I have seen the other responses you have had on Rootschat Europe where the marriage date is given (London 20 Oct 1833) and you are considering whether Laurant was born in France.
http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php/topic,597662.0.html But that too seems illogical for he always gave a London birthplace to the census enumerators. So some things don't add up.
If they were in debt from 1848 as you have found, how could they afford a servant (51 census) or to continue living at any of the impressive addresses the censuses have given for the couple. Furthermore, only those of substance had funeral cards, the less well off could never run to that.
The only slight sign of poverty within the details you have given is Sarah's funeral director Frederick Morley. He was originally a grocer from Nelson Street in Brighton's slums, and also worked both as a builder and carpenter.
Perhaps this is a couple that created a false image so that they could live the high life and even in their later years, were reluctant to give up a lifestyle they could no longer afford.
Roy G
