Lord de Winter

Also known as: Baron Sheffield / De Winter / her brother / my Lord / the Baron de Winter / the Englishman / the baron · Family: English · Role: baron · First appears: Chapter 30

In chapter 30, Lord de Winter confronted D’Artagnan in a quarrel while Milady identified him as her brother. They agreed to meet behind the Luxembourg at six o’clock, where D’Artagnan defeated him but spared his life for Milady’s sake. The next day, Lord de Winter introduced D’Artagnan to Milady Clarik, presenting him as a friend and hoping she would favor him at court; she instead explained that Lord de Winter was her brother-in-law, having married his younger brother, whose child was Lord de Winter’s potential heir.

By chapter 48, Lord de Winter had learned that Milady was an infamous woman who had sought his death for his wealth. He owned the castle where he imprisoned her, restricted her movements and correspondence, exposed her living first husband and bigamy, and prepared to deport her to the southern colonies. He guarded her closely, threatened execution for escape, allowed her a ritual book for her religious observances, and arranged for Buckingham to sign her exile order. He also treated Felton as a dependent and protégé, calling himself his protector, friend, benefactor, and father, though Felton was later removed from the guard and mistrusted.

After Milady’s escape attempts and manipulation of the guards, Lord de Winter joined Athos, D’Artagnan, and Planchet in pursuing her. At Portsmouth he captured Felton and placed him in the guards’ custody; Felton had been corrupted by Milady and had killed Buckingham. At Lys, Lord de Winter accused Milady of causing his brother’s death and then pardoned her for the harm she had done him, his honor, and his future. Earlier, Milady had claimed that Lord de Winter died and left her his sole heir; afterward, Lord de Winter identified himself at Béthune as her brother-in-law and took part in the pursuit.