La Ramee

Also known as: Master La Ramee / Monsieur la Ramee / the custodian / the exempt / the officer · Family: Crown · Role: officer and prison guard · First appears: Chapter 16

In chapter 16, La Ramee was employed by Mazarin. In chapter 17 at Vincennes, after Duc de Beaufort alleged poisoning, La Ramee was assigned to taste all his food and became his permanent keeper and compulsory dinner companion—“the shadow of his person.” Mazarin instructed him to treat Duc de Beaufort according to his rank and never leave him alone, though La Ramee accepted with delight an offer from a friend to provide a substitute keeper.

In chapter 19, La Ramee agreed to a private supper with Duc de Beaufort, provided Grimaud served them, while also receiving temporary instructions from his employer, Monsieur de Chavigny. By chapter 23, La Ramee had developed a weakness for Duc de Beaufort, and Grimaud retained his entire confidence. At Vincennes, La Ramee sent the guards away so Duc de Beaufort could be alone with him and Grimaud, but the duke then revealed escape supplies hidden in a pie, including two poniards, a rope ladder, and a gag.

At seven o’clock, Grimaud bound and gagged La Ramee while Duc de Beaufort took the prison keys and secured the room. In chapter 49, Mazarin recalled La Ramee’s warning about escaping, saying, “you must be either bird or mouse to get out.”