# Grimaud Begins His Functions explained — Twenty Years After

> Chapter companion for Twenty Years After by Alexandre Dumas.

## What happens

Grimaud, sent by Athos, presents himself at Vincennes and is hired as a keeper for the Duke de Beaufort. He immediately begins his duties by confiscating a leaden comb from the duke, earning the duke's hatred. Later, Grimaud reveals his true purpose: he delivers a secret note from Madame de Montbazon, promising escape. Grimaud and the duke plan a ruse involving tennis balls to signal a helper in the moat. The duke agrees to trust Grimaud and continue feigning animosity to avoid suspicion.

## Themes in this chapter

### Friendship and Loyalty

Grimaud's secret mission to aid Beaufort's escape demonstrates loyalty to Athos and the friends conspiring for the duke's freedom.

### Revenge and Justice

Beaufort's plan to hang a crawfish in effigy of Mazarin reflects his desire for revenge against the cardinal.

## Character check-ins

### Grimaud

Hired as a keeper at Vincennes; secretly aids the Duke de Beaufort's escape by delivering a note from Madame de Montbazon and planning a signal.

### Beaufort

Prisoner at Vincennes; initially hostile to Grimaud but later trusts him after receiving the escape note.

### La Ramée

Keeper who hires Grimaud and later leaves the duke alone briefly to get a pâté.

### Chavigny

Governor of Vincennes who approves Grimaud's hiring based on his taciturn demeanor.

### Madame de Montbazon

Sends a secret note to Beaufort via Grimaud, promising escape.

### Athos

Implied as the one who trained Grimaud and orchestrated his mission.

## Key lines

> Grimaud thereupon presented himself with his smooth exterior at the donjon of Vincennes.

Grimaud arrived at the Vincennes fortress with his usual calm and unremarkable appearance.

_Grimaud begins his undercover role as a keeper._

> The duke opened the purse and wanted to empty it into Grimaud’s hands, but Grimaud shook his head. 'Thank you, Monseigneur,' he said, drawing back; 'I am paid.'

The duke tried to give Grimaud gold from the purse, but Grimaud refused, saying he was already compensated.

_Grimaud's loyalty is not for money; he serves a higher purpose._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/twenty_years_after_se/chapters/xviii-grimaud-begins-his-functions
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/twenty_years_after_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/twenty_years_after_se/chapters