The conspirators; or, The chevalier d'Harmental

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

27385

Title

The conspirators; or, The chevalier d'Harmental

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Set in 1718 France, this historical adventure follows Raoul d'Harmental, a nobleman drawn into a high-stakes conspiracy against the Regent. Featuring swashbuckling duels, political intrigue, and a passionate romance, the novel blends Dumas's signature wit with dramatic suspense. Ideal for readers of classic adventure and romance.

Summary up to 500 words

Set in 1718 France, Alexandre Dumas's *The Conspirators; or, The Chevalier d'Harmental* weaves a tale of political intrigue, honor, and enduring love against the backdrop of the Regency of Philippe d'Orléans. The narrative centers on Raoul d'Harmental, a young chevalier whose life is upended when he overhears a plot by the Duchesse de Maine and her circle to abduct the Regent and take him to Spain. Their goal is to prevent his marriage to the Duchess of Burgundy, a union that would secure power for a rival dynasty. Raoul, driven by a sense of honor and loyalty, joins forces with Captain Roquefinette, a seasoned soldier leading a band of loyal men, to thwart the conspiracy. The stakes are raised dramatically when the Regent orders the execution of Raoul's beloved, Bathilde, alongside her lover, Jean Buvat. In a harrowing turn, the Regent spares Raoul's life but condemns him to death, while Bathilde faces the scaffold. However, a twist of fate intervenes. The Regent, in a moment of capricious mercy, grants Raoul his life but initially intends to separate the lovers. Instead, they are escorted to the Bastille, where, in a poignant ceremony witnessed by their conspirators and guards, they are married in extremis within the fortress walls. Rather than execution, the Regent's decree leads to their unexpected freedom. The couple is transported to the Bois de Vincennes, escaping the prison's grim confines. The novel explores the volatile nature of power, the resilience of love against political machinations, and the themes of loyalty and sacrifice. Secondary characters, including the cunning Abbé Brigaud and the brilliant Duc de Richelieu, navigate their own complex fates, with Richelieu eventually emerging from a brief captivity to greater fame. The story concludes with the dispersal of the conspirators and the triumph of the protagonists, highlighting how love and personal integrity can withstand the crushing weight of historical events. Through this dramatic narrative, Dumas captures the essence of the French Regency era, blending historical fact with romantic adventure.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

Download URL

https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/27385.epub.noimages

Local file path

data/epubs/pg27385.epub

Removed after upload

Downloaded at

2026-07-03 05:48 UTC

Categories

• History
• Fiction
• Politics