Milady

Also known as: Anne de Breuil / Baroness of Sheffield / Charlotte Backson / Comtesse de Winter / Comtesse de la Fère / Countess / Lady Clarik / Madame / Madame Puritan / Milady Clarik / Milady de Winter / Milady de —— / madame / my mistress / the Englishwoman / the beautiful Englishwoman / the cardinal’s terrible emissary / the fair traveler / the lady / the prisoner / the woman · Family: English · Role: traveler · First appears: Chapter 1

In chapter 1, D’Artagnan recognizes Milady as the beautiful woman connected with his pursuit, and becomes her suitor. By chapter 14, she is working for Richelieu, who sends her to London to steal two of Buckingham’s diamond studs; after the ball, Buckingham regards her as an agent of the cardinal and an enemy. In chapters 29–36, Milady is recognized again by D’Artagnan, receives his attentions, and conducts intrigues involving De Wardes through Kitty. When D’Artagnan rejects her, she vows, “When I am insulted I do not faint; I avenge myself!” She declares love to him while urging him to avenge her against De Wardes, but their encounter exposes the fleur-de-lis on her shoulder, and she attacks him with a poniard.

By chapters 38–48, Milady’s former marriage to Athos and her branding are revealed. She continues serving Richelieu, seeks revenge on D’Artagnan, and is opposed by Lord de Winter, her brother-in-law, who identifies her as a threat to his life and inheritance. In England, Lord de Winter makes her his prisoner and orders Felton to guard her before sending her to the southern colonies. During chapters 52–58, she studies her two guards, gains influence over Felton, and persuades him to abandon his opposition and help her escape. She is carried aboard a vessel by Felton and entrusted to Jack Butler for transport to France, while her plans contribute to Buckingham’s assassination.

At the Carmelite convent in chapters 61–64, Milady recognizes Mme. Bonacieux, deceives her by claiming, “I am her best friend,” and learns that D’Artagnan and his companions will come to rescue her. She arranges with Comte de Rochefort, whom she calls her brother, then dissolves poison into Mme. Bonacieux’s wine and escapes through the garden. In chapters 65–67, she is accused of poisoning Mme. Bonacieux, attempting to poison D’Artagnan, causing Buckingham’s assassination through Felton, and contributing to Lord de Winter’s brother’s death. Athos, Lord de Winter, and D’Artagnan pardon her before her execution, but she escapes her bonds and is beheaded at the Lys.