Indebtedness
Unable to pay their debt, Monsieur Pierre and his entire family flees the wrath of their creditors. While on the run, they stumble upon Marquis, whom they are forced to pledge allegiance to continue living in his property. Marquis commissions Pierre to hand over Adeline to him as his mistress. Pierre hands over Adeline, but she escapes. He is then commissioned once more to aid in the murder of Adeline, but refuses to act on that order.
Pierre is imprisoned on the charges of robbery for not following Marquis' orders. It is later discovered that Marquis murdered Adeline's father and seized all his wealth. In his last dying moments, Marquis confesses his crimes and reinstates Adeline as the sole heir of her father's legacy.
Morality
Instead of doing what is socially right and taking responsibility, Pierre and his family avoid paying their debt by running away. He takes Adeline as instructed of him without questioning the intentions of the stranger. Marquis tells Pierre to aid him in securing Adeline as his wife. While making such decisions, Pierre is conflicted by his actions, but proceeds to make wrong decisions time and time again. He is however the redeemed when he refuses to take part in the murder of Adeline. Pierre saves Adeline by sending her away with Peter to safety.
Family
Above all, Pierre values his family more than anything else. He is determined to do whatever he has to do to protect his family. Upon discovering that his family has disappeared, Louis sets out without the slightest regard to look for them and reunite with his family. Pierre treats his aides with love and respect and considers them part of his family.
Adeline is sent away to Peter's home, where she is welcomed and treated with great hospitality. Arnaud adopts her and incorporates her into her family. Despite Marquis' questionable actions, he also seems to value family as well by reuniting Adeline with her father's legacy in a bid for redemption.
