# In M. Colbert’s Carriage explained — The Vicomte de Bragelonne

> Chapter companion for The Vicomte de Bragelonne by Alexandre Dumas.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

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