Twenty Years After · Chapter
XL: Uncle and Nephew explained
Lord de Winter is confronted by his nephew Mordaunt, who demands to know the truth about his mother, Milady.
What happens
Lord de Winter is confronted by his nephew Mordaunt, who demands to know the truth about his mother, Milady. Mordaunt reveals that he has learned from the executioner of Bethune that de Winter and his accomplices murdered her. De Winter defends the execution, detailing Milady's crimes—poisoning his brother, attempting to assassinate him, orchestrating Buckingham's stabbing, and poisoning a young woman. Mordaunt, consumed by grief and rage, vows to hold de Winter and all involved accountable, declaring he has already killed the executioner. He leaves, leaving de Winter shaken but relieved that Mordaunt does not yet know the full extent of the conspiracy.
Themes in this chapter
Revenge and Justice
Mordaunt's quest for vengeance against his uncle and the other conspirators drives the chapter, as he seeks to avenge his mother's execution, which he views as murder.
Power and Corruption
De Winter's justification of Milady's execution highlights the corrupting influence of power, as he and his allies took justice into their own hands.
Characters to notice
- Mordaunt
Confronts his uncle, Lord de Winter, demanding answers about his mother Milady's death; reveals he learned the truth from the executioner of Bethune and vows revenge.
- Lord de Winter
Defends the execution of Milady by listing her crimes; is shaken by Mordaunt's threats but relieved that his nephew does not know all the conspirators.
- Tony
De Winter's groom; observes Mordaunt following them and reports it to his master.
Key passages
“She caused the unfortunate Duke of Buckingham to be stabbed by a man who was, ere that, honest, good and pure.”
She had the Duke of Buckingham assassinated by a man who was once virtuous.
De Winter lists Milady's crimes to justify her execution.
“I stabbed to the heart the headsman of Bethune, without mercy or pity, and he was the least guilty of you all.”
I killed the executioner of Bethune without remorse, and he was the least culpable among you.
Mordaunt reveals he has already taken revenge on the executioner.