Stand to face me beloved… …and open out the grace of your eyes (Sappho 138, transl. Anne Carson) “Where is Raoul?” Athos storms into the hall of Glénay. If there is a footman at the door or servants in the hall he does not see them. What Lucien and Aramis are saying as they walk … Continue reading Chapter Twenty Nine-Stand to face me beloved, by Mordaunt
Chapter Twenty Seven-Secret Sins, by Mordaunt
He is accosted by children the moment he walks inside, even before the footman closes the door. Rowdy children, breathlessly speaking over each, and dancing around him with excitement. “Raoul you are here too!” “ It was snowing and we travelled all together in the wagon!” “Then the bad men came!” “Samy, Alexandre, and I … Continue reading Chapter Twenty Seven-Secret Sins, by Mordaunt
Chapter Nineteen, Part II-The Road to Glenay, by Corso
The only light in the dark room comes from the fireplace. The corners of the room are lost in deep shadows, the flickering firelight casts dancing shadows on the high ceiling and walls, over portraits of stern men and women. They look down from their lofty position on a wall, with dark expressions of disapproval … Continue reading Chapter Nineteen, Part II-The Road to Glenay, by Corso
Chapter Nineteen, Part I-The Road to Glenay, by Corso
‘Fils de pute!’ Lucien swears viciously, yanking his sword from the dead man’s body, pivots to drive his dagger into another belly, his sword slashing across another throat. He stumbles over the rocky terrain, cursing his attackers continuously dragging a man down with him grabbing for his face and banging his head repeatedly into the … Continue reading Chapter Nineteen, Part I-The Road to Glenay, by Corso
Chapter Fourteen-Piecemeal Truce, by Corso
She leans against the worktable, feeling slightly sick. The argument with Lucien drained her. He has never raised his hand to her, but there had been times when she felt his fury as a heated blast, and knew he stalked away before he lost control. This had been one of those times. She delays … Continue reading Chapter Fourteen-Piecemeal Truce, by Corso
Chapter Twelve-The Red Dress, by Corso
‘Messieurs, I am here to propose a solution.’ The men are standing bearing polite expressions, their eyes shifting to Lucien and Athos as the ones to acknowledge the Duchess and speak first. Both men hesitate, exchanging a considering glance, uncertain as to her inclusion in this meeting. In that interim, the Duchess d’ Aiguillon stands, … Continue reading Chapter Twelve-The Red Dress, by Corso
Marie Madeleine de Vignerot
Marie de Vignerot was the daughter of René de Vignerot, Seigneur de Pontcourlay, and Françoise de Plessis, the elder sister to Armand-Jean du Plessis. Marie’s father was in the court of Henri the IV as Gentleman of the Chamber and Captain of the Guard. Her mother Francois was a devout woman and instilled in her … Continue reading Marie Madeleine de Vignerot
Chapter Three- Threads of Truth, by Corso
Now they know … she looks from one to the other, her boys … the day forever etched in her memory … early morning … soldiers on horseback in the yard, churning up the dust stinging her eyes… … soldiers marching toward her … Richelieu behind them, red robes billowing…’did you think you could hide … Continue reading Chapter Three- Threads of Truth, by Corso
The d’ Artagnan Romances & “Between Two Kings”
Alexandre Dumas, c. 1859–1870. Carte de Visite Collection, Boston Public Library/ Le Siecle- original publications (1844 & 1847) Written by Alexandre Dumas in collaboration with Auguste Maquet, whose story and strained collaboration with Dumas deserves its own post, the d' Artagnan romances remain the main inspiration for all versions of the Musketeer story, including the BBC … Continue reading The d’ Artagnan Romances & “Between Two Kings”
Twelve Years After 