The Talleyrand Maxim · Chapter
II: In Trust explained
Linford Pratt discovers John Mallathorpe's will, which leaves the bulk of the estate to the Mayor and Corporation of Barford for education, and only small sums to the family.
What happens
Linford Pratt discovers John Mallathorpe's will, which leaves the bulk of the estate to the Mayor and Corporation of Barford for education, and only small sums to the family. He hides the will and decides to use it for his own advantage, beginning a scheme of blackmail and deception.
Themes in this chapter
Greed and Its Consequences
Pratt's greed drives him to conceal the will and plot to enrich himself at the expense of the Mallathorpe family and the public.
Deception and Secrecy
Pratt hides the will and lies about Bartle's death, beginning a web of deceit.
Class and Social Mobility
Pratt, a clerk, envies the Mallathorpes' wealth and sees the will as a chance to rise above his station.
Fate and Opportunity
The discovery of the will presents Pratt with a life-altering opportunity that he seizes.
Characters to notice
- Linford Pratt
Discovers and conceals John Mallathorpe's will, calculating how to exploit it for personal gain.
- John Mallathorpe
Deceased; his will is the central document of the chapter.
- Harper Mallathorpe
Mentioned as a beneficiary under the will and as one who would lose if the will is produced.
- Nesta Mallathorpe
Mentioned as a beneficiary under the will and as one who would lose if the will is produced.
- Richard Mallathorpe
Mentioned as Mrs. Mallathorpe, a beneficiary under the will.
- Antony Bartle
Dies suddenly at Eldrick's office after revealing the will's existence to Pratt.
- Charles Eldrick
Senior partner at Eldrick & Pascoe; informed by Pratt of Bartle's death.
- Martin Charlesworth
Named as a trustee in the will; a manufacturer and advocate of technical education.
- Arthur James Wyatt
Named as a trustee in the will; a chartered accountant and advocate of commercial education.
Key passages
“He would be a fool if he did not take it, and use it to his own best and lasting advantage.”
Pratt resolves to exploit the will for his own benefit.
Shows Pratt's determination to use the will for personal gain.
“It was really an enormous amount which they would lose—and they would get—what? Ten thousand apiece and their mother a like sum.”
Pratt calculates the family's loss if the will is produced.
Highlights the financial stakes and Pratt's cold calculation.
“He was always wanting to get on. He had nobody to help him.”
Pratt feels isolated and ambitious, seeking self-advancement.
Reveals Pratt's motivation and background.
