# The Surprise of Madame de Montalais explained — The Vicomte de Bragelonne

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

## What happens

During the celebration of Madame's marriage at the Palais Royal, Raoul is shocked to discover Louise de La Vallière and Montalais among the new maids of honor. As the courtiers gossip and scheme, Raoul struggles to comprehend this unexpected turn of events while de Guiche, Buckingham, and others navigate the tense social dynamics.

## Themes in this chapter

### Court Intrigue and Deception

The chapter is steeped in whispered gossip, hidden agendas, and the manipulation of appearances among the courtiers.

### Love and Sacrifice

Raoul's silent anguish and de Guiche's visible despair highlight the personal costs of love within the constraints of court life.

### Friendship and Betrayal

Raoul's loyalty to Malicorne contrasts with the betrayals implied by the secret arrangements of the maids of honor.

## Character check-ins

### Raoul de Bragelonne

Shocked to find Louise de La Vallière and Montalais as maids of honor; tries to maintain composure amid court gossip.

### Louise de La Vallière

Presented as a maid of honor; appears timid and avoids eye contact, causing Raoul confusion.

### Mademoiselle de Montalais

Presented as a maid of honor; waggish and confident, she enjoys Raoul's astonishment.

### De Guiche

Visibly dejected during the ceremony; later tries to moderate the gossip about the maids of honor.

### Duke of Buckingham

Pale and discomfited; observed by the queen-mother for his resemblance to his father.

### Le Chevalier de Lorraine

Engages in malicious gossip about Montalais and La Vallière, insinuating impropriety.

### De Wardes

Participates in the gossip about the new maids of honor, questioning their origins.

### Malicorne

Obtains admission to the ceremony through Raoul's help; tries to approach Montalais but is rebuffed.

## Key lines

> Madame’s marriage was celebrated in the chapel of the Palais Royal, in the presence of a crowd of courtiers, who had been most scrupulously selected.

The wedding of Madame took place in the Palais Royal chapel, attended only by carefully chosen courtiers.

_Sets the scene for the formal and exclusive nature of the event._

> Raoul had preserved the firmest and most indifferent countenance, although he had not lost a word that passed. He seemed to keep an account of the insolence and license of the two speakers in order to settle matters with them at the earliest opportunity.

Raoul maintained a calm exterior while mentally noting every insult from the gossiping courtiers, planning to confront them later.

_Highlights Raoul's self-control and his resolve to defend Louise's honor._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters/89-the-surprise-of-madame-de-montalais
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_vicomte_de_bragelonne_se/chapters