02x07 - A Marriage of Inconvenience

[bunniefuu]

Halt!

Forgive me.

It's been a long journey from Mantua and I long for some fresh air and exercise.

We'll be in Paris within the hour, madame.

I haven't seen the King since we were children.

He's barely changed.

Tell me, monsieur, do you know anything of Sweden?

It snows... and is very cold.

It will be my home soon.

I wonder if I shall ever see the warm sun of Italy again.

(Rustling)

(Bird's alarm call)

(Rustling)

(Flapping pheasant clucks)

(Musket sh*ts)

(Men yell)

Get in behind cover!

Get the princess back in the carriage now! Inside! Inside!

(Horses whinny)

(She shrieks)

Francesco, are you all right?

I'm well, Your Grace. I pray to God you're not injured?

I'm unharmed, thank God.

Spanish.

This ambush was no coincidence.

Music: The Musketeers Theme

(Carriage approaches)

(Indistinct background chatter)

Why have we stopped? Isn't the archbishop expecting us?

We'll take you to him shortly. Please, sit.

What's wrong? Why have you brought her here?

We were ambushed on the road.

By a g*ng of men carrying Spanish gold.

Spain was never going to stand idly by in the face of an alliance between Sweden and France.

You mean the princess might still be in danger?

There's no need for alarm. We're in Paris now.

She'll be perfectly safe.

As soon as she's rested, we'll take her to the archbishop, as planned.

Back there I failed. But for you, she would have been k*lled.

Don't be so hard on yourself. You did your best.

It wasn't enough. If any harm should come to her...

Don't worry. You're both under our protection now.

(Indistinct voices)

Let me pass.

(Knocking)

Come in, de Barville.

You sent for me?

The King's cousin, Princess Louise of Mantua, is betrothed to the Swedish Crown Prince.

The Musketeers are escorting her to Paris as we speak.

And you wish me to take charge of her security when she arrives in Paris?

Do you remember this?

Ah...

It's a record of the King's Council's decision to refuse the ransom demanded by Spain for my release... from imprisonment.

Now, you must understand, the issue was a complex one.

The council betrayed me. You betrayed me.

Why?

My orders came from Cardinal Richelieu himself.

It was his express wish that no ransom be paid.

Why would he abandon a loyal servant in such a fashion?

Um, well, the cardinal felt that you were... perhaps... not entirely... of sound mind.

I spent five years in that hellhole.

What does this have to do with Princess Louise of Mantua?

I wanted you to be the first to know - her marriage will not be going ahead after all.

Does the King know?

I must raise it at his council meeting.

A strengthened alliance between France and Sweden is vital.

Unfortunately, plans have changed.

(Blade slices)

(He groans)

(He gurgles)

(Choristers sing in the round)

Bless this forthcoming marriage, oh, Lord, with peace and happiness.

And may the womb of your humble servant Louise be fruitful.

In the name of God... Amen.

Amen.

Our hopes for the future strength and unity of France rest on the success of your union, my child.

I pray my marriage will be happy.

Happiness is a selfish desire.

You must pray to do your duty.

Oh...

(Bolt whizzes)

(He groans)

(Screams and gasps)

(Buzz of conversations outside)

Good vantage point, well concealed, an all-round view and easy access to an escape route.

The k*ller knew what he was doing. This was planned well in advance.

Why a crossbow?

From this distance, it's more accurate than a musket.

And easier to conceal.

(He exhales)

Outstanding work, Musketeers(!)

A man of God slain under your very noses!

(Priest administers last rites)

And you let the k*ller escape.

If the princess hadn't slipped, she'd be dead now.

She was the target.

Someone is determined to stop this marriage.

The princess cannot stay at the archbishop's, as planned.

She must be escorted to the Louvre for her own safety.

Assuming you can manage such a simple task... without losing her?

Custom-made, best-quality steel, short bodkin, armour piercing.

A real assassin's w*apon.

Old-fashioned but deadly.

Who still makes weapons like this?

There are perhaps half a dozen armourers left in Paris with the necessary skills.

But only one who'd consider hiring them out to the Spanish.

A man with a serious grudge against king and country.

Boucher.

A Huguenot and a survivor of the siege of La Rochelle.

And a true artist. I've a mind to commission a piece myself.

You know, that might not be a bad idea.

How else are we going to tempt him out of hiding?

We'll make contact.

(She knocks)

Sire?

Go away!

I want to be alone.

The King is not receiving visitors.

A visit from the Queen will revive his spirits.

His mood is delicate. He's plagued with fears.

Can't you do something, Rochefort?

The King will listen to you.

Your Majesty, it is I, Rochefort.

The King is unwell.

He will be himself again soon.

I want milady out of my palace and I don't want to receive Princess Louise!

You can do it.

People will think you have turned against the marriage.

Nonsense.

Just keep her entertained and see her off on her way to Sweden tomorrow.

Your presence will be required later - at the council meeting.

Chancellor Dupre is making a SPECIAL trip to be here.

I can look after Princess Louise but you really should greet your chancellor personally.

Oh, very well. But in the meantime, I am going to bed.

I am VERY tired!

It's not a coincidence, is it?

This k*lling, the men who att*cked us on the journey, it's me they're after, isn't it?

Speculation is pointless. There's no need to worry.

If I am to die, I would rather be prepared.

No harm will come to you now.

This is the safest building in all of France.

You'll stay?

For as long as you need me, yes.

If only we could have stayed in Mantua, Francesco.

We were happy there. This marriage is my death sentence.

Excuse me one moment, madame.

Everything all right?

I've sent a message to my husband.

I have to tell him now - about us.

Well, then, I should be with you.

No, I have to do this alone. I owe him that much.

Well, if you need anything, you know where I am.

With the beautiful Princess Louise.

Should I be jealous?

She's engaged to be married.

I AM married. That didn't stop you.

(Grunting and panting)

I'm puzzled, Lady Marguerite.

I thought you came to court to make a good marriage.

You know I did.

Then why do you force me to reveal to the world the sordid details of your private life?

You wouldn't. It would ruin me.

You leave me no choice.

You ask too much of me.

I asked for information on the Queen and you failed to provide it.

So I must assume you wish me to speak to your father.

No...

No! The shame... it would k*ll him.

Please...

I will give you one... last chance.

(Anything, anything.)

I will do anything.

Aramis wears a jewelled crucifix.

Bring it to me.

I know it.

Why?

That is NOT your concern.

Do as I ask and your reputation may yet be saved.

I received your message.

So have you finally done your duty and made my name known to the King?

No, it's not that.

The only reason I allowed you to take this position was to win me favour at the palace!

That hasn't happened... and clearly never will.

So it's time you came home.

You will inform the Queen you are leaving.

I WON'T do that!

Do not test my patience!

I've made a decision.

D'Artagnan and I... we love each other.

We're going to build a life together.

(She shrieks)

You are my wife and you will do as I say.

Pack your bags and be back home today.

If you fail to do as I say, I will return later and drag you there myself!

I owe my life to the diligence and bravery of your Musketeers.

We are all in their debt.

A pity they could not prevent the archbishop's death.

No-one could have done so.

You were not present, my dear Comte, so you cannot know the circumstances.

Rochefort, the King was most anxious that we should present the princess with his marriage gift.

Alas, in the all the turmoil it has not yet been collected.

See to it.

Might I suggest Captain Treville should have the honour?

Despite his unfortunate fall from grace, there is no more reliable man in the King's service.

Have a message sent to him.

This way, madame.

I need to speak with you on an urgent matter.

What matter?

You don't want to be with me any more, do you?

Something has changed.

Now is not the time.

If you have anything to say, then say it now and be done.

Our... liaison cannot continue.

You have too much to lose, and I'm not the man to make you happy.

So, we must end it for MY benefit?

How very selfless of you(!)

We've had a wonderful time together.

Why don't we just wish each other luck and go our separate ways, before either one of us is hurt?

Yes.

No-one should be hurt.

That is much the best way.

You agree, then?

You're not upset?

You were... only ever a diversion, Aramis.

These things shouldn't be taken too seriously.

Well, I'm glad you feel that way.

It's a great weight off my mind.

Maybe... we part as friends, at least.

Hold me one last time?

I might have loved you once, if things had been different.

Remember that.

What happened? Who did this to you? Tell me the truth.

Tell me the truth.

My husband - I told him.

I'll k*ll him.

No. D'Artagnan, no. He knows he's lost me.

That's what...

He hurt you! He hurt you.

No. He can never hurt me again.

Wait here.

Should I be avoiding windows?

As a precaution.

I thought I was safe here?

As safe as you can be anywhere.

That young woman, Constance, you're in love with her.

And she is with you, I can tell.

How wonderful to be in love.

I wish I were.

What about your husband-to-be?

Is he a good man?

I have no idea.

We meet for the first time when I get to Sweden.

France's political alliances are more important than my personal happiness.

I'm sorry to hear that.

It would be... nice to love as one chooses.

Constance is a lucky woman.

I envy her finding a man like you.

Get out! Out!

Let the Comte de Rochefort know it'll be my pleasure.

Sir.

Rochefort treats me like his errand boy now.

(He whistles)

I'm to fetch the Queen's gift for Princess Louise.

Don't let him humiliate you.

You think I should refuse the job?

Deliver this gift directly to the Queen herself.

Let her see your devotion and loyalty, even in the face of provocation.

Come on.

It's you that should have been the politician.

I never had any talent for such games.

The regiment will need a new captain soon. I could recommend you.

I'm finished here. It's time you all accepted that.

Tch-tch. Yah!

Monsieur Boucher.

I am Athos.

I know who you are.

I make it my business to know the finest swordsmen in France.

So, what can I do for you?

Recognise that?

Yes. This is my work.

And this?

(Boucher chuckles)

Also mine.

You don't find craftsmanship like this every day.

I'm sure the archbishop was VERY appreciative(!)

What are you talking about? Where did you find this bolt?

In the archbishop's throat.

I had nothing to do with that.

You?

A known dissenter with a grudge against the Catholic Church and a personal connection to the m*rder w*apon - you're the last person we'd think of(!)

I make weapons.

I don't use them.

Then WHO did you make this for?

That's confidential.

You've just admitted making the w*apon that k*lled the archbishop.

So here's our problem. Someone has to die for the archbishop's m*rder.

And right now... we have no other suspects.

All right! Wait.

It's one of a matching pair that I made.

For who?

For myself!

There were 27,000 French citizens living in La Rochelle.

By the time your King had finished with us, there were only 5,000 left.

When the siege ended... all my weapons were confiscated and sent to a new home.

THAT'S where THIS has come from.

What new home?

The cardinal sent them all to the Red Guard armoury.

Whoever used this... came from your own side.

It might've been stolen.

Or the k*ller was a member of the Red Guard.

I have more than 500 guards under my command, unless you've k*lled any in a bar-room brawl today(!)

Do you think you could be a little more precise in your accusations?

It doesn't concern you that there's a traitor amongst your own men?

It would concern me more if you had any proof.

This w*apon could've found its way into anyone's hands.

You Musketeers, you really must give up this ugly habit of blaming your failures on everyone else.

Milady de Winter! A moment...

(He clicks his fingers)

Search her bag.

What do you think you're doing?

THESE were personal gifts from His Majesty.

Keepsakes.

You leave carrying only what you arrived with.

You would be wise NOT to make an enemy of me.

Is that a thr*at?!

Merely an observation.

If I EVER see you in this palace again...

I'll have you ex*cuted as a thief.

Wait!

What will you do now?

What does it matter to you?

Listen to me...

What do you want me to do?

Admit that I'm shamed and penniless?

That I have no prospect and no hope?

Well, there you are.

It's all true. Are you happy now, at last?

I get no pleasure from witnessing your humiliation.

This is everything I have. Take it and leave Paris.

First, you thr*aten to k*ll me and now it's bribery?

A gift.

There is a difference.

You think I'll accept your charity?

If you have any sense.

I'm not finished yet. Not by any measure.

(Buzz and hum of chatter)

(Women chatter and giggle)

Woman: Make sure.

I'm looking for the home of Monsieur Arnaud. Do you know it?

Straight ahead.

(g*n cocks)

(Groans)

(Shrieks and yelling)

Woman: Oh, my God!

Sir? Oh, dear.

(Treville coughs and chokes)

A moment, my lady.

What is it? Have we not said enough to each other today?

I know, forgive me. My crucifix is missing.

You haven't seen it?

Not recently.

I thought perhaps it might be in your chambers.

Don't you know where you last had it?

I can't remember. I've... I've grown so used to having it there, I...

(I'd hate to lose it. It's very important to me.)

Why?

It's a gift from a friend.

A close friend... obviously.

It probably came loose and dropped somewhere.

I'll look for it.

Thank you.

It's Captain Treville.

He's been sh*t!

Move! Get out the room now!

Quickly. Move that chair.

Put him on the table! Gently! Gently!

One, two, three...

(Treville yells and gasps)

Captain! Captain, it's Aramis. You're at the garrison.

He was on the Rue Jacob. Nobody saw the attacker.

What was he doing there?

Rochefort's errand. Collecting the King's gift from Monsieur Arnaud.

We need a surgeon.

(Treville yells)

Send for Lemay.

(Treville groans and winces)

Do you think it might be the same person who k*lled the archbishop?

I don't know. It could be nothing more than a coincidence.

You should go to him.

I won't leave you unprotected. Not for a moment.

Are you any closer to finding the archbishop's k*ller?

We believe there to be a connection to the Red Guard.

He might even be inside the palace itself.

Dear God - someone close to the King is a traitor?

It's possible.

No harm will come to you.

You have my word.

She told me she would wear it always.

Who did?

You mean the Queen... don't you?

You think there is a connection between her and Aramis.

What do you know of that?

Nothing for certain.

Only... the way he looks at her.

The way he should have looked at me but... never did.

I have said too much.

I'm sorry, it's just my... foolish jealousy.

Watch them.

Watch them every second and tell me what you discover.

I beg you.

Please... leave me be now.

It's far too late for that, Marguerite.

Don't you know that?

Return this to Aramis.

He must suspect... nothing.

He was sh*t in the back. And the ball's still in there.

Help me lift him.

(He groans)

You're right. There is no exit wound.

His uniform must have blunted the sh*t's impact.

He's lucky.

He is struggling for air. Most probably the ball damaged his lung.

Our first task is to find and remove it.

I have some practice with musket wounds.

I bow to your superior experience.

This won't be pretty, Constance, you don't have to stay.

Dr Lemay asked me to assist him.

Madame Bonacieux's help will be invaluable.

She's already saved one life I might have lost.

Boiling water.

I've already cleaned the wound.

It's not for him.

It's for my equipment.

I find that if I bathe my instruments in boiling water first, my patients have a much greater chance of fighting off infection.

I have no idea why.

I believe it is a blessing from God.

(Treville coughs and splutters)

Ready?

Right. Hold him.

(Treville groans and yells)

(Treville moans)

(Wheezing, laboured breaths)

(Bubbling, rasping breaths)

There is fluid in his lung.

We have to drain it.

How?

Much the same way one would drain a keg of wine.

My skills are exhausted. He's your patient now.

I need him on his back.

(He yells in pain)

Sh, sh, sh.

Be ready to collect the blood.

(Coughing and spluttering)

Are you sure this will work?

I have not had occasion to perform this operation before.

But the principle is sound... in theory.

(Treville gasps and groans)

(He coughs)

Take this.

The tube.

(Breathing becomes less laboured)

(Breathes deeply)

Secure that with a dressing.

Let all the fluid drain out before stitching the wound.

Your captain should make a speedy recovery now.

(Whispered conversations)

You saved his life.

It was a team effort.

But, yes, I believe we did.

Whoever did this to the captain is going to have to deal with me personally. Where are you going?

To find out more about this gift.

Whoever sh*t him knew where to find him.

I'll stay here.

That's our captain's blood.

Monsieur Arnaud? Where is he?

The master is painting. He left orders not to be disturbed.

Is he dead?

Master?

Whoever k*lled him came in through here and probably left the same way.

The painting! It's gone!

What painting?

A portrait of Princess Louise of Mantua.

It was to be a wedding gift from the King.

Find the preparatory sketches.

The chancellor will be arriving shortly.

Be ready to greet him and escort him inside.

Well, what are you waiting for?

What about the princess?

She will be under my personal protection.

(Knock on door)

Come in, d'Artagnan.

Not d'Artagnan, I'm afraid.

This isn't the woman we're guarding at the palace.

No wonder they stopped Treville delivering the picture.

The deception would have been uncovered the moment anyone saw it.

But if she isn't Princess Louise, then who is she?

And why did they try to k*ll her this morning?

The archbishop was always the target.

And the fake Louise must have been in on the plan.

But why assassinate a man of God?

The archbishop wasn't just a priest.

He was a senior member of the King's Council.

So is Chancellor Dupre.

He's on his way to the Louvre for the council meeting.

He thinks he's safe there.

My congratulations.

I had to stop myself laughing out loud the way you had the Musketeers fawning all over you.

I was convincing, wasn't I?

A princess to the manner born.

Have you disposed of de Barville's body?

Thanks to your friend Francesco, he will be at the bottom of the Seine by now.

Two down, one to go.

The chancellor will enter the palace by the west gate.

You'll have all the time you need.

The Musketeers will not be expecting an att*ck from behind them.

Please tell my wife I've come to collect her.

And tell her to hurry.

She can make her apologies to the Queen later.

Wait in here.

(Horses whinny)

Out of the way!

Constance...

My apologies, monsieur.

It is I who must apologise.

I thought you were my wife, Madame Bonacieux.

Ah. You are Constance's husband?

I am Bonacieux, the finest cloth-merchant in Paris.

Then it's you I'm looking for.

She asked me to tell you she will meet you at home.

She did?

Hmm. She said you were most commanding with her this morning.

You clearly know how to handle women, monsieur.

Oh? Then I shall... go.

No wonder Constance is in love with d'Artagnan.

If I wasn't so busy, I'd do her the favour of cutting her husband's throat.

You take up position in the grounds nearby, in case the chancellor needs the coup de grace.

If that should happen, I'm unlikely to survive.

Then I had better not miss.

You won't miss.

You NEVER miss.

(Door closes)

How's the captain?

He's in good hands. The chancellor?

On his way.

(Door squeaks)

I... forgot my hat.

(He groans)

I never did like wife-beaters.

Good afternoon, Chancellor.

Get back inside!

Take cover!

The assassin's in the palace!

Inside!

Up there! Go! You go! Move!

(Bonacieux gasps and winces)

Go!

Go!

Move! Move! There. There!

(Horse whinnies)

Go! Go! Go!

I'm going after him!

(Blade zings)

Yah!

(They grunt)

Argh!

You surrender or die.

It's over.

You are right.

I am defeated.

Princess...

Drop your weapons.

All of them.

Oh, d'Artagnan, if only we'd met under different circumstances.

Who are you?

I'm afraid the real Princess Louise never even made it out of Lombardy.

You mean you k*lled her?

But on the positive side, I saved her from a dreadful marriage.

You've no idea how much planning went into getting me inside the Louvre.

The key to it, of course, was winning YOUR protection.

That gave me the freedom I needed.

So I've done you a favour in return.

What are you talking about?

I like you, d'Artagnan. That's why I've helped you out.

You and that pretty Constance.

I do so LOVE a happy ending.

Look in the state rooms.

No need to thank me.

Whoever you are, this is over.

You must know that.

Huh...?

(He groans)

Help me...

(He groans)

(He winces)

Don't worry, help's on its way.

Just breathe.

Just breathe.

This is on your conscience.

You and Constance... you'll NEVER be happy together.

You're damned.

I curse you both.

(He moans)

Not a word of this to Constance.

She must hear it from me.

The captain's going to be fine.

What is it?

What's happened? Why wouldn't they look at me?

Tell me.

Whose blood is this?

(Key clunks in lock)

(Door lock clunks)

(Water drips)

(Approaching footsteps)

(Key clunks in door lock)

(Door squeaks)

Who are you?

I have several names.

You probably know of me as...

Milady de Winter.

You must help me.

I am the King's cousin, Princess Louise of Mantua.

And there has been a terrible mistake!

We both know your name is Sofia Martinez.

You and your lover Francesco are professional assassins.

I don't know what you're talking about.

I recognised him this morning.

Oh, he's dead, by the way.

The Musketeers k*lled him.

But he'll make a pretty corpse.

As you know who I am, you also know what I'm capable of.

Who hired you?

What will happen to me... if I tell you?

I'll release you, of course.

Rochefort.

He supplied the weaponry and identified the targets.

Why?

Isn't it obvious?

He's a Spanish spy.

As the cardinal's man, Madrid knew he would be perfectly placed on his return to France.

The spy-master Vargas handled it personally.

The archbishop. The chancellor.

He's trying to k*ll his way to the top.

He's determined to remove any rival for the King's trust and affection.

Now... I've told you what you wanted to know.

Now let me go.

(Blade zings)

You're going to... k*ll me?

I wasn't... until a moment ago.

But... now... I think it's best... that we SHUT your mouth for good.

(Low groans)

Oh... hush. Hush now.

It'll soon be over.

(Door opens)

Where was it?

Lying in a corridor.

It must've simply fallen off.

I'll be more careful in future.

It's just as well I found it.

You never know what trouble it might have caused.

(Door opens and closes)

Who were they, really?

The bogus Princess Louise and her footman?

Hired assassins.

But who hired them?

With both of them dead, we may never know.

You have no idea who k*lled her?

She was under the protection of the Red Guards.

Rochefort can't lay that one at our doorstep.

(He chuckles quietly)

(He coughs)

Athos, would you give us a moment, please?

Earlier on... when I thought I was going to die... I realised... I didn't want to leave this world with any secrets on my conscience.

Give me a little time to regain my strength... and I will tell you everything you want to know about your father.

I can wait.

Assassins at large in my own palace.

Archbishop Jacqueme dead. The Duc de Barville missing.

The world has gone mad.

The danger is over, Your Majesty. The assassins are dead.

But, sadly, so is your treaty.

Poor Louise.

But I suppose we can always find someone else to marry our Swedish friend.

Indeed, sire. I'll see to it.

You have handled this matter with great skill, Rochefort.

I'm impressed.

The post of First Minister has been vacant long enough.

I want you to fill it.

This is too great an honour, Your Majesty.

I have already signed the order.

I will hear no argument.

As Your Majesty commands.

(Whispering voices)

(Conversations cease)

Yah!

Martine! Come on!

You want to know if I'm your father?

Porthos needs your loyalty now, more than ever.

I'm not safe anywhere.

Your Majesty, don't let Rochefort stop you seeing the King.

If Aramis slept with the Queen, it would be treason.

She was m*rder*d.

I didn't come here to cause a fight.

He has find out for himself.

I don't think you understand the game, monsieur.

I understand very well!

Music: The Musketeers Theme