The Vicomte de Bragelonne · Chapter
In M. Colbert’s Carriage explained
Colbert and the old duchesse negotiate an alliance against Aramis (d'Herblay), with the duchesse revealing that the queen-mother harbors a bitter hatred for him due to a secret.
What happens
Colbert and the old duchesse negotiate an alliance against Aramis (d'Herblay), with the duchesse revealing that the queen-mother harbors a bitter hatred for him due to a secret. Colbert agrees to have Aramis arrested and imprisoned, despite the duchesse's warnings about his resourcefulness and past escapes.
Themes in this chapter
Court Intrigue and Deception
The duchesse and Colbert form a secret alliance to eliminate Aramis, using manipulation and hidden motives.
Power and Ambition
Colbert's ambition to ruin Fouquet and consolidate power is evident, as is the duchesse's desire to satisfy her hatred.
Friendship and Betrayal
The duchesse betrays her former connections by conspiring against Aramis, a friend of Fouquet.
Characters to notice
- Jean-Baptiste Colbert
Negotiates with the duchesse, agreeing to pursue Aramis and secure his imprisonment.
- Madame de Chevreuse
The old duchesse who reveals the queen-mother's hatred for Aramis and forms an alliance with Colbert.
- Aramis
Target of the alliance; described as a former musketeer, Bishop of Vannes, and general of the Jesuits, with a reputation for escaping prisons.
- Nicolas Fouquet
Mentioned as the superintendent whom Colbert seeks to ruin; Aramis is his friend and resides at Belle-Île.
- Louise de La Vallière
Briefly mentioned as having little influence and being courted by Fouquet.
- Anne of Austria
The queen-mother, who harbors a secret hatred for Aramis and supports his arrest.
Key passages
“I am endeavoring to comprehend, then, why you purchased from me the letters of M. Mazarin concerning M. Fouquet. Neither can I conceive why you have laid those letters before the king.”
The duchesse questions Colbert's motives for buying Mazarin's letters about Fouquet and showing them to the king.
Highlights the duchesse's suspicion of Colbert's actions and her role in the conspiracy.
“This Monsieur d’Herblay shall be sought for, Madame.”
Colbert agrees to pursue Aramis as requested by the duchesse.
Marks the beginning of the alliance against Aramis.
“I feel assured that a prison will settle this affair for us, Madame, in a manner satisfactory for both.”
Colbert believes imprisoning Aramis will resolve the matter to their mutual benefit.
Reflects Colbert's confidence and the duchesse's skepticism about Aramis's ability to escape.