# II: In Trust explained — The Talleyrand Maxim

> Chapter companion for The Talleyrand Maxim by J. S. Fletcher.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_talleyrand_maxim_se/chapters/ii-in-trust
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_talleyrand_maxim_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_talleyrand_maxim_se/chapters