The Talleyrand Maxim · Chapter
Until Next Spring explained
After Antony Bartle's funeral, his grandson Bartle Collingwood settles the estate, sells the bookshop, and becomes richer by £25,000.
What happens
After Antony Bartle's funeral, his grandson Bartle Collingwood settles the estate, sells the bookshop, and becomes richer by £25,000. Eldrick advises him to leave London and practice law in Barford, suggesting he might also marry Nesta Mallathorpe. Collingwood visits Normandale Grange to say goodbye, discusses Harper's lack of occupation, and proposes building a golf course. He then departs for a four-month trip to India with Sir John Standridge, leaving Pratt suspicious of his intentions.
Themes in this chapter
Class and Social Mobility
Collingwood's inheritance of £25,000 and Eldrick's advice to marry into wealth highlight the role of money in social advancement.
Fate and Opportunity
Collingwood's decision to consider returning to Barford and the potential for a new career and relationship with Nesta reflect themes of chance and choice.
Characters to notice
- Bartle Collingwood
Settles his grandfather's estate, sells the shop, and prepares to leave for India; visits Normandale Grange and promises to return in spring.
- Charles Eldrick
Advises Collingwood to practice law in Barford and suggests he consider marrying Nesta Mallathorpe for her wealth.
- Nesta Mallathorpe
Hosts Collingwood's farewell visit, expresses concern about her brother Harper's idleness, and hints she would welcome Collingwood's return.
- Harper Mallathorpe
Shows interest in Collingwood's suggestion to build a golf course on the estate; described as apathetic and lacking occupation.
- Linford Pratt
Observes Collingwood's departure and views him as a potential rival; tries to fish for information about Collingwood's plans.
Key passages
“Within a week of his sudden death in Eldrick’s private office, old Antony Bartle was safely laid in the tomb under the yew-tree of which Mrs. Clough had spoken with such appreciation, and his grandson had entered into virtual possession of all that he had left.”
Antony Bartle was buried within a week of his death in Eldrick's office, and his grandson Collingwood inherited everything.
Summarizes the immediate aftermath of Bartle's death and Collingwood's inheritance.
““There’s a career for you if you’ll take my advice. Leave London—come down here and take chambers in the town, and go the Northeastern Circuit.””
Eldrick urges Collingwood to leave London and establish a legal practice in Barford, promising work on the Northeastern Circuit.
Eldrick's pitch for Collingwood to relocate professionally.
““If you want a wife, there’s Miss Mallathorpe. Nice, clever girl, my boy—and no end of what Barford folk call brass.””
Eldrick suggests Nesta Mallathorpe as a wealthy and suitable marriage prospect for Collingwood.
Eldrick's matchmaking advice based on Nesta's fortune.
““I’m going away for four months—to India.” “To India—four months!” she exclaimed. “That sounds nice.””
Collingwood tells Nesta he is leaving for a four-month trip to India, and she responds positively.
Collingwood announces his departure to India, and Nesta reacts with interest.
““All the same,” he mused, as he drew near the town again, “I’m pretty sure I shall come back here next spring—I feel like it.””
Collingwood thinks to himself that he will likely return to Barford in the spring.
Collingwood's internal resolve to return after his Indian journey.
