The Three Musketeers · Chapter
What Took Place at Portsmouth August 23, 1628 explained
Felton, driven by his devotion to Milady and his Puritanical fervor, travels to Portsmouth to confront the Duke of Buckingham.
What happens
Felton, driven by his devotion to Milady and his Puritanical fervor, travels to Portsmouth to confront the Duke of Buckingham. He demands Buckingham sign an order liberating Milady, whom he believes to be an innocent victim. When Buckingham refuses and attempts to call for help, Felton stabs him with a knife. Buckingham dies, and Felton is captured by Lord de Winter, who arrives too late to prevent the assassination.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Disguise
Milady manipulates Felton by presenting herself as a victim, concealing her true nature and crimes.
Justice and Vengeance
Felton believes he is executing divine justice against Buckingham, but his act is driven by Milady's vengeful manipulation.
Love and Betrayal
Felton's fanatical devotion to Milady leads him to betray his duty and commit murder.
Characters to notice
- John Felton
Assassinates the Duke of Buckingham after being manipulated by Milady de Winter.
- Milady de Winter
Manipulates Felton into killing Buckingham; escapes from the castle via a rope ladder.
- Duke of Buckingham
Stabbed by Felton while preparing to sign an order for Milady's transportation; dies from the wound.
- Lord de Winter
Arrives too late to stop Felton; captures Felton after the assassination.
- Patrick
Buckingham's valet; announces a letter from France and raises the alarm after the stabbing.
- M. Laporte
Queen Anne's cloak bearer; arrives with a message from the queen but finds Buckingham dying.
Key passages
“Felton took leave of Milady as a brother about to go for a mere walk takes leave of his sister, kissing her hand.”
Felton said goodbye to Milady with the casual affection of a brother, kissing her hand as if he were just going for a stroll.
Highlights Felton's innocent trust in Milady before the assassination.
“Felton cast his eyes round for means of escape, and seeing the door free, he rushed into the next chamber...”
Felton looked for a way out, spotted the open door, and fled into the adjoining room.
Describes Felton's immediate flight after stabbing Buckingham.
“Too late by a minute! cried he, too late by a minute! Oh, my God, my God! what a misfortune!”
Lord de Winter lamented that he had arrived just a minute too late to prevent the murder.
Emphasizes the tragic timing and Lord de Winter's despair.