Contents
Chapter 68.
Overview
Albert seeks Monte Cristo’s help regarding his engagement and learns Danglars may also want it dissolved. Monte Cristo agrees to attend the Morcerfs’ summer ball at the countess’s request and notes Franz and Valentine’s imminent marriage. Confirming Madame Danglars’s visit to Villefort, he dispatches Bertuccio to acquire a Norman estate.
Summary
Madame de Morcerf arrives home, and Albert immediately goes to visit the Count of Monte Cristo. Monte Cristo greets Albert with his usual reserve, which cools Albert’s enthusiasm. Albert seeks news and hints he hopes the count has acted on his behalf regarding his unwanted engagement to Eugénie Danglars.
Monte Cristo recounts a recent dinner with Danglars, the Villeforts, the Cavalcantis, Debray, Morrel, and Château-Renaud. He pointedly questions Andrea Cavalcanti’s title and, noting Danglars’s shifting favor, suggests Danglars may be even more eager than Albert to end the engagement. Albert admits he would gladly see it broken and confesses he only wishes Eugénie as a mistress, not a wife.
They discuss Franz d’Epinay’s impending arrival and swift marriage to Valentine once M. and Madame de Saint-Méran arrive. Albert invites Monte Cristo to a select summer ball at the Morcerfs’ on Saturday; Monte Cristo initially demurs but agrees when told Madame de Morcerf specifically requests his presence. Albert also asks that Andrea be invited directly, as Monte Cristo refuses to present him.
After Albert departs, Monte Cristo confirms with Bertuccio that Madame Danglars has spent time at the Palais (with Villefort) and returned home. Satisfied, Monte Cristo instructs Bertuccio to depart that evening to secure a small estate in Normandy, continuing his quiet preparations.
Who Appears
- undefinedReceives Albert coolly, hints Danglars wants the engagement ended, agrees to attend the Morcerfs’ ball, directs Bertuccio to Normandy.
- Albert de MorcerfVisits the count, laments marrying Eugénie, invites Monte Cristo to his family’s summer ball, discusses Franz’s marriage plans.
- BertuccioReports Madame Danglars’s visit to the Palais; sent by Monte Cristo to secure an estate in Normandy.
- undefinedReturns to Paris with Albert; her personal invitation secures Monte Cristo’s attendance at the ball.
- Baron DanglarsOffstage; Monte Cristo suggests he favors breaking Albert’s engagement and is enamored of another match.
- Andrea CavalcantiDiscussed as a dubious ‘count’; Albert is told to invite him directly to the ball.
- undefinedExpected in Paris; slated to marry Valentine promptly upon the Saint-Mérans’ arrival.
- undefinedDiscussed as a severe but just procureur; arranging Valentine’s marriage; receives Madame Danglars at the Palais.