The Odd Fellow

It's the mid-1770s and Pierre Reynard is a humble curate in Montmarte. One evening, over dinner, a parishioner warns him about a rather odd newcomer (just look at his waistcoat!) who claims to be a Count with a large country estate. But when Reynard meets him, he seems quite genuine, albeit rather shabby for a Count. He thinks little of it until he learns that the former owners of his estate – a mother and son – suddenly disappeared just before the Count moved in. No one has seen them since. Reynard decides to investigate – somewhat against his better judgement.

Who is this "Count"?
How did he come to own such a substantial estate?
And what has happened to the former owners?

It looks like those may be the very last questions Reynard ever has answered.