Chapter 54: Captivity: The Third Day

Summary

     Milady knows that Mr. Felton has feelings for her, but she must translate that into a willingness to help her. So, she tries to make him hold conversations with her. He enters the room when she is praying, and they start to talk. She keeps implying that he knows Lord de Winter’s ‘ghastly plans.’ He denies this strenuously, and is curious as to what plans Lord de Winter has for her that are worse than death. She then pretends to be suicidal, begging him to leave her with a knife. Mr. Felton leaves, since Lord de Winter walks past the door. Milady only hopes that Mr. Felton does not tell Lord de Winter about her ‘suicidal’ urges, because she knows that he will call her bluff and hand her a knife gladly. Lord de Winter walks into the room, with an order written up for Milady’s execution. His visit’s purpose is to kindly inform her that now she will be taken to Tyburn, a notorious prison, in four days under a false name. The Duke of Buckingham will sign the notice. Milady is slightly nervous, but hopes the four days are enough to completely win over Mr. Felton. After her brother-in-law leaves, Milady sings a religious song again. She thinks she sees Mr. Felton watching through a grating, but she is not sure.

Reaction

     Milady’s plan to get Mr. Felton on her side is going swimmingly. I am actually horrified that a guard would allow himself to get corrupted so easily, but Milady is a terrific actress and is very convincing. My favorite line is: “The door opened gently; the beautiful supplicant pretended not to hear the noise, and in a voice broken by tears, she continued: ‘God of vengeance! God of goodness! wilt thou allow the frightful projects of this man to be accomplished?’ Then only she pretended to hear the sound of Felton's steps, and rising quick as thought, she blushed, as if ashamed of being surprised on her knees.” Knowing Milady, this is laughable, but I see how Felton’s religious nature would cause him to be sympathetic.