Summary
The buzz in Paris
for the next few days is the royal ball. Everyone is excited because the royal
folk are going to dance the La Merlaison, a popular ballet. It is an extremely
extravagant affair. Violins are hired to play the whole time, and little
platforms are set up for all the important attendees. D’Artagnan’s chapter of
guards also is invited to provide security. The king and queen are to change
into their costumes in specially provided chambers once they reach the
ballroom. As they arrive, the people of the court notice that the king and
queen look preoccupied. The cardinal is anxiously waiting for a glimpse of the
queen. Once he manages to see her, he practically begins evilly cackling. She’s
not wearing the diamond studs! The cardinal kindly points this omission out to
the king, who furiously asks the queen why she did not comply with his wishes. The
queen calmly replies that she has left the studs at the Louvre, and will fetch
them in time for the ballet. The king is livid, and the cardinal is triumphant.
The cardinal tells the king that he doubts that she has the studs. Then, he
gives the king the two studs that Milady sent him, telling the king to show
them to the queen if she does have the remaining ten. Apparently, Milady
managed to send the studs before the Duke of Buckingham’s embargo! The king is
confused, but takes the proffered studs, and goes in a room to change.
Presently, the
performers emerge. The king looks regal in a hunting costume. The queen looks
beautiful dressed as a huntress – and she is wearing all twelve diamond studs!
The king is immensely pleased with her, and the two seem to have reconciled.
The cardinal is horrified and dismayed. He explains away the two studs he gave
the king, pretending they are a present for the queen. Queen Anne of course
does not believe him, but acts gracious. The court applauds the ballet, and the
whole party is lively and in good spirits. Soon, d’Artagnan finds Madame
Bonacieux beckoning him. Highly excited, he follows her without a word. She
leads him to an alcove outside the queen’s chamber. The queen lets d’Artagnan
kiss her hand (which is an honor) and gives him an expensive ring as a way of
thanking him. After that, Madame Bonacieux tells d’Artagnan that she will send
him a note telling him where and when they can secretly meet. Then, she bids
him to leave without a word. He obeys happily.
Reaction
I’m very glad
that the queen had such a spectacular triumph over the cardinal! He must be
mighty puzzled about how the queen procured two extra studs. However, as we
have seen, the cardinal is intelligent and powerful, so the worst is likely not
over yet. Dumas has succeeded in making a sickly, elderly, religious man seem
terrifying. This was a joyful chapter for d’Artagnan! He is rewarded for his
troubles, honored by the queen, and Madame Bonacieux seems to love him back. I
don’t understand why she reciprocates, but hopefully he will shape up. I miss
the three Musketeers and the servants (especially Planchet, who may or may not
still be wandering around in London).
“… [The
king] held out to the queen the two studs the cardinal had given him. ‘How,
sire?’ cried the young queen, affecting surprise, ‘you are giving me, then, two
more: I shall have fourteen.’ In fact the king counted them, and the twelve
studs were all on her Majesty's shoulder. The king called the cardinal. ‘What
does this mean, Monsieur Cardinal?’ asked the king in a severe tone.”
Love the turn-around. The king
is so fickle.
1 comment:
Okay. I forgive Dumas because Queen Anne is just so wonderful.
This was a joyful chapter for d'Artagnan indeed! Though it's a bit disconcerting that he didn't seem to show much concern for his friends, who may as well be dead for all he knows. He and Madame Bonacieux also don't seem to have learned anything from the whole fiasco - they seem to be starting a secret affair right after cleaning up another secret affair's mess! *sigh*
I'm a bit confused about what the diamond studs are exactly. See, I thought they were diamond studs like earrings, but the queen is wearing them on her shoulder, so... XD
On a more positive note, as you said, the cardinal is a great antagonist. I hope we'll be seeing more of him!
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