The Three Musketeers · Chapter
The Comtesse de Winter explained
D'Artagnan arrives in London with the Duke of Buckingham, who takes him to a secret chapel containing a portrait of Queen Anne and the diamond studs.
What happens
D'Artagnan arrives in London with the Duke of Buckingham, who takes him to a secret chapel containing a portrait of Queen Anne and the diamond studs. Buckingham discovers two studs are missing, likely stolen. D'Artagnan refuses payment, insisting his loyalty is to the Queen of France. Buckingham arranges D'Artagnan's return via a series of relay horses, and D'Artagnan glimpses Milady on a ship. He travels back to Paris, changing horses at St. Valery, Neufchâtel, Éccuis, and Pontoise, and reports to M. de Tréville.
Themes in this chapter
Loyalty and Friendship
D'Artagnan's refusal of payment and insistence on serving the queen highlight his loyalty, while his friends' sacrifices are recalled.
Love and Betrayal
Buckingham's passionate devotion to Anne of Austria contrasts with the theft of the studs, suggesting betrayal.
Deception and Disguise
The missing studs imply a covert plot, and D'Artagnan's glimpse of Milady hints at her deceptive role.
Characters to notice
- D'Artagnan
Travels with Buckingham to London, refuses payment, and returns to Paris via relay horses.
- Duke of Buckingham
Leads D'Artagnan to his chapel, discovers two diamond studs missing, and arranges D'Artagnan's return.
- Queen Anne of Austria
Her portrait and diamond studs are central to the chapter; Buckingham's devotion to her is evident.
- Milady de Winter
Glimpsed by D'Artagnan on a ship as he departs London.
- M. de Tréville
Receives D'Artagnan upon his return to Paris and directs him to his post at the Louvre.
- Comte de Wardes
Mentioned as the recipient of D'Artagnan's revenge for the sword thrust.
Key passages
“All is lost! two of the studs are wanting, there are only ten.”
Buckingham cries out in despair that two of the diamond studs are missing, leaving only ten.
Key moment of crisis in the diamond studs affair.
“I am in the service of the King and Queen of France, and form part of the company of M. des Essart... What I have done, then, has been for the queen, and not at all for your Grace.”
D'Artagnan declares his loyalty to the French monarchy and refuses personal reward from Buckingham.
Highlights D'Artagnan's principled stance and allegiance.
“Go to the riverside, ask for the brig Sund, and give this letter to the captain; he will convey you to a little port... St. Valery.”
Buckingham instructs D'Artagnan to take a specific ship to the port of St. Valery.
Details the escape route arranged by Buckingham.