Gentry, or The New Aristocracy, is the rank of the Jones family. William and his family aren't exactly aristocrats, being merchants, or "in trade". Real aristocrats never worked for a living as everything they have has been passed down to them. However, with the rise of the Industrial Revolution, the balance of power shifted from the aristocracy to the newly rich business leaders, i.e., the Jones family. The new aristocracy became one of wealth, not land, although titles remained socially important. The Jones family, therefore, could be described as "middle class", with more status the poor, but somewhat less than the aristocracy.
Richard teaching William the importance of keeping an active social life.