Contents
Chapter 85.
Overview
Monte Cristo whisks Albert to a secluded Normandy retreat, briefly escaping Paris and showcasing his reach and resources. Their respite ends when Beauchamp’s dispatch delivers a paper exposing Fernand—now Count of Morcerf—as Ali Pasha’s betrayer. Shattered, Albert rides back to Paris, setting the scandal in motion.
Summary
Monte Cristo greets Albert de Morcerf and Beauchamp, dismissing rumors and discussing the Danglars–Cavalcanti marriage, which he claims to have opposed. He mentions doubts about Andrea’s past and the nuisance of police attention after Caderousse’s murder. Seeing Albert dispirited, Monte Cristo proposes a swift escape to sea and invites him on a journey.
Beauchamp declines to monitor the press; Albert accepts. Monte Cristo orders relays and, with Bertuccio’s arrangements and Ali as postilion, they race overnight to a Normandy seaside estate. Albert marvels at the speed and Monte Cristo’s resources and control over his servants.
At the estate, luxury and leisure abound: hunting, fishing, and plans for a conservatory. Albert, exhausted, naps while Monte Cristo consults an architect. Life appears serene and insulated from Parisian turmoil.
On the third evening, Albert’s valet Florentin arrives unexpectedly with a letter and newspaper from Beauchamp. Albert reads, collapses with shock, then demands a horse to return to Paris instantly, driven by fury and concern for his mother. Monte Cristo urges a carriage, but Albert insists on riding.
After Albert departs, Monte Cristo reads the article: a paper identifies the traitorous French officer who sold Ali Pasha of Yanina as Fernand—now the Count of Morcerf. Thus the suppressed scandal resurfaces publicly, propelling Albert back to confront the disgrace.
Who Appears
- undefinedProposes a rapid escape to Normandy, arranges lavish travel and estate comforts, then reads the article exposing Morcerf.
- Albert de MorcerfAccepts Monte Cristo’s trip, enjoys the retreat, then, upon reading the scandal naming his father, rushes back to Paris enraged.
- BeauchampConfirms rumors subsided, declines the trip to monitor the press, and later sends Albert the explosive article and letter.
- BertuccioEfficiently organizes relays of horses and travel logistics for Monte Cristo’s rapid journey to Normandy.
- AliDrives the relay horses at remarkable speed, embodying Monte Cristo’s command of travel.
- undefinedAlbert’s valet who delivers Beauchamp’s urgent letter and newspaper to Normandy.
- undefinedAttends Monte Cristo upon arrival at the Normandy estate.
- undefinedBriefly informed of Monte Cristo’s departure and left in charge during his absence.