The Vicomte de Bragelonne · Chapter
The Journey explained
The court departs for Blois.
What happens
The court departs for Blois. King Louis XIV, restless and in love with Louise de La Vallière, escapes the stifling carriage of the queens by mounting a horse provided by Malicorne. He rides alongside Louise's carriage, engaging in a tender, private conversation while Montalais discreetly withdraws. The chapter highlights the king's infatuation, Louise's devotion, and Malicorne's clever maneuvering to gain royal favor.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Sacrifice
The king's infatuation with Louise drives him to abandon the comfort of his carriage, while Louise speaks of loving 'for all my life,' hinting at the sacrifices love demands.
Court Intrigue and Deception
Montalais and Malicorne orchestrate the king's encounter with Louise, using subtle gestures and strategic name-dropping to advance their own positions.
Class and Social Mobility
Malicorne, a gentleman of Monsieur's household, seizes the opportunity to ingratiate himself with the king, demonstrating how cleverness can elevate one's status.
Characters to notice
- Louis XIV
Restless and lovesick, he escapes the queen's carriage to ride beside Louise de La Vallière, engaging in a tender conversation.
- Louise de La Vallière
The object of the king's affection, she blushes with pleasure and speaks of loving 'for all my life.'
- Mademoiselle de Montalais
Acts as a discreet chaperone, withdrawing to the corner of the carriage and introducing Malicorne's name to the king.
- Malicorne
Provides the king with a horse from Monsieur's stables, cleverly gaining royal notice and favor.
- Henrietta of England
Complains of the heat and teases Monsieur about riding on horseback, seeking solitude in the carriage.
- Philippe d'Orléans
Monsieur refuses to ride, claiming his skin would peel, and remains immobile in the carriage.
- Anne of Austria
The queen mother observes the king's departure with a knowing look, prolonging his impatience during the journey.
- Maria Theresa
The young queen fusses over the king, fanning him and suggesting a walk, unaware of his true distraction.
Key passages
“The king explained how warm he had felt in his carriage, so much so indeed that he could almost regard the horse he then rode as a blessing thrown in his way.”
The king told Louise that the heat in his carriage was so unbearable that the horse he now rode felt like a gift from heaven.
The king uses the heat as a pretext to initiate a romantic conversation with Louise.
““Do you not perceive,” he said, “how terribly your silence affects me? Oh! Mademoiselle, how pitilessly inexorable you would become if you were ever to resolve to break off all acquaintance with anyone; and then, too, I think you changeable; in fact—in fact, I dread this deep affection which fills my whole being.””
The king complains that Louise's silence torments him, and he fears that if she ever decided to end their acquaintance, she would be merciless; he also worries that she might be fickle, even as he is overwhelmed by his own love for her.
The king reveals his vulnerability and anxiety about Louise's feelings, contrasting his royal power with his emotional dependence.
““Oh! sire, you are mistaken,” said La Vallière; “if ever I love, it will be for all my life.””
Louise assures the king that if she ever loves, it will be forever.
Louise's declaration of eternal love foreshadows the depth of her devotion and the tragedy that may follow.
