The Cointets and Petit-Claud
Illusions perduesBoniface Cointet recruits Petit-Claud by combining legal opportunity with personal advancement, then uses his abilities to secure commercial control.
increasing
Bearing strength in each event
decreasing
Bearing strength in each eventdecreasingA Strategic Approach
A Strategic Approach
Recruitment
Boniface Cointet approaches Pierre Petit-Claud, a resentful young avoué seeking status and clients.
Bargain
He offers a route to marriage and promotion in exchange for managing David’s legal crisis.
A Two-Sided Defense
A Two-Sided Defense
Procedure
Petit-Claud delays the seizure of David’s property while permitting costs and pressure to accumulate.
Leverage
His defense looks loyal to David but helps the Cointets keep the inventor financially vulnerable.
A Marriage Secured
A Marriage Secured
Alliance
Petit-Claud secures Françoise de La Haye and enters the Sénonches social circle.
Ambition
His private advancement becomes linked to the public favor of Louise de Bargeton.
The Invention Negotiation
The Invention Negotiation
Mediation
Petit-Claud negotiates between David and the Cointets over the plant-fiber method.
Outcome
He helps shape a settlement that frees David but gives the manufacturers control over the commercial risk and rewards.
Public Success, Private Complicity
Public Success Private Complicity
Career
Petit-Claud’s legal and political position improves through his connections and his handling of the case.
Cost
His advancement depends on bargains that preserve appearances while transferring power behind the scenes.
After the first bills are protested
Summer 1822
During Lucien’s return to Angoulême
After David’s arrest
After the settlement
