He Opened a Matchmaking Agency in 18th Century London - Ch. 5
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- He Opened a Matchmaking Agency in 18th Century London
- Ch. 5 - The Start of the First Match
Two months later.
Theo’s ambition to establish a 21st-century-style matchmaking company in 18th-century London quickly met several major obstacles.
First, the exceedingly high cost of living was an issue.
In a pre-industrial society without mass production or efficient transportation, even constructing a single building required astronomical expenses.
Naturally, this made rental costs equally high.
The rent for his current residence alone was a significant burden, and he wondered if it would even be possible to rent a decent building in central London to set up his company.
Moreover, even if he managed to establish a company, the negative perception of matchmakers posed another challenge.
‘There’s considerable social disdain and opposition towards matchmakers. In such an atmosphere, how many clients would actually use a matchmaking service?’
Above all, the absence of computers made it impossible to conduct proper matching analyses.
‘No matter how I think about it, starting the company immediately is unrealistic. First, I need to secure as many quality members as possible and develop an analysis model, even if only in the form of a questionnaire.’
He concluded that securing members and researching a matching system suitable for the time period had to come before establishing the company.
‘In a world without the internet or even computers to store and search member data, achieving good matchmaking results without thorough analysis would be incredibly difficult.’
With this in mind, Theo decided to do everything manually.
Relying on his skills in observing human behavior, his expertise in psychology, and his practical experience in the matchmaking industry, he resolved to simplify a matchmaking analysis program and create it himself.
While it might not yield results as precise as those he was used to, he was confident that he could still achieve substantial success.
***
Every time Theo visited the club, he initiated discussions about the flaws in the institution of marriage. His aim was to spark interest in the subject.
The interest, far exceeding that of the modern era, led to Theo’s critiques and analyses of marriage, creating a buzz.
This reaction was not confined to the male-only intelligence clubs.
Word spread that Theo’s discussions on the future and issues of marriage—debates that even Adam Smith would acknowledge as noteworthy—were being held, prompting Almack’s Club to invite him.
<A/N: Almack’s Club: A women-only club in London, founded in 1765 by upper-class aristocratic women.>
◈ Near Piccadilly, London, Almack’s Club.
Theo was giving a lecture on the future of the institution of marriage at the women-only Almack’s Club.
“… as you can see, society is changing rapidly. Marriages, which used to prioritize family and social class, are shifting towards prioritizing individual happiness. With individualistic values gaining attention, marriage based on personal choice will soon become the norm.”
Theo’s popularity at Almack’s Club was immense, far exceeding the expectations of the club organizers who had arranged the invitation.
In particular, his detailed predictions about how women would participate in and shape society in the future offered a refreshing and concrete vision that no one had presented before.
For these women, whose social activities were largely restricted, Theo’s words were like a breath of fresh air.
With the enthusiastic support of Almack’s Club members, Theo was invited back multiple times. He had the opportunity to hold lectures and Q&A sessions on various topics related to women.
As a result, he built close connections with the highest-ranking club administrators as well as some of the members.
◈ Intelligence Club
In the club, a group of emerging capitalists gathered to discuss business ideas.
As a fellow member of the capitalist class, Theo shared his thoughts on promising future industries, attracting interest even from aristocrats who usually looked down on business.
“… so, in my view, the improved steam engine will lead Britain into an era of tremendous industrial transformation.”
“Mr. Sanderson? But wasn’t the steam engine invented over 60 years ago? Do you really think it can bring about such a significant change?”
“The steam engine I’m talking about is completely different. It converts reciprocating motion into rotational motion, using only a quarter of the fuel compared to Newcomen’s steam engine and allows for a lighter build. I believe it will truly revolutionize things.”
A businessman, well-versed in machinery from running a large spinning machine factory, was left speechless by Theo’s insights.
“How do you know so much about our industry? Mr. Sanderson, your knowledge and insight are truly impressive—almost tiresome to praise at this point. But with such remarkable abilities, why don’t you take the plunge into business yourself?”
Theo replied with a sheepish expression.
“I may seem good at talking, but I’m actually too timid to take the lead myself. I made some money in the sugar trade for a while, but it was a nerve-wracking experience.”
“Yet you traveled all the way from Bristol to London. It seems like you came here to try something new, didn’t you?”
“Haha, yes. That’s right. I have been looking for a suitable venture… and recently, I think I’ve found one.”
“Oh—really? What kind of business do you plan to start?”
All eyes turned to Theo.
He hesitated for a moment before mustering the courage to speak.
“You might laugh at this… but I’m thinking of starting a proper matchmaking business.”
Everyone was taken aback when Theo mentioned the idea of a matchmaking business.
“Matchmaking business? Are you serious? Did I hear you correctly?”
“Yes, you did. It’s a matchmaking business. Haha.”
“A person like you, with such high insight and knowledge, wanting to become a matchmaker—a job for gossipy women? I really don’t understand.”
Theo had anticipated this reaction.
“Of course, that’s a natural way to think. But as Mr. Adam Smith mentioned before, marriage is everything to women in this society. And after all, half of the world’s population is female. If I can offer them a better future through this business, it would be a rewarding endeavor beyond just making money. At the very least, it would prevent them from being deceived by untrustworthy matchmakers and having their lives ruined. This applies to single men too, of course.”
More members gathered around Theo.
“And I am an emerging capitalist. A capitalist is someone who boldly invests in profitable businesses to make gains, right? I am confident that the marriage information business is bound to become a promising field in British society. A business that helps people find the best match by responsibly sharing accurate information and thoroughly analyzing the personalities of those involved—it’s quite intriguing, don’t you think?”
William Rowland, one of the wealthiest emerging capitalists in London, nodded.
“Turning matchmaking into a professional field… the market is undoubtedly large, but the current supply is in disarray. It’s an unexpectedly novel business idea, even if it’s unclear how profitable it might be.”
“In fact, I’ve been analyzing the personalities and psychology of the singles here for quite some time. The bachelors of this club are practically my clients already. Haha.”
The single members of the club burst into laughter at Theo’s words.
“If anyone is not interested, please let me know in advance. Otherwise, if you trust me, I highly recommend that you occasionally meet the women I suggest. I dare say you might have an eye-opening experience.”
William Rowland asked playfully.
“I may be too old to benefit from this, but could it work for my son?”
“Of course. But I would need some time to meet and understand him better first.”
None of the members seemed particularly averse to Theo’s matchmaking business.
There was a sense of trust built up over time, and curiosity about the kind of women such a perceptive man would introduce as a matchmaker.
In fact, there was subtle interest in who would be the first candidate in the club and what results might unfold.
‘The reaction is better than I expected. No, they even seem excited. If I can successfully match the first pair, the marriage agency could gain significant momentum.’
That opportunity came sooner than he expected.
◈ A few days later, at Theo’s house.
Knock, knock.
The maid, Lucy, opened the study door and peeked in.
“Master? Someone has come to see you downstairs.”
Theo, who was working on a matching analysis model, looked up.
“Someone came to see me? Who is it?”
“Yes, two ladies. They only mentioned that they came on the recommendation of Lord Wellesley.”
Lord Wellesley was one of the members of the Intelligence Club’s board.
Theo instructed the maid to bring them to the study and quickly tidied up.
‘Lord Wellesley’s recommendation… what could this be about?’
Soon, a middle-aged woman and a young woman entered the study.
Judging by their similar eyes, they seemed to be mother and daughter.
“Hello, I’m Theo Sanderson. You mentioned that you came on Lord Wellesley’s recommendation?”
“Yes, Mr. Sanderson. Oh, I’m the wife of Baron Alexander Godwin.”
“Yes, Baroness. But what brings you to my home…?”
<A/N: In England, when someone inherits a title of nobility, they are usually called by the title they receive instead of their name. For example, if Alexander Godwin inherited the barony from Richard Godwin, the 7th Baron Dudley, then Alexander Godwin would be called (8th) Baron Dudley. However, since it would be difficult for the reader to understand if multiple titles appeared, in this novel, for convenience, the title is added directly after the name, such as ‘Baron Alexander Godwin’.>
The middle-aged woman hesitated for a moment, then spoke with an embarrassed expression.
“Well… you see… I came to consult about my daughter’s marriage.”
“Marriage… oh, I see. Please, have a seat.”
“Thank you.”
Theo asked Lucy to bring some tea and thought to himself.
‘Lord Wellesley must have mentioned my business to them at the club.’
Though it was an unexpected meeting for which he wasn’t fully prepared, he couldn’t miss the opportunity. It was a critical moment to demonstrate his skills and pave the way for the matchmaking business.
After the warm tea was served, Theo turned his attention to the young woman who was the subject of the consultation.
“Let me introduce myself again. I am Theo Sanderson.”
“Yes, I’m Lydia Godwin.”
The young woman’s expression was curious. Her gaze toward Theo was very friendly.
Unlike the baroness, she didn’t have that usual awkwardness that came with a first meeting.
That inquisitive look was typical when someone already knew the person they were meeting.
“Miss Godwin, do you happen to know me?”
“Pardon?”
Caught off guard, she seemed flustered. From the friendly atmosphere, it seemed likely she had attended one of Theo’s lectures at the women-only Almack’s Club.
“You must have seen me at the Almack’s Club, right?”
“Oh, yes. How did you…?”
And so began his first consultation with a client.