The Talleyrand Maxim · Chapters

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Chapter companions for The Talleyrand Maxim by J. S. Fletcher.

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Chapter 1
I: Death Brings Opportunity
Linford Pratt, a senior clerk at Eldrick & Pascoe, is alone in the office when old Antony Bartle arrives with a startling discovery: he has found the last will and testament of John Mallathorpe, who died intestate two years earlier, leaving his fortune to his sister-in-law and her children. The will, made on the day of Mallathorpe's death, could overturn the current inheritance.
Chapter 2
II: In Trust
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.
Chapter 3
III: The Shop-Boy
Pratt meets Bartle Collingwood at Eldrick & Pascoe's office and recounts the circumstances of Antony Bartle's sudden death. Collingwood then visits his grandfather's shop in Quagg Alley, where he speaks with the housekeeper Mrs. Clough and the shop-boy Jabey Naylor. Naylor reveals that before his death, Antony Bartle discovered a closely written paper in a book belonging to the late John Mallathorpe, wrote a letter to Mrs. Mallathorpe, and then went out. Collingwood searches the old man's clothes but finds no such paper, sparking suspicion about Pratt's account. He decides to visit Normandale Grange to speak with Mrs. Mallathorpe.
Chapter 4
IV: The Fortunate Possessors
Collingwood visits Normandale Grange to inquire about his grandfather's last letter to Mrs. Mallathorpe. He meets Nesta and Harper Mallathorpe, observing their contrasting attitudes toward inherited wealth. Mrs. Mallathorpe explains the letter as a request about local books. Collingwood later discovers a list of pamphlets in his grandfather's book, resolving his suspicions. Meanwhile, Pratt learns of Collingwood's visit and grows anxious, deciding to question Mrs. Mallathorpe.
Chapter 5
V: Point-Blank
Pratt visits Mrs. Mallathorpe at Normandale Grange, revealing that he has discovered John Mallathorpe's will, which would dispossess her family of their wealth. He proposes a scheme to suppress the will in exchange for being appointed steward of the estate. Mrs. Mallathorpe demands to see the original will before agreeing. After leaving, Pratt is accosted in a lane by a fellow clerk.

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I: Death Brings Opportunity

II: In Trust

III: The Shop-Boy

IV: The Fortunate Possessors

V: Point-Blank