I was a god in the 18th century

Chapter 374 The Money Comes Again
This time, the other party brought not only the skirts ordered by Xia Qingdai, but also several new models designed by the tailor himself, which was a bit like the first private launch of a luxury product.

Such innovative service concept made Caroline and Mrs. Wenwen envious, and the latter even asked about the cost of custom-made clothes by the tailor.

As a result, when they heard the other party's offer, both mother and daughter gasped and exclaimed, "Wow!"

One piece is sold for 300 pounds! It would have to be woven entirely with gold threads to be worth that price!

300 pounds in the eighteenth century was worth much more than it is in later generations.

You can compare them by looking at everyone's income. The maximum annual salary for a tutor is 25 pounds, the maximum salary for a housekeeper is 50 pounds, and the average servant is 5 to 13 pounds.

Shopkeepers and retailers earn 45 pounds a year, freeholders earn 50 pounds a year, and small farmers earn 44 pounds a year. Overseas traders earn a little more, 200 to 400 pounds, but their living expenses are also 168 to 320 pounds.

The people mentioned above can be considered the middle class in society, but there are still a large number of poor people at the bottom of society who cannot get enough food.

But money in the eighteenth century was just a number to Xia Qingdai.

It was easy for her to make money in the 18th century, so she didn't feel bad about customizing these. Mrs. Owen and her daughter obviously didn't have such strong financial resources, so they couldn't help but feel a little envious.

After a while, the model finished showing off the one Lolita dress and six Empire dresses she had brought. Xia Qingdai waved her hand and said, "I want them all."

Mrs. Owen, her daughter and the delivery man all widened their eyes. They were so rich that it was hard to resist!
The little tailor scratched his head excitedly and a little embarrassedly, bowed and apologized: "Dear Countess, there is only one of these empire skirts that is your size. I can keep it for you, and the others will be tailored for you."

Xia Qingdai said indifferently: "It's okay, I won't wear it, I just like it."

The little tailor opened his mouth wide, not knowing what to say. He was rich and could do whatever he wanted!
"But...but...I'm really sorry, I...I don't have the authority to sell them." The little tailor was overwhelmed and finally decided to tell the truth honestly.

These skirts were designed and made by his master who spent more than half a year working day and night. He personally selected everything from the fabrics to the decorations, which took a lot of effort.

The purpose is to promote a newly registered clothing brand and promote it to the circle of wealthy ladies. His master is also thinking of holding a high-end custom fashion show, and these are part of the show.

Xia Qingdai took the fashion show invitation handed to her by the other party, flipped through it casually, and couldn't help but sigh that the British during the Industrial Revolution were really quick-witted. Isn't this the prototype of haute couture that was played with in later generations?

"Okay, if I'm free, I'll attend." Xia Qingdai waved her hand and asked Mary to take them downstairs to settle the money for a Lolita skirt and an Empire skirt today.

The young tailor and the model backed out of the reception room. Not only were they unable to calm down, but old Mrs. Irving and her daughter, who had been sitting inside and watching the entire service, were equally shocked.

"Oh, dear Xia, you are really amazing. This dress is equivalent to the total income of an average small country gentleman for two or three years. Oh! Unbelievable, hahaha, I think your mother must be an Arabian princess who left a diamond mine for you?"

Old Mrs. Owen spoke to Xia Qingdai half-jokingly and half-inquiringly. Her eyes, whose whites had turned yellow, shone with a brilliance that was completely different from usual and made her look more radiant. It was obvious that gossip was also a beauty agent.

Xia Qingdai smiled but said nothing. She ignored all the questions about her background and let the other party figure it out on their own.

Old Mrs. Owen did not hear Xia Qingdai's reply, nor did she ask any further questions.

If she were still Mrs. Owen, who owned Fucui Hill, she would have pursued the matter relentlessly to satisfy her curiosity.

But things are different now, and she no longer has the confidence to ask people to answer all her questions. In fact, compared to the new owner of Fucui Villa, Little Owen, she has more respect for Xia Qingdai, after all, she is her savior!
If it was an ordinary female doctor, she would not respect her much, but would treat her with condescension and ask her to stay by her side as a personal doctor. But now this woman with such superb medical skills is a countess of much higher status than her. What else can she think except to respect her more!

Xia Qingdai doesn't make a living by her medical skills. She will take action when she wants to, and no one can do anything to her if she wants to ignore it, so they can only beg.

Shortly after the little tailor who delivered the goods left, the Jane Austen sisters arrived in the off-road vehicle sent by Xia Qingdai.

In freezing weather, off-road vehicles with non-slip wheels are more stable and safer than horse-drawn carriages.

Once the guests have arrived, dinner can begin.

At the table, Caroline couldn't help but talk about the fashion show that had just happened, which aroused Jane's curiosity.

It is hard for a girl, even a girl like Jane, to resist her curiosity about beautiful skirts.

"If you are free, you can come with me to London in March and stay for a while. You can also go to see the fashion show. It is a brand founded by the chief tailor of the court."

Xia Qingdai looked at Owen and continued, "Owen, I remember you were going to the House of Lords in the spring, right?"

Owen nodded. "Yes, I will leave as soon as spring comes. In addition to fulfilling my duties as a councillor, I also need to deal with some matters at the factories and shops over there. I conservatively estimate that I will live there for half a year."

Xia Qingdai smiled: "That's perfect. How about, Jane, do you want to go together?"

Jane Austen smiled and said, "Since you have invited me so kindly, how can I refuse?"

"Haha, that's settled then."

Old Mrs. Irving kept hinting at her youngest daughter Caroline, but she was busy eating and didn't even look at her.

For Caroline, although there are countless balls and tea parties in London, chatting and dancing with hideous strangers is not as fun as having a secret date with her lover.

After dinner, it suddenly started to rain heavily again. Xia Qingdai joked to Jane that it was God's will to keep the guests.

The parsonage is not far from Fucui Villa, but it is still not very convenient to travel on a rainy night. The road in the main town is a little frozen because the heavy snow has just melted, and it is very easy to slip and roll over when it rains.

Therefore, when Xia Qingdai asked them to stay, the Austin sisters gladly accepted it.

We all sat together in front of the fireplace in the reception room, reading books and newspapers, and felt quite content.

Xia Qingdai and Jane read French poetry together, occasionally chatting about the current situation in France. Jane and Miss Bai, who were listening to them, found it hard to imagine that Louis XVI would soon be guillotined.

Could a king of a country fall to this point?
Xia Qingdai said firmly: "Just wait and see, it will definitely happen."

At around 9:30, everyone went upstairs to their rooms. Only Owen, who understood Xia Qingdai's gaze, sat in the music room on the second floor, holding a book, reading and waiting silently.