Chapter 51: Officer

Summary

     The cardinal impatiently awaits word from Milady. In the meantime, he catches a spy with a letter for Buckingham, which says that if supplies do not arrive soon, the English would starve. So, the cardinal really wants to hear from Milady that Buckingham would never come, because it would ruin the Englishmen’s morale. When Henry VI had besieged Paris many years ago, he had food thrown over the wall. Now, the cardinal throws notes over the walls of La Rochelle telling the English people that their leaders are selfish. The cardinal aims to divide and conquer, and is ruthless. In a foul mood, he rides outdoors with Cahusac (remember him? The Fearsome Four fought him one time) and another loyal soldier. Suddenly, he stumbles across the Fearsome Four and their servants hanging out on the lawn, huddled around a letter. The cardinal immediately feels irate, and attempts to sneak up and listen to their conversation. However, Grimaud breaks his silence again by shouting when he sees the cardinal, and the Fearsome Four scramble up in horror, hiding the letter. Their secrecy enrages the cardinal and he demands the letter. Athos, ever calm, evades the request, and the cardinal backs off. However, he is now suspicious of and furious at the four Musketeers, and vows to keep an eye on them. He leaves angrily.

     Panicked, the friends try to figure out what to do. Athos defends his impudence towards the cardinal by explaining that they do not like the cardinal; they are not on his side – so why would they betray themselves for him? I’m glad Athos clarified that – I was starting to wonder why they all obeyed the cardinal when he is their mortal enemy. They all agree with Athos, and now talk about how to dispose of the letter. The letter is from Aramis’s cousin, who has found Madame Bonacieux. The poor lady wants to hear word from d’Artagnan and is slightly anxious, but otherwise is safe and sound. D’Artagnan then suggests burning the letter, now that they all have read it. Athos disagrees; preferring to dispose of it in his own, insane way. As a way of punishment for speaking, he forces Grimaud to eat the letter. Grimaud does so with good humor. Then, as a reward for accepting the punishment (doesn’t that beat the point of a punishment?) Athos gives Grimaud a glass of wine, and Grimaud drinks it happily. Wow, that must be the first time a servant has gotten to ingest anything pleasant in this entire novel!

Reaction

     I approve of this chapter. I swear Athos has gone insane ever since he went into that cellar, and I love his insanity. However, I feel sorry for Grimaud; eating a letter cannot be very pleasant.  Athos’s logical reasons for subtly defying the cardinal make sense. I mean I understand that they are scared of him – I am too – but they can’t just keep blindly obeying him when he is actually their enemy. 

     My favorite line was Athos’s ‘punishment’ for Grimaud: “‘Come here, Grimaud,’ said Athos. Grimaud rose and obeyed. ‘As a punishment for having spoken without permission, my friend, you will please to eat this piece of paper; then to recompense you for the service you will have rendered us, you shall afterward drink this glass of wine. First, here is the letter. Eat heartily.’” Athos is gloriously crazy.