The Abduction and Rescue of Constance Bonacieux

The repeated attempts to kidnap Constance, her imprisonment, and the efforts of d'Artagnan and the queen to free her.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

First Abduction

A Sudden Disappearance The Mousetrap Constance Bonacieux is abducted from her home by the cardinal's agents. Her husband, Bonacieux, is also arrested. D'Artagnan, who has just moved into their building, hears the commotion and rescues Constance from the mousetrap set in her apartment. A Brief Alliance Constance, grateful, confides in d'Artagnan that she works for the queen. She asks him to deliver a message to Laporte, the queen's valet. D'Artagnan agrees, and they begin a romantic relationship. However, Constance is soon abducted again. The Search Begins D'Artagnan searches for Constance but finds no trace. He learns that she has been taken to a convent, but the location is kept secret. His quest to find her becomes a driving force in the story.

Imprisonment in the Convent

A Hidden Prisoner The Queen's Intervention After the diamond studs affair, the queen, fearing for Constance's safety, arranges for her to be placed in a convent. Constance is taken to the Carmelite convent at Bethune, where she lives as a novice under the name Kitty. She is safe but isolated. D'Artagnan's Search D'Artagnan, unaware of her location, continues to search. He receives a letter from Constance through Mme. de Chevreuse, telling him where she is. Overjoyed, he plans to rescue her as soon as he can leave the siege. A False Friend Milady, also at the convent, befriends Constance and learns her secrets. When d'Artagnan arrives, Milady poisons Constance, killing her. The rescue turns into a tragedy.

early in the story

during the diamond studs affair and after