He Opened A Matchmaking Agency In 18Th Century London [EN]: Chapter 5

5. The Beginning of the First Match

Two months later.

With the ambition to launch a 21st-century matchmaking company in 18th-century London, Tae-oh faced several significant challenges.

First, the surprisingly high cost of living posed a problem.

In a society lacking mass production and efficient transportation, constructing even a single building incurred astronomical costs.

Naturally, building rental fees were also exorbitant.

The cost of renting his current residence was already a considerable burden, and he wondered if renting a suitable building in downtown London to establish a company was even feasible.

Furthermore, even if he were to start a company, the unfavorable perception of marriage brokers was a concern.

‘There is significant social contempt and antipathy towards matchmakers. How many customers would utilize the company, given this social climate?’

Above all, the inability to perform proper matching analysis without a computer presented a major obstacle.

‘No matter how I analyze it, starting a company right now is impossible. First, I need to secure as many quality members as possible and create an analysis model in the form of a questionnaire.’

He decided that acquiring members and researching a matching system appropriate for the era should precede launching a matchmaking company.

‘This is a world without the internet, computers, or programs to store and search member data. But without proper analysis of members, achieving good matching results is impossible.’

Making do with the available resources, Tae-oh resolved to proceed manually.

He decided to create a simplified matching analysis program based on his observation skills, psychological expertise, and practical experience in the matchmaking industry.

While achieving the precise results of his previous life would be difficult, Tae-oh believed he could still attain considerable success.

***

Tae-oh initiated debates on the problems within the marriage system whenever he visited the club, intending to stimulate interest in matchmaking.

Perhaps because interest in marriage was more pronounced than today, Tae-oh’s critiques and analyses of the marriage system generated considerable excitement.

However, these reactions weren’t confined to the men-only intelligence club.

As rumors circulated that Adam Smith had acknowledged a significant discourse on the problems and future of the marriage system, Tae-oh received an invitation to Almack’s Club.

* Almack’s Club: A women-only club established in 1765 in London, England, catering to upper-class aristocratic women.

◈ Near Piccadilly, London, Almack’s Club.

Tae-oh was delivering a lecture on the future of the marriage system at the women-only Almack’s Club.

“…Society is changing rapidly. Marriage, which once prioritized family and class, is increasingly shifting to prioritize individual happiness. As individualistic values gain prominence, marriage based on personal choice will become the norm.”

Tae-oh’s popularity at Almack’s Club was immense, exceeding even the expectations of the club organizers who had extended the invitation.

In particular, his detailed predictions about the future roles and development of women in society were novel and concrete, unlike anything they had heard before.

For these women, whose social activities were severely restricted, Tae-oh’s words offered a sense of liberation and hope.

Tae-oh was invited to the club multiple times, thanks to the enthusiastic support of the Almack’s Club female members. He conducted lectures and question-and-answer sessions on various topics related to women.

This allowed him to cultivate close relationships with some female members, as well as the top executives of Almack’s Club.

◈ Intelligence Club

Inside the Intelligence Club, emerging capitalists gathered to exchange ideas on business ventures.

When Tae-oh, considered part of the same capitalist class, offered advice on promising businesses, even aristocrats who typically disdained business displayed keen interest.

“…So, in my opinion, the improved steam engine will usher British industry into an era of tremendous transformation.”

“Mr. Sanderson? But wasn’t the steam engine invented over 60 years ago? Will it truly bring about such a significant change?”

“The steam engine I’m referring to is fundamentally different. It converts reciprocating motion into rotary motion, consumes only a quarter of the fuel compared to Newcomen’s steam engine [an early type of steam engine], and can be made lighter. I believe this will trigger a genuine revolution.”

A businessman who owned a large spinning machine factory and possessed extensive knowledge of machines was rendered speechless by Tae-oh’s vision.

“How do you possess such in-depth knowledge of our business? I’m constantly amazed by Mr. Sanderson’s knowledge and insight. But why don’t you, with such remarkable abilities, actively engage in business?”

Tae-oh responded with a sheepish expression.

“I’m merely good at talking, but I’m actually quite risk-averse and hesitant to take initiative. I made some money briefly through the sugar trade, but it was a rather unsettling experience.”

“But seeing you travel all the way from Bristol to London suggests you came to pursue something, correct?”

“Haha-. Yes, that’s right. Actually, I was searching for a suitable business… I recently conceived an idea that I’m considering pursuing.”

“Oh, really? What are you planning to do?”

All eyes focused on Tae-oh.

Tae-oh, after a moment of hesitation, gathered his courage and spoke.

“You might laugh… but I intend to establish a reputable matchmaking business.”

Everyone was taken aback by Tae-oh’s mention of matchmaking.

“Matchmaking? Are you serious? Did I mishear you?”

“No, you heard correctly. Matchmaking. Hehe.”

“How can someone with such profound insight and knowledge become a matchmaker, a role typically associated with gossipy women? I don’t understand your reasoning.”

Tae-oh had fully anticipated this reaction.

“Of course, it’s understandable that you would think that way. But as Adam Smith pointed out last time, marriage in this society is everything for women’s lives, and women constitute half the world’s population.

If it’s a business that offers them a slightly brighter future, it would be a worthwhile endeavor beyond mere profit. At the very least, let’s prevent them from being swindled by incompetent matchmakers and ruining their lives. Of course, this also applies to single men.”

More members than before gathered around Tae-oh.

“And I belong to the emerging capitalist class. Isn’t a capitalist someone who makes bold investments in profitable businesses and seeks to profit from them?

I can confidently assert that the marriage information-related business is destined to become a promising occupation in British society. A business that approaches the important event of marriage responsibly, shares objective information, properly analyzes the tendencies of the parties involved, and finds the best match for each individual – wouldn’t that be quite compelling?”

William Rowland, a wealthy emerging capitalist in London, nodded.

“Bringing matchmaking into a professional sphere… The market is undoubtedly large, but the supply is chaotic, hmm. I’m uncertain about the profit potential, but it’s certainly an unexpected and ingenious business idea.”

“Actually, I’ve been observing the tendencies and psychology of the single individuals here for quite some time. The bachelors in this club are already my potential clients. Haha.”

The unmarried members of the club erupted in laughter at Tae-oh’s words.

“If anyone objects, please inform me in advance. Otherwise, if you trust me, I strongly recommend that you meet the women I suggest from time to time. I dare say you might have a surprisingly positive experience.”

William Rowland inquired with a playful tone.

“I’m already too old to require it, but is my son a possibility?”

“Of course, it’s possible. However, I’ll need time to meet your son, converse with him, and understand his personality.”

No member was particularly offended by Tae-oh’s matchmaking venture.

They possessed a level of trust in Tae-oh that had developed over time, and they were curious to see what kind of woman someone with such profound insight would introduce as a match.

Instead, there was a subtle interest in who would be the first target within the club and what the outcome would be.

‘I’m relieved the reaction isn’t as negative as I anticipated. In fact, they’re anticipating it. Then I must ensure the first connection is a success, no matter what. Capitalizing on this initial opportunity could give me significant momentum in the marriage information business.’

But that opportunity presented itself sooner than expected.

◈ A few days later, Tae-oh’s house

Knock. Knock.

Maid Lucy opened the study door and peeked in.

“Master? Someone is here to see you downstairs.”

Tae-oh, who was developing a matching analysis model, looked up.

“Someone came to see me? Who is it?”

“Yes, two women. They only mentioned they were sent by Lord Wellesley.”

Lord Wellesley was a member of the operating committee of the Intelligence Club.

Tae-oh instructed the housekeeper to escort them to the study and quickly tidied his desk.

‘Lord Wellesley’s introduction… what’s going on?’

Soon, a middle-aged woman and a young woman entered the study.

Judging by the similarity in their eyes, they appeared to be mother and daughter.

“Hello, I’m Theo Sanderson. You mentioned you were sent by Lord Wellesley?”

“That’s correct, Mr. Sanderson. Oh, I’m the wife of Baron Alexander Godwin.”

“Yes, Baroness. But, what brings you to my house…?”

<** In the UK, when inheriting a noble title, the received title is used instead of the name. For example, if Alexander Godwin inherits the baronial status from Richard Godwin, the 7th Baron Dudley, this Alexander Godwin is called '(8th) Baron Dudley'. However, as the appearance of several titles may interfere with the reader's understanding, this novel conveniently attaches the title directly after the name, such as 'Baron Alexander Godwin'.>

The middle-aged woman, after a moment of hesitation, parted her dry lips with a shy expression.

“Well… that’s… I have something to discuss with you regarding my daughter’s marriage.”

“Marriage… Ah- yes. Yes! I see. Please, have a seat.”

“Thank you.”

Tae-oh instructed Lucy to bring tea and pondered.

‘Lord Wellesley must have learned about my business at the club and introduced me to these people.’

It was a sudden meeting without proper preparation, but he couldn’t afford to miss the opportunity. It was a crucial moment to demonstrate his skills and launch the marriage information business.

Warm tea arrived, and Tae-oh turned his attention to the young woman who was the subject of the consultation.

“Let me formally introduce myself again. I’m Theo Sanderson.”

“Yes. I’m Lydia Godwin.”

But the young woman’s expression was subtle. Her gaze towards Tae-oh was quite friendly.

Unlike the Baroness, she displayed none of the awkwardness typically associated with first encounters.

Such curious eyes usually indicate familiarity.

“Miss Godwin, do you happen to know me?”

“Yes?”

She was flustered that her feelings were exposed [ 들킨 – a Korean expression meaning ‘caught’ or ‘found out’]. Judging by the favorable atmosphere, it was highly probable that she had attended Tae-oh’s lecture at the women-only Almack’s Club.

“I presume you saw me at Almack’s Club?”

“Ah, yes. How did you know…?”

Thus, the consultation with the first customer commenced.