Papa shook his head. “No, I don’t think it is,” he said. “I do not think Lydia is wise enough to avoid fortune hunters, despite her improved behavior. Because of this, it would be counterproductive to give her a dowry that is too large. I propose that you follow through with your initial intention. Give them five thousand pounds each. That is enough to be attractive to a gentleman, but not so much as to draw out the worst of the fortune hunters, since it is not enough to provide true independence on its own.”

“Very well, Papa,” she said. “May we put that in some kind of official documentation so that it can be made known amongst our acquaintances when we go to London?”

“There is no need for that,” said Papa. “It is better not to. That way, if one of your sisters chooses someone I do not approve of, I can withhold her dowry which will likely make such a man flee the field.”

“That seems reasonable,” said Catherine. “Thank you for taking this seriously, Papa. I am certain Lydia will have a far more enjoyable time in London now that this is settled.”

“You may be right,” he said. “Now, if there is nothing else…”

Catherine stood. “No, Papa. There is nothing else.” She left the room.

Once she was in the hall, she breathed a huge sigh of relief. She was glad to know that she could be the means of helping hersisters find a respectable husband, and if they didn’t she could still save them from poverty in the future.