The Pursuit and Destruction of Milady

The collective effort of d'Artagnan, Athos, Porthos, Aramis, and Lord de Winter to track down and execute Milady after her crimes.

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The Poisoning of Constance

A Final Crime Milady's Deception Milady, having escaped from England, arrives at the Carmelite convent in Bethune, where Constance Bonacieux is hiding. Pretending to be a friend, Milady gains Constance's trust and learns that d'Artagnan is coming to rescue her. Determined to destroy him, Milady poisons Constance's wine. The Arrival of the Musketeers D'Artagnan and his friends arrive just as Constance drinks the poison. She dies in d'Artagnan's arms, and Athos recognizes the work of Milady. The friends vow to hunt her down and bring her to justice. The Chase Begins They set out immediately, following clues left by Milady's flight. Lord de Winter, who has been pursuing her as well, joins them. The combined force of five determined men closes in on Milady, who has taken refuge near the border.

The Trial at Armentieres

A Court of Vengeance The Capture The friends track Milady to a house near Armentieres, on the banks of the Lys. They surround the house and capture her. She is brought before a makeshift tribunal composed of her accusers. The Accusations Each man speaks: d'Artagnan accuses her of poisoning Constance and attempting to poison him; Lord de Winter accuses her of murdering his brother and Buckingham; Athos accuses her of bigamy and ruining his brother. The executioner of Lille reveals that he branded her years ago for seducing his brother, a priest. The Sentence Milady is condemned to death. She shows no remorse, only defiance. The executioner beheads her on the riverbank and throws her body into the Lys. The friends watch from the opposite shore, their long struggle finally over.

near the end of the story

near the end of the story