The Vicomte de Bragelonne · Chapter
How de Wardes Was Received at Court explained
De Wardes returns to court and is warmly received by Monsieur and the Chevalier de Lorraine.
What happens
De Wardes returns to court and is warmly received by Monsieur and the Chevalier de Lorraine. He immediately engages in a tense exchange with Madame, hinting at the Duke of Buckingham's heartbreak. De Guiche confronts de Wardes over his insinuations against La Vallière, leading to a private quarrel. De Wardes tries to delay a duel, citing his wounds, but de Guiche presses for immediate satisfaction.
Themes in this chapter
Honor and Loyalty
De Guiche defends La Vallière's honor and acts as Raoul's representative, while de Wardes's insinuations challenge the loyalty and reputation of those absent.
Court Intrigue and Deception
De Wardes uses veiled remarks and feigned attacks to provoke Madame and de Guiche, revealing the deceptive and strategic nature of courtly conversation.
Friendship and Betrayal
De Guiche's loyalty to Raoul contrasts with de Wardes's betrayal of trust through malicious gossip, highlighting the tension between friendship and treachery.
Characters to notice
- De Wardes
Returns to court after his duel and is favored by Monsieur; he provokes Madame and de Guiche with insinuations about Buckingham and La Vallière.
- De Guiche
Defends La Vallière's honor against de Wardes's insinuations; challenges de Wardes to a duel and presses for immediate satisfaction.
- Henrietta of England
Receives de Wardes coldly and engages in a verbal duel with him over Buckingham; shows bravery and composure.
- Philippe d'Orléans
Welcomes de Wardes with marked favor, treating him as a novelty and showing infidelity to old friends.
- Le Chevalier de Lorraine
Receives de Wardes with great display of regard and affection, fearing him as a rival but respecting his character.
- Louise de La Vallière
Mentioned as the subject of de Wardes's insinuations; defended by de Guiche and Saint-Aignan as an angel of virtue and purity.
- Raoul de Bragelonne
Absent in London; de Wardes's remarks about La Vallière are directed at him, and de Guiche acts as his representative.
- Duke of Buckingham
Mentioned in de Wardes's jests about a heart-wound; his absence is noted by Madame.
Key passages
“Are you devoted to another princess, then? Come, tell me.” De Guiche was on the point of launching out, but he saw the drift of the remark. A quarrel was imminent between the two young men. De Wardes wished the quarrel to be only in Madame’s name, while de Guiche would not accept it except on La Vallière’s account.”
De Guiche nearly responds to de Wardes's provocation but realizes de Wardes wants to frame the dispute around Madame, while de Guiche insists it must be about La Vallière.
Shows the strategic maneuvering in the verbal duel, with each man trying to control the terms of the conflict.
“De Wardes saluted Madame in the most graceful and respectful manner, and, as a commencement of hostilities, announced, in the first place, that he could furnish the Duke of Buckingham’s friends with the latest news about him. This was a direct answer to the coldness with which Madame had received him.”
De Wardes greets Madame politely but immediately begins his attack by offering news of Buckingham, retaliating for her cold reception.
Highlights the use of courtly politeness as a weapon in social warfare.
““I have fought already.” “But not quite enough, yet.” “I see, you would not be sorry to fight with me while my wounds are still open.” “No; better still.””
De Wardes claims he has already fought, but de Guiche insists it is not sufficient; de Wardes accuses him of wanting to fight while he is still wounded, and de Guiche agrees eagerly.
Illustrates de Guiche's relentless pursuit of satisfaction and de Wardes's attempt to avoid a duel.
