He carried still further his ambitious foresight; in February, 1615, at the time when the session of the states-general closed, Marshal d'Ancre and Leonora Galigai were still favorites with the queen-mother; Richelieu laid himself out to be pleasant to them, and received from the marshal in 1616 the post of secretary of state for war and foreign affairs.

Marshal d'Ancre was at that time looking out for supports against his imminent downfall.

When, in 1617, he fell and was massacred, people were astonished to find Richelieu on good terms with the marshal's court-rival Albert de Luynes, who pressed him to remain in the council at which he had sat for only five months.

To what extent was the Bishop of Lucon at that time on terms of understanding with the victor?
There is no saying; but to accept the responsibility of the new favorite's accession was a compromising act.

Richelieu judged it more prudent to remain Bishop of Lucon and to wear the appearance of defeat by following Mary de' Medici to Blois, whither, since the fall of her favorites, she had asked leave to retire.