Catherine Gore

[anon.] Richelieu: or, The Broken Heart. An Historical Tale [attributed to Catherine Gore]

London: W. Sams, 1826.

 

Synopsis of Richelieu

In the preface to her novel, Catherine Gore quotes "Mr. Surr's admirable novel" Splendid Misery, stating that "the more a Novelist can confine himself within the rules of the Drama, so much the more he will be likely to attain the chief end of a novel,-the rational amusement of a polished class of readers" (iv). Richelieu reads like a (melo)drama - rhetorical structures are very much in place both to heighten the drama and to ensure the reader's "rational amusement."

Richelieu is the story of a fallen woman; in this case, Madame (Rose) Michelin, who is only 18 and falls prey to the weaknesses of her heart. At the beginning of the story, Gertrude, the servant, is preparing breakfast when Madame Michelin comes down in a very distraught state. Gertrude was once Madame Michelin's governess, and she tries to cheer her up with memories of her youth and the husband she was so fortunate to marry. Madame Michelin is inconsolable, however, and when a letter arrives from Monsieur de La Fosse, the valet of Duke de Richelieu, Madame Michelin reveals that the man they have long acknowledged as La Fosse is actually Richelieu in disguise. Gertrude is shocked, because Richelieu is notorious for his seduction of young women and destruction of marriages. She demands to know how Madame Michelin came into contact with Richelieu.

Next, Madame Michelin confesses the history of her affair to Gertrude. She first talks about her marriage to Monsieur Michelin, a union to which she submitted solely to obey her parents. They have been married four years, and although she enjoys their growing friendship, she admits that she has never truly loved him. She first encountered Richelieu three months earlier in a neighboring church, where they made eye contact and she instantly fell in love. She continued to visit the church in order to see him, and she enjoyed his flirtations. Richelieu then began to visit their home under the name of La Fosse, and Monsieur Michelin, a furnisher of homes, accepted him warmly in hopes of one day working for the rich and powerful Richelieu. Richelieu declared his love to Madame Michelin, who threatened to break off the affair and tell her husband everything. However, she then received a letter from the "Duchess of Richelieu," who requested that Madame Michelin come to her home to consult about some furniture. Escorted to the Richelieu house, she discovered La Fosse, who revealed himself to be Richelieu. Overpowered by his advances, her "ruin was accomplished," and she returned home full of despair (16). Gertrude assures her that she is a victim of a crime and not complicit herself, but Madame Michelin is inconsolable in her guilt.

Monsieur Michelin arrives home, bringing with him Armand, a family friend, who is a young man of 30. He has been away for a year and reveals that he has been working as a philosopher for Duke de Richelieu. Monsieur Michelin expresses his admiration for La Fosse (Richelieu), but Armand (who actually knows the valet) describes La Fosse as presumptuous and obsequious. Michelin suggests that they all meet for dinner that evening to resolve the dispute once and for all. The conversation then turns to Richelieu himself, and Michelin reports the rumor that Richelieu has had an "intrigue" in their neighborhood. Michelin speculates that the participant is Madame Renaud, a widow who may have abused her freedom. Madame Richelieu's guilt continues to accumulate as she refuses to offer her own opinion about Richelieu's latest conquest. Armand exalts the political and military talents of Richelieu, but castigates him for his philandering with women. Madame Michelin, left alone, worries about Madame Renaud, her rival for Richelieu's affections. Drawing up her strength, she composes a letter to end her affair with Richelieu.

Armand returns to Richelieu, and they discuss his recent military victory and his election to the French Academy. They are interrupted by the arrival of Madame Renaud, who recognizes Armand from prior social gatherings with the Michelins. She enquires after Madame Michelin, and Armand sarcastically (and ironically) replies that while Madame Renaud may now be "a rover in the great world," Madame Michelin remains retired within her home (40). He leaves, and Richelieu further seduces Madame Renaud to believe that his affections for her are real. Gertrude arrives with Madame Michelin's letter. Madame Renaud, recognizing Gertrude, calls Richelieu a traitor. He tries to cover up his relationship with Madame Michelin, but Madame Renaud still suspects their involvement. Richelieu reads Madame Michelin's letter, which forbids him to visit their home ever again. Accordingly, he resolves to go there at once.

Back at home, Madame Michelin tries to come to terms with her guilt, reading melancholy sonnets and a poem called "The Penitent's Complaint." She fears the disclosure of her indiscretion and wishes for the escape of death. Richelieu arrives at their home, and he is shocked by Madame Michelin's altered appearance. Her beauty has faded as a result of her distress. Monsieur Michelin enters, happy to see La Fosse (Richelieu), and they discuss Richelieu's recent victories. Michelin then declares to La Fosse (Richelieu) how fortunate he feels to have a wife that is so faithful to him, a statement that only amplifies Madame Michelin's guilt. Michelin invites La Fosse (Richelieu) to dine with them that evening, an event that would surely expose the affair, since Armand knows La Fosse's true identity. Perceiving Madame Michelin's agitation, Gertrude quickly makes up an excuse, reminding Madame Michelin that she has a prior engagement to dine with her cousin in the Fauxbourg St. Germain.

Richelieu, not to be dissuaded, concocts a plan to bring his rival women together to dine with him at his Petite Maison (a house of notorious and illicit activities). He resolves to bribe the coach driver to bring the unsuspecting Madame Michelin to him by a circuitous route. Richelieu returns home to discover an urgent summons to the embassy, where he has the chance to become a Regent. More concerned about his love affairs, he sends Armand in his place.

La Fosse finds Richelieu to report the successful conveyance of Madame Michelin, and he goes downstairs to meet her. She is extremely emotional and agitated, but he continues to bewitch her with flimsy yet articulate professions of love. They are interrupted by the arrival of Madame Renaud. The women, understandably appalled to discover each other, castigate Richelieu for his indiscretion. La Fosse then appears to announce Armand's return. Madame Michelin hides herself behind a large screen, but Armand discovers her when she faints. She reveals her involvement with Richelieu, and Armand escorts her home through a terrible, raging storm. She arrives in the grip of fever and exhaustion. Although Armand assures her that "all those who know will still love and esteem you," she is certain that death is near and resolves herself to its swift arrival (117).

Michelin and Richelieu arrive in the Michelin home at the same moment. Michelin still believes that Richelieu is La Fosse, and Armand takes advantage of the situation, proceeding to desecrate the Duke's character. He reveals Richelieu's penchant for seduction, violence, and crime through several specific examples. Madame Michelin, on the edge of death, emerges from her room. Beholding Armand, Richelieu, and her husband, she confesses her affair as well as Richelieu's masquerade. Michelin aims a pistol at Richelieu, but Armand turns it aside so that the bullet strikes a mirror instead. Richelieu commands Armand to leave with him, but Armand declares that he will never again enter his house.

Madame Michelin becomes more and more ill. Her husband, Armand, and Gertrude stay beside her; they remain convinced of her virtue. However, after days and days of mental anguish and physical turmoil, Madame Michelin finally succumbs to death.

Catherine Gore concludes her novel with a lesson for "the still innocent female" (148). She advises the preservation of virtue at all costs. When virtue disappears, misfortune and death cannot be far behind: "Doubtless, virtue (if the fault be involuntary) will be left them; but virtue, after crime, is only the effort of an everlasting repentance which yearns to destroy itself!" (149)

- Prepared by Amy Krivohlavek, University of Nebraska, December 2002.