De Guiche

Also known as: Comte de Guiche / Count / Guiche / M. de Guiche / M. le Comte de Guiche / Monsieur de Guiche / comte / the Comte de Guiche / the comte / the count · Family: court · Role: nobleman and patron · First appears: Chapter 4

In chapter 4, De Guiche’s boyhood friendship with Manicamp included financial patronage, while his influence with Monsieur helped secure appointments for Malicorne and Montalais. He later promised Malicorne, “M. Malicorne, you shall have the post you want, or I will forfeit my name.” At the Palais Royal, he obtained Mlle. de la Baume le Blanc de la Vallière’s appointment as maid of honor, and agreed to make friends with the Chevalier de Lorraine, although the chevalier regarded his favors as rivals’ gains. De Guiche also remained close to De Wardes and Raoul de Bragelonne, calling Raoul de Bragelonne his most intimate friend.

During the mission to bring Henriette to France in chapters 9–19, De Guiche crossed the stormy sea with Raoul Bragelonne, represented Monsieur and France, and took Buckingham’s customary place beside the princess. His attentions to Henriette made him Buckingham’s rival, but after withdrawing a hostile letter he offered him lasting friendship. De Guiche’s love for Madame was revealed by his nighttime vigil outside her apartments, and his extravagant spending grew as he competed with Buckingham’s display.

By chapter 30, De Guiche’s conversations with Madame had become the prelude to a deep attachment. He appeared in her apartments with musicians, provoking Monsieur’s jealousy and threats, while Louis XIV undertook to protect him. Madame returned his passionate looks, but Louis XIV then ordered him to retire to his estates: “I said retire to your estates,” leaving De Guiche disgraced until he returned to perform for the king. He faltered during the ballet, while his recommendation secured La Vallière’s place among Madame’s maids of honor.

In chapters 44–56, De Guiche was restored to favor by Louis XIV and resumed his place in the ballet. At the royal oak, he confessed to De Bragelonne that he loved Madame “madly” and “to distraction”; Madame overheard him and answered, “Love me, then.” At Fontainebleau he continued to act as a patron, obtaining positions for La Vallière and Montalais and advancing Malicorne through Manicamp. He remained one of Monsieur’s best friends, while his enmity with the Chevalier de Lorraine persisted.