to be able to call herself a "Lady" after Plantagenet's grandfather dies.

A week after their marriage, Jane's dream comes true. Plantagenet's grandfather (his Irish father's father) dies, making him Marquis of Montrath. He leaves for Ireland to attend to legal details while Jane begins spending money on multiple carriages, servants, and extravagant mourning clothes. She teaches her servants how to call her 'Ladyship' and enjoys flaunting her wealth and title in front of her family who decide to get in her good graces. In the meantime, Plantagenet is meeting his estranged family and becomes decent friends with the Dowager Marchioness and her daughter. He arranges for them to live quite comfortably on five thousand pounds a year in a good sized home in England that the Dowager loves. Plantagenet does not tell Jane about these arrangements.

On his way back to England, Plantagenet coincidently crosses paths with the Earl of St. Maur, his mother's father. Upon realization of Plantagenet's new, superior position, the Earl flatters him and apologizes for his unkind response during his time of need. The Earl blames it on the stress a lawsuit is causing him. Plantagenet accepts his apology and returns to Jane.

Jane is busy trying to make others jealous of her. When her young husband returns, she wants him to make others jealous. Her parents visit unannounced much to Jane's displeasure. Plantagenet is pleased to meet them and find their company enjoyable, much to his wife's chagrin. Jane finds her husband does not have the same motives with his new status and wealth that she has.

Plantagenet begins realizing he does not enjoy his wife's company. He also realizes that others are scrutinizing every move he makes not only because he has recently gained status and wealth, but also because his marriage is out of the ordinary. In order to maintain social respect, Plantagenet watches his every move, particularly those involving his wife, in public. When they go on a walk together, and her incessant chatter about frivolous things annoys him, he makes sure his dislike goes unnoticed by the multiple passersby who watch him.

While on this walk, a group of young women pass by on their way to town. Shortly after, they return in a frantic run. It was the day to sell cattle in the town, and one had become loose. Jane, Plantagenet, and the ladies scramble for safety on a bridge. During the tumult, a young woman and Jane fall into the current. Plantagenet saved the young woman and quickly does the same for his wife. He is heartily thanked by the young women after the ruckus subsides. Plantagenet is worried the women will make too much of a fuss about him saving them, turning him into a hero, and will make him an even more popular topic of gossip. Jane also does not want the mishap to be known, but for different reasons. She fears she will be the subject of ridicule if others know she fell into a river because of a stray cow.

The next morning, Jane's father drops by to say hello. Jane reminds her father of his lower class by requesting he make sure not to drive a carriage up to their door, but rather walk. Jane's father assures his daughter he would not wish to embarrass her or her husband. Plantagenet, on the other hand, tells Mr. Bennet he is more than welcome to bring a stage to their front door and to understand his wife must be merely joking. Plantagenet changes the subject by requesting Mr. Bennet's assistance in finding a proper bank to tend to his estate affairs. Jane is discouraged by this new, intimate union between her father and young husband.

Jane and Plantagenet take a walk into town and hear circulating rumors about the mad bull. Rumor describes the event as taking the hero's life as he tried, but failed, to save an elderly lady. Jane is displeased with being referred to as an elderly lady. Plantagenet is pleased the rumors do not specifically identify him or his wife. He is also looking forward to moving from their village to Weftbury Lodge where he can slowly wean the constant companionship Jane requires of him.

Plantagenet goes to town on his own to visit Mr. Bennet about banking business. Mr. Bennet takes him to a bank and aids him in his business matters. The two have a wonderful time together and spend the majority of the day in each other's company. Plantagenet then joins Mr. and Mrs. Bennet and Christopher Bennet's, their son, family for dinner. Over dinner, Mr. Severn, a coach driver, discusses business with Plantagenet. He does not let Plantagenet speak, but rather consumes the conversation with information of how he goes about business. Plantagenet does not approve of his practices because they are shady and suspect, but he holds his tongue to keep the piece at the dinner table until Mr. Severn has to leave for work.

Plantagenet walks Mr. Bennet back to his house and, on his way, encounters two men who had incarcerated him. They try to avoid Plantagenet when they see him, but he acknowledges them. He tells them he has no hard feelings because they were doing their job and, at the time, he was in debt and they had every right to arrest him. The men and Mr. Bennet are impressed with Plantagenet's gesture.

Plantagenet returns home to find Jane ill. After many days of nearly dying, Jane recovers and is advised to get a change of air for her health. While Jane is recovering, Plantagenet takes a walk with his friend Montresor and meets a young boy who he had seen several times in Chancery Lane. His mother explains to Plantagenet that they are very poor and the father is in jail. Plantagenet generously gives them the money they need for the father's bail.

Shortly after, they encounter two young ladies, one of which Plantagenet had saved from the river during the mad cow incident. She thanks him again and asks about Jane's health. Plantagenet assures her she is fine, but suggests should Jane have not recovered from her illness, he would have been pleased to take the young lady's hand in marriage. The young lady kindly assures him he makes light of how much pain he would feel and how little her hand in marriage could do if such a thing should happen. Montresor flirts as well. The two men walk the ladies as far down the lane as they would permit them, talking and flirting all the way, but never having enough courage to ask them their names. During the following week, Montresor walks the lane every day in hope of running into the ladies.

Plantagenet and Jane travel to Stamford to make sure her health keeps improving. While Jane rested in Stamford, Plantagenet explored the grounds of Earl of --------. He comes across a small dog that was running away from its mistress. Plantagenet picks up the dog and meets the mistress who he finds breathtaking. She invites him to tour the apartments of the home the following day. Plantagenet decides not to accept the invitation because he does not wish the young lady to know he is married to an older woman. Jane and Plantagenet leave Stamford the following day.

The two arrive at Hervey Wood where Mrs. Hervey gives a warm welcome. Jane faints from trying to be too youthful and fashionable while sick. Mrs. Hervey gives her the benefit of the doubt and does not look down on Plantagenet for having a foolish wife. Plantagenet travels to Marston Hall to meet with the Earl and Countess. They offer their doctor's assistance to Jane and suggest she has consumption. They silently wish she would die or at least have to winter in Spain or Lisbon, where they would not have to be associated with her.

Jane receives news that her brother, Captain James Bennet, intercepted an enemy merchant ship with his own, injuring him in the battle yet still making him quite wealthy. Dr. Marriot arrives and diagnosis Jane with consumption which she readily doubts. The doctor thought she had very little time left if she would not quickly move to a warmer climate. The Earl offers his home for her stay and he and the countess keep up positive appearances despite their dislike of Jane in order to please their grandson. Everyone believes she is going to die regardless of a change in location.

Jane continues to get worse. Mrs. Hervey sends for a recent novel and begins reading it to Jane. The novel is about a fifty-year-old woman who marries a young Irishman. Jane is angry and bashes women authors by explaining they have nothing better to do than to make fun of, and unkindly broadcast, other people's situations.
Plantagenet receives a letter from Montresor explaining he is in love with the eldest of the two ladies they had met from the mad cow incident. He discovered the eldest was Plantagenet's cousin, but neither had been introduced because both Plantagenet's and her own mother had been disowned by the St. Columb family. Montresor hopes to marry in six month's time.

Montresor and Mr. and Mrs. Bennet travel to Marston Hall to see Jane. The elder Bennets are amazed by the grandeur of the place. Mrs. Bennet is nervous around the upper class company and Plantagenet and Mr. Bennet feel embarrassed by her awkwardness. While everyone is at Marston Hall attending to Jane, Captain Bennet arrives. During his brief stay, he encounters three traveling women. He desires to invite them to tea at Marston Hall, but Plantagenet does not feel at liberty to do so since it is not his home. The ladies move on and give their names to the captain. Plantagenet then discovers one of the women was his cousin whom Montresor loves. It is too late to invite them, but he discusses their existence and Montresor's feelings with the Earl. The Earl tells Plantagenet he does not wish to become acquainted with that part of his family and Montresor should invest his feelings in someone of a higher ranking. Plantagenet is displeased with the Earl's attitude and behavior.
The captain, Plantagenet, and Montresor visit the ladies for a day. The captain falls in love with the youngest of the two sisters and looks forward to being brother-in-law to Montresor. When they return to Marston Hall, they discover Jane died in the company of the Earl and countess. Plantagenet is sorrowful. He respects Jane for being generous to him and undoubtedly loving him despite his disgust for some of her character traits.

The party slowly disseminates from Marston Hall. Plantagenet, Montresor, and the captain leave for Plantagenet's Weftbury Lodge he inherited from Earl St. Maur. The men travel thirty miles to where the ladies were staying. While they visited, both Montresor and Captain Bennet proposed to the sisters. By the time they left and returned to their respected homes, both and received permission to pursue the sisters.

Plantagenet returns to Marston to visit the Earl. He discovers the Earl wishes to introduce him to a famed Countess of Athlone. Plantagenet does not wish to meet her, for he hopes to pursue the mistress with the dog he encountered in the past.

Plantagenet returns to the Terrace to have dinner with the Bennet family. At the dinner, he signs a deed which gives the Terrace, and everything housed in it, to the Bennet family. The Bennets are surprised by Plantagenet's unsolicited act of generosity. Mr. Bennet gives the home he had resided in until Plantagenet's offer, to his son, Captain James Bennet. Captain Bennet does not take the house because he is wealthy enough to buy his own. Mr. Bennet decides to sell the house.

Plantagenet, Captain Bennet, and Montresor return to the former's home in London. During their stay, they encounter the young lady with the dog. Plantagenet still adores her, but does not get her name because he fears he is not good enough for her. Captain Bennet tries to convince Plantagenet otherwise. In the meantime, the dog's mistress wonders with her ladies who Plantagenet is.

Plantagenet receives news that the Earl is sick with gout and wishes to see him. The Captain and Montresor think this is a trick to get Plantagenet down to the home so they can match him with the Countess of Athlone. Plantagenet does not believe this and departs for Marston Hall, leaving his two friends at his London home.
Back at Marston Hall, the Earl is preparing to die. He explains to the chaplain that he believes Plantagenet should marry the Countess of Athlone because she is of a high ranking family and after his shenanigans with the sponging house and marriage to Jane Bennet, he needs to be guided in his decisions.

Plantagenet talks with the Earl and hears his marital opinions. He can not promise to marry the Countess of Athlone which angers the Earl. The Earl threatens to withhold all inheritance from Plantagenet if he does not consent to his wishes. Plantagenet does not change his mind and the Earl tears up his will and throws its pieces at his grandson. Plantagenet calmly leaves the room.

Mrs. Hervey arrives at Marston Hall and, after hearing Plantagenet's story of his conversation with the Earl, tries to persuade with Earl with Christian charity to not disown his grandson. Neither the Earl nor his wife is willing to change their mind.

Plantagenet leaves Marston Hall. The Earl wishes him to return, sends a messenger for him, but receives no reply. The Earl makes a new will and dies immediately after he signs it. The lawyer looks at the new will and sees it is only waste paper. The lawyer suggests the Countess should decide what is to be done with her husband's estate. Mrs. Hervey explains to the Countess how Plantagenet is now the new Earl of St. Maur and should she depend on his generous character, she would most likely end up with more than if she were to leave it up to the law.

Plantagenet, while staying at an inn near Marston Hall, receives a letter from Mrs. Hervey explaining the details of the Earl's death. Platagenet responds to the letter explaining he does not wish to take any of the Earl's possessions or money and respects his final wishes, even if they were not formally written in a will. While on his way to mail the letter, he crosses paths with his love interest and her dog. He discovers she is the Countess of Athlone.

Mrs. Hervey reads Plantagenet's letter to the Countess of Marston Hall, but she is not persuaded by Plantagenet's generosity. After a fiery speech about how she would never accept his charity, she dies. This places all of the Earl's possessions Plantagenet's. The Countess of Athlone is pleased by Mrs. Hervey's story about how Plantagenet loved her before he knew anything of her rank or wealth and was willing to give up all of his inheritance to be with her.

Captain Bennet and Montresor marry the St. Columb sisters. Plantagenet then marries the Countess of Athlone a month later. The newlyweds attend the Sovereign's birthday and were the center of attention. They live happily ever after.

-- Prepared by Cheney Luttich, University of Nebraska, April 2006.
© Cheney Luttich, 2006.