Mr. and Mrs. Downing at the Royal Arms Inn and Pub
Mr. Downing was sitting in the back room study his account book. He had tried a number of things to increase the revenue at the inn. It was now the town's leading (and only) inn with a large pub that seemed to be busy every night. He and his wife were creative thinkers when it came to making money. They offered lunch specials to increase customers. His wife had convinced him to add fancy tablecloths in a smaller, more intimate room where they offered afternoon teas for the ladies. He had even started hiring musicians to play music on Saturday nights. Nothing seemed to help increase his revenue.
As he reviewed his accounts, he started to notice a disturbing trend. If the soldiers in town would simply pay what they owed, he would have a very nice cushion in the bank. But what could he do to get the soldiers to pay off what they owed? The more he thought about it, the less he could come up with anything. So, as his thinking came to a standstill, he did what he always did in this case. He would ask his wife.
"Mrs. Downing, how can we get the soldiers to pay their accounts? We always seem to have just enough money each month with no extra. I am tired of this!"
"Well, Mr. Downing, that will be hard to do. The soldiers are so pleasant and charming, it is hard to remember to get their money before they leave in the evening." Her eyes seemed to be unfocused as she thought about the nice men in their bright uniforms and how they their arrival seemed to brighten up the town.
"We need to think of something if you want to be able to hire more help. Otherwise, you will be staying up half the night cleaning tables and washing dishes as we will not be able to afford to hire any help." retorted Mr. Downing.
That dose of reality caused Mrs. Downing to straighten up and really begin to think about how the lack of immediate payment by the soldiers was harming their business – and her hands. They were rough from the harsh work she was required to do. So, Mrs. Downing sat and thought about it for a while and suddenly sat up straight with a brilliant smile on her face. "I have it! We will not give any more credit to any soldier until all of the soldiers have paid what they owe. They will demand that their fellow soldiers pay their tab because they will quickly tire of having to pay cash for each drink or dinner that they want."
Mr. Downing, while he liked the idea, said, "But what can we do so that the soldiers get upset with their fellow soldiers if they are not aware of who owes us? And how much they owe us?
Mrs. Downing considered the idea further, and came up with a way to hopefully shame the soldiers into paying. "We will post the amount that each soldier owes so that everyone will know who is holding up everyone's access to credit."
Mr. Downing liked that idea, as well. As it was early enough in the morning, he was able to call a meeting of all the staff at his establishment. In short order, the cook, maids, loading boys and all other staff members were seated in the large room. Mr. Downing started out by telling everyone of their new policy of cash only. While some of the barmaids were saddened by the thought of less clientele, which would mean less money for them, Mr. Downing reminded them, "Until all the soldiers pay what they owe, I am not able to give any of you raises, I cannot hire more help, I cannot buy better quality food, I cannot buy new bedding, sheets, towels, or soaps. If I cannot maintain a high-quality inn, we will shortly have fewer customers. We all need to band together to ensure this new policy goes into effect, and stays in effect."
Mr. Downing continued, "Then, after everyone is paid up, there will be new rules which will be enforced. There will be no carrying a tab for more than a week. All tabs will be paid up by the end of the week or there will be no credit for any soldiers. Those who have not paid will have the amounts they owe posted for everyone to see. The soldier will make sure that their fellow soldiers pay what they owe. So, are there any questions about the new policy?"
One of the barmaids timidly spoke up. "Will you be telling the soldiers about their no credit? I don't wanna get into an argument about it."
Mr. Downing thought for a moment, and they said, "I will right this minute go see the Colonel and explain it to him and he can tell the soldiers. Then, they will all know the new rules before the come in. If any come in and haven't heard our new policy, let me know and I will talk to them."
All of the staff felt relief at the knowledge that they will not be blamed by the soldiers for the lack of credit to be extended to them.
Mr. Downing made a list of the soldiers that owed money and prepared to take it with him as he visited with the Colonel. He smirked a bit as he totalled the columns. Mr. Wickham especially would not be a favorite among his fellow soldiers.
He dismissed the staff back to work and then took his list and made his way out the door. He liked his idea so much, he was going to share it with some of the shopkeepers in town. He walked down the street, whistling and smiling. His cash flow problem was about to come to an end.