A Question about Dowries
Hi friends, a strange query maybe, but I am not a scholar on this time period.
Would it be out of the question for rich men like Mr. Darcy or Mr. Bingley to settle a small sum on their wives sisters? I understand it's only customary for their fathers to give them a dowry, or they will inherit a sum from their mother. However, can other relatives do the same if it is not an inheritance?
Darcy is very concerned that Elizabeth's sisters aren't up to snuff. Would it be considered appropriate if he endowed them with a sum to induce good prospects? Elizabeth states that only a fool would consider them with their 1000 pounds portion of their mother's settlement, after her death.
He might consider this to only have good connections on his wife's side.
Of course, they will not be interested in doing it likely, but it was just a thought.