The Vicomte de Bragelonne · Chapter
235: Preparations for Departure explained
Athos, accepting Raoul's decision to leave, prepares for his son's departure.
What happens
Athos, accepting Raoul's decision to leave, prepares for his son's departure. They travel to Paris, where Raoul, overwhelmed by memories of Louise, encounters Montalais. She attempts to justify herself, but Raoul remains bitter. He later meets with de Guiche, warning him of plots against Louise and asking him to protect her. Raoul then plans to join his father at Planchet's to see d'Artagnan before leaving for Toulon.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Sacrifice
Raoul's enduring love for Louise and his sacrifice in leaving, while still seeking to protect her from afar.
Friendship and Betrayal
Raoul's trust in de Guiche and his warning about Montalais's role in past betrayals.
Court Intrigue and Deception
Montalais's ambiguous role and the hinted plot against Louise within Madame's household.
Characters to notice
- Athos
Prepares Raoul's appointments for departure and travels with him to Paris.
- Raoul de Bragelonne
Deeply grieving over Louise, he returns to Paris, meets Montalais, and warns de Guiche about plots against Louise.
- Mademoiselle de Montalais
Encounters Raoul in the Luxembourg, attempts to justify her past actions, and hints at threats against Louise.
- De Guiche
Raoul's friend; Raoul warns him of plots against Louise and asks him to protect her.
- Grimaud
Tasked by Athos with preparing Raoul's equipment and taking the route to Paris.
Key passages
“Athos lost no more time in combating this immutable resolution. He gave all his attention to preparing, during the two days the duke had granted him, the proper appointments for Raoul.”
Athos stopped trying to change Raoul's mind and focused on getting his son ready for the journey within the two days allowed by the duke.
Athos's pragmatic acceptance of Raoul's decision.
“Raoul had sworn never to speak of Louise, never even to look at those who might have seen Louise; he was going into another world, that he might never meet with anything Louise had seen, or even touched.”
Raoul had vowed to avoid any mention or reminder of Louise, seeking to escape to a place untouched by her memory.
Raoul's intense grief and desire to escape his past.
“Swear to me that you will not second them in anything—but that you will defend her when possible, as I would have done myself.”
Promise me you won't help those who plot against her, and that you'll protect her whenever you can, just as I would have.
Raoul's plea to de Guiche to safeguard Louise.