Colbert

Also known as: Jean-Baptiste Colbert / M. Colbert / M. Jean-Baptiste Colbert / Monsieur Colbert / the favorite / the intendant Colbert · Family: French court · Role: royal adviser · First appears: Chapter 2

In chapter 2, Colbert is drawn into rival intrigues with Aramis and Fouquet, described as “what miserable intrigues are those of Messieurs Aramis and Fouquet with M. Colbert.” By chapter 9, D’Artagnan regards him as an enemy, saying he hates Colbert without fearing him. Colbert works closely with Louis XIV in chapters 26–28: the king spends a long time with him, charges him with preparing a nine-o’clock reception for the Dutch and Spanish ambassadors, dictates the invited nobles and officials, and later finds him waiting to take directions for the next day’s ceremony; when Louis XIV presses him for a response, Colbert maintains silence.

In chapter 41, Colbert and Madame de Chevreuse acknowledge their mutual need. He pays her for Mazarin’s original letters accusing Fouquet of embezzling treasury funds and arranges her admission to the queen disguised as a Beguine. The next chapter makes him Vanel’s patron: he offers to lend him the money to buy Fouquet’s procureur-general post, accepts his repayment and mortgage conditions, and directs him to obtain Fouquet’s agreement—“but I will lend you that sum.” Madame de Chevreuse identifies Colbert as the person who sent her, while Anne of Austria contrasts him with the more courteous Fouquet.

At the Rue Croix des Petits-Champs in chapter 48, Madame de Chevreuse brings Colbert Mazarin’s letters to sell. Aramis tells Fouquet that Colbert is Marguerite Vanel’s new lover and connects him to the letters; in chapter 49, a draft in Colbert’s handwriting reveals a plot against Fouquet. By chapter 56, Vanel is described as a particular friend of Colbert, and Louis XIV invites Colbert to the fete at Vaux, which he accepts.