Pompous and proud, it was beneath Jean to consider that he might be part of the bourgeoisie. He knew he came from finer stock than that, even though he couldn't prove it. Determined to recover a grande lineage, he set about trying to have a dozen sons to hand down his expertise to.

            His family firm was not mere trading, buying and selling, it was a dynasty, and he would see it expanded to the biggest, most profitable, and well run organisation in France or die in the effort. Each of Jean's sons was trained to specialise in an aspect of his company. By the time he met Otto von Goff, he had ten sons, the eldest four of whom were adult and working in the family firm.

            Jean had not love of Prussians or Prussia, but he tolerated dealing with Otto because it was such a good business opportunity.