In
Britain, 'gentry' is the term applied for those people who belong to the upper class with
country estates often (but non always!) farmed on their behalf by others, and who
may be without a peerage or other hereditay title.
"Ok, Tommy darling, now that you're in
London, there's a thing you must know. This isn't America...So, before we go out visiting my cockney friends, dress well, drive on the LEFT side, mix with the
local gentry, and don't crash Tarquin's
Bentley..."
"Ugh, ok, honey. I promise. Who's this Tarquin anyway? "