Chapter 53: Captivity: The Second Day

Summary

     Milady starts off her next day in the same way, getting some more sympathy by claiming she couldn’t sleep all night due to fever, and refuses to touch her food. However, that is not the good part. The good part comes when Mr. Felton brings her a Catholic book of mass to comfort her. Lord de Winter, surprisingly, kindly ordered that he do so. Milady is about to accept it when her extraordinarily perceptive eye catches a flicker of derision in Felton’s eyes when he says ‘your mass’ and a slight tone of disapproval. She looks at him quickly and searchingly, seeing his plain, neat, dark clothes, and his habitual strict discipline. Her quick brain deduces that religion would be the way to win this man. She realizes, by these two words uttered by him and a glance that he is a Puritan, and proceeds accordingly. She indignantly disavows Catholicism, and while she does not state her religion, she implies that she is a Puritan by some religious reference that went over my head. Mr. Felton does not say anything, but his expression shows that he sees her in an entirely new light. Her pretended faith causes her to receive a rude visit from Lord de Winter, who mercilessly makes fun of her as he did before. She stays calm and collected, and sticks to her ‘faith.’

     The next time Felton brings her a meal, she is praying fervently. She knows a few Puritan prayers because she once had a devoutly Puritan servant. She eats only the plain food, and continues her prayers. Felton sends someone else to clear her food away. Milady smiles to herself – he is afraid to see her too often! Her plan is working! After half an hour or so, Milady begins to sing pious songs. She has a lovely voice, and uses it to her advantage. Mr. Felton is overwhelmed, and comes into the room to stare at her as if she is an angel. He leaves soon after, upset with himself.

Reaction

     Milady is brilliant! This chapter was impressive. Her stroke of genius in identifying Mr. Felton’s religion probably saved her life. Lord de Winter plans to put her in jail in about 10 days, so I think Milady is perfectly justified in manipulating Mr. Felton. I’m glad it’s working. But we still have three more days of captivity.