Planchet

Also known as: Dulaurier / M. Planchet / Master Peter / Monsieur Dulaurier / the illustrious Planchet · Family: Parisian citizens · Role: citizen · First appears: Chapter 3

Planchet, also known as Dulaurier and M. Planchet, was made a sergeant in Piedmont’s regiment by Rochefort. He married a woman with a confectioner’s shop in the Rue des Lombards and became “a citizen of Paris.” He entered D’Artagnan’s service as Madeleine’s brother, disguised in old clothes and pretending to be Flemish; he then left Paris with D’Artagnan, helped Aramis escape at Noisy, and resumed both his duties and his humility as a servant. He remained a friend of Mousqueton and arrived with D’Artagnan at Blois on the footing of friends, later traveling with him, saddling their horses, and carrying his carbine when ordered.

Planchet was connected with Rochefort’s escape and was expected one day to rescue him; with the sixteen hundred francs earned by carrying a letter to Lord de Winter at the siege of La Rochelle, he established his confectioner’s shop. He did not stand well with Mazarin, and after causing a rising in Paris he was sought by Monsieur de Retz. Recruited by Gondy, he pledged himself to the Frondist cause, received five hundred pistoles to prepare an uprising, and commanded halberdiers who forced Maréchal de la Meilleraie to retreat. He also rescued Rochefort from Mazarin’s police, an act that made him more popular.

Planchet was made lieutenant and promised advancement to captain, then admitted Athos and Aramis into Paris without passports, declaring, “I know them and I answer for them.” He rose from lieutenant to captain while commanding citizens in the Place Royale, remained the former comrade of Mousqueton, Bazin and Grimaud, and was entrusted with Vicomte Raoul de Bragelonne after D’Artagnan’s recommendation. To Athos and Aramis he said, “Now, as ever, I am nothing but your servant.” He was also received with honor by Anne of Austria, was asked about by Chevalier d’Artagnan, and was to provide christening sugar plums.