# XVI explained — Beauvallet

> Chapter companion for Beauvallet by Georgette Heyer.

## What happens

King Philip II learns of the arrest of the Chevalier de Guise, suspected of being Sir Nicholas Beauvallet. The French Ambassador, M. de Lauvinière, expresses doubts about the Chevalier's identity and requests patience until a letter to France is answered. Don Cristobal de Porres reports that the Chevalier's servant has fled with his valuables, and the King orders the Chevalier to be kept under courteous but secure guard pending further intelligence.

## Themes in this chapter

### Identity and Disguise

The central conflict of the chapter revolves around whether the Chevalier de Guise is truly who he claims to be, or if he is the English pirate Beauvallet in disguise.

### Power and Authority

King Philip exercises his royal authority, balancing diplomatic considerations with the security of his realm, while ordering the prisoner to be treated with courtesy.

## Character check-ins

### King Philip II of Spain

King Philip is disturbed during his prayers with the news of Beauvallet's arrest, but remains composed. He interviews the French Ambassador and Don Cristobal, ordering careful handling of the prisoner.

### De Lauvinière

The French Ambassador expresses suspicion that the Chevalier de Guise may be an impostor, having written to France for verification. He requests the King to delay action.

### Don Cristobal de Porres

Commander of the Guards of Castile, he reports the search of the Chevalier's baggage and the flight of his servant. He is charged with keeping the Chevalier under secure but courteous guard.

### Don Maxia de Perinat

Perinat is mentioned as the accuser who identified Beauvallet, but the King dismisses him as a bungler and refuses to see him.

### Matteo de Vasquez

The secretary who first blurts out the news of the arrest to the King, though he is discomposed by his own forwardness.

## Key lines

> did from the first moment of seeing him suspect that this man might not be what he claimed to be. It is in my mind that the Chevalier de Guise should be a younger man than this, nor can I trace any resemblance to the Guises in his countenance.

De Lauvinière tells King Philip that he has always doubted the Chevalier's identity, noting that the man appears older than expected and lacks family resemblance.

_The Ambassador expresses his suspicion to the King, casting doubt on the prisoner's claimed identity._

> We shall do nothing unadvisedly. We must think on this. You shall hear more of our decision, señor.

King Philip assures the Ambassador that he will act cautiously and not rush to judgment.

_Philip's characteristic deliberation is shown as he promises to wait for more information._

> If the man is proved not to be the Chevalier de Guise, I shall know how to act. Until such time as I shall receive intelligence from M. de Lauvinière, the Chevalier shall be kept in ward.

The King decides to keep the prisoner under guard until the truth of his identity is confirmed by the French Ambassador's correspondence.

_Philip orders a temporary detention pending further evidence._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/beauvallet_se/chapters/xvi
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/beauvallet_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/beauvallet_se/chapters