The Talleyrand Maxim · Chapter
XII: The Power of Attorney explained
Collingwood decides to stay in Barford instead of going to India, motivated by his feelings for Nesta and his suspicion of Pratt.
What happens
Collingwood decides to stay in Barford instead of going to India, motivated by his feelings for Nesta and his suspicion of Pratt. He settles into local life and work, while Pratt continues to insinuate himself into the Mallathorpe affairs. Months later, Collingwood returns from a business trip to find Nesta angry and troubled: Pratt visited her mother in her absence, leaving Mrs. Mallathorpe frightened and refusing to disclose what was discussed.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Secrecy
Pratt's private meeting with Mrs. Mallathorpe and her subsequent refusal to disclose its purpose to Nesta highlights the theme of hidden agendas and secret dealings.
Power and Manipulation
Pratt manipulates his access to the Mallathorpe household, using his position and charm to gain private audiences and exert influence over Mrs. Mallathorpe.
Ambition and Moral Compromise
Collingwood gives up his Indian appointment for love, while Pratt's ambition drives him to overstep professional boundaries, suggesting moral compromises in pursuit of personal gain.
Characters to notice
- Bartle Collingwood
Decides to remain in Barford instead of sailing to India, motivated by his concern for Nesta and his distrust of Pratt. He settles into chambers and work, and later returns from London to find Nesta upset about Pratt's visit.
- Linford Pratt
Seen speaking with Esther Mawson at Normandale Grange; later visits Mrs. Mallathorpe in Nesta's absence, leaving her frightened and secretive. He is described as a clever but potentially untrustworthy clerk.
- Nesta Mallathorpe
Shows relief and a flush when Collingwood announces he is not going to India. Later, she is angry and troubled after discovering that Pratt visited her mother and frightened her, and that her mother refuses to explain the matter.
- Richard Mallathorpe
Mrs. Mallathorpe is recovering from the shock of her son's death but becomes ill and frightened after a private meeting with Pratt, and refuses to tell Nesta what was discussed.
- Esther Mawson
Mrs. Mallathorpe's maid, seen in close conference with Pratt at the gate of the Grange. She later admits Pratt to see Mrs. Mallathorpe.
- Charles Eldrick
Welcomes Collingwood's decision to stay in Barford, offers him professional work, and speaks approvingly of Pratt's usefulness while noting his self-assurance.
Key passages
“What wor that lawyer-clerk chap fro' Barford—Pratt—doin' about theer? What reight had he to be prowlin' round t' neighbourhood o' that bridge, and at that time? Come, now—theer's a tickler for somebody!”
What was that lawyer's clerk from Barford, Pratt, doing there? What right did he have to be lurking around that bridge at that hour? There's a difficult question for someone to answer!
Collingwood recalls the blacksmith's pointed question about Pratt's presence near the footbridge at the time of Harper Mallathorpe's death, reinforcing his suspicion.
“I am glad you have come. I want some advice. Something has happened—something that bothers—and puzzles—me very, very much! I'm dreadfully bothered.”
I'm glad you're here. I need advice. Something has happened that troubles and confuses me greatly.
Nesta expresses her distress to Collingwood after discovering Pratt's secret visit to her mother.