XLV: A Conjugal Scene explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Deception and Disguise

  Athos conceals his identity as the Comte de la Fère, while Milady hides her past as Anne de Breuil; both have lived under false names.

• Justice and Vengeance

  Athos seeks to thwart Milady's plans and exact a form of justice by taking the cardinal's order, while Milady vows vengeance against d'Artagnan.

• Love and Betrayal

  The chapter reveals the past marriage between Athos and Milady, marked by betrayal and a desire for retribution.

Characters to notice

• Athos

  Confronts Milady, reveals his identity as the Comte de la Fère, and forces her to hand over the cardinal's signed order.

• Milady de Winter

  Terrified upon recognizing Athos, she is accused of multiple crimes and forced to surrender the cardinal's paper before being escorted to embarkation.

• Porthos

  Plays dice with Aramis while awaiting the cardinal, and later confirms Athos's return to the cardinal.

• Aramis

  Plays dice with Porthos in the cardinal's presence.

• Cardinal Richelieu

  Visits the musketeers, inquires about Athos, and later returns to camp after receiving confirmation.

• D'Artagnan

  Mentioned as the target of Milady's vengeance and as a friend Athos defends.

• Planchet

  Sent a message by Mousqueton to request his master's presence at the musketeers' quarters.

• Mousqueton

  Sent to inform Planchet of the request for d'Artagnan to come to the musketeers' quarters.

Key passages

• “You believed me to be dead, did you not, as I believed you to be? And the name of Athos as well concealed the Comte de la Fère, as the name Milady Clarik concealed Anne de Breuil.”

  You thought I was dead, just as I thought you were. My alias Athos hid my true identity as the Comte de la Fère, just as your alias Milady Clarik hid your real name, Anne de Breuil.

  Athos reveals their mutual deception and true identities.

• “It was you who cut off the two diamond studs from the shoulder of the Duke of Buckingham; it was you had the Madame Bonacieux carried off; it was you who, in love with de Wardes and thinking to pass the night with him, opened the door to M. d’Artagnan;”

  You were the one who stole the diamond studs from Buckingham, orchestrated the abduction of Madame Bonacieux, and, while infatuated with de Wardes, mistakenly let d'Artagnan into your room.

  Athos enumerates Milady's past crimes.

• “Assassinate the Duke of Buckingham, or cause him to be assassinated⁠—I care very little about that! I don’t know him. Besides, he is an Englishman. But do not touch with the tip of your finger a single hair of d’Artagnan, who is a faithful friend whom I love and defend, or I swear to you by the head of my father the crime which you shall have endeavored to commit, or shall have committed, shall be the last.”

  I don't care if you kill Buckingham—I don't know him and he's English. But if you harm even a hair on d'Artagnan's head, I swear by my father's honor that any crime you attempt will be your last.

  Athos warns Milady not to target d'Artagnan.

• “Now that I have drawn your teeth, viper, bite if you can.”

  Now that I've taken away your ability to harm, try to strike if you dare.

  Athos taunts Milady after taking the cardinal's signed order.