The Escape of Milady from Lord de Winter's Castle

Milady's captivity, her seduction of Felton, and her dramatic escape, leading to Buckingham's assassination.

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Imprisonment

A Captive Fury The Capture Lord de Winter, warned by d'Artagnan's letter, captures Milady upon her arrival in England. He imprisons her in his castle, placing her under the guard of the Puritan officer John Felton. Milady is confined to a room with barred windows and a sentinel at the door. The First Days Milady feigns illness and despair, but her attempts to manipulate Felton initially fail. He is stern and unyielding. She then changes tactics, pretending to be a devout Puritan and telling a fabricated story of her persecution by Buckingham. The Turning Point Felton begins to waver. Milady's beauty and feigned piety affect him. She sings psalms and prays loudly, hoping to soften his heart. Her plan slowly works, and Felton becomes sympathetic.

Seduction and Escape

A Puritan's Fall The Confession Milady tells Felton a detailed story of how Buckingham seduced and branded her. She claims to be a victim of his lust and cruelty. Felton, a devout Puritan who already hates Buckingham, is moved to pity and anger. The Promise Felton agrees to help Milady escape. He files through the bars of her window and provides a rope ladder. He also gives her a knife, which she uses to fake a suicide attempt to gain sympathy. On a stormy night, they flee the castle together. The Escape Felton rows Milady to a waiting ship. He then goes to Portsmouth to assassinate Buckingham, believing he is doing God's work. Milady sails for France, free to continue her vendetta. Her escape is a masterstroke of manipulation.

during the siege of La Rochelle

during the captivity