Saint-Aignan

Also known as: Amyntas / Comte de Saint-Aignan / De Saint-Aignan / M. de Saint-Aignan / comte / the comte / the count · Family: French court · Role: master of ceremonies · First appears: Chapter 39

In chapter 39, Saint-Aignan serves as one of Louis XIV’s two masters of ceremonies. By chapter 42, Louis XIV has made him the sole confidant of his secret designs upon La Vallière, asking him to watch over Mademoiselle de la Vallière; in 1661, he also relies on Saint-Aignan to gather information about her. Around chapters 43–44, Saint-Aignan is connected with Mademoiselle de Tonnay-Charente as a suitor, and he overhears a conversation involving Mademoiselle de Tonnay-Charente, Montalais, and La Vallière.

At Fontainebleau in chapter 49, Saint-Aignan discovers Manicamp’s clandestine meeting with Montalais, reassures Montalais of her innocence, and offers to guide Manicamp through the grounds. In chapter 50, he gives Malicorne a room in his apartments, while Montalais confides her secret to him. He later addresses Madame with the king’s permission, faces Montalais as a rival in chapter 57, and, in chapter 58, receives Louis XIV’s order to gain entry to the maids’ quarters through Malicorne, whom he identifies as connected with Montalais.