The Count of Monte Cristo

Chapter 73. The Promise

Chapter 73. The Promise depicts a pivotal encounter between Maximilian Morrel and Valentine de Villefort at the gate under the chestnut-trees. Morrel arrives tormented by premonitions of misfortune following the return of Madame de Saint-Méran and the death of the marquis, fearing that his attachment to Valentine will be undone. Valentine discloses that her family intends to finalize her engagement to Baron Franz d’Épinay as soon as he arrives, with the contract to be signed the following day. Morrel confirms d’Épinay’s arrival in Paris after witnessing his entrance at Monte Cristo’s home. Desperate, Morrel urges Valentine to resist the forced marriage, offering to take her abroad and marry her, but she initially refuses to defy her dying grandmother and father. When Morrel then calmly announces his intention to take his own life rather than endure her loss, Valentine breaks down and capitulates, swearing she will flee with him if the contract signing cannot be prevented. The two exchange solemn vows—Valentine promises to resist the marriage and meet Morrel at the gate if necessary, while Morrel agrees to wait for her signal—thus sealing their secret pact.

Morrel’s Foreboding Visit to the Villefort Gate

Maximilian Morrel arrives pale and trembling at the gate under the chestnut-trees at M. de Villefort’s residence. Driven by a lover’s instinct and uneasy forebodings following Madame de Saint-Méran’s return and the marquis’s death, he senses that something is about to occur regarding his attachment to Valentine. Valentine, unaware of the cause of his distress but drawn to the spot by accident or sympathy, runs to meet him when he calls.

Valentine Learns of Her Imminent Engagement to d’Épinay

Valentine, trusting Morrel completely, confides that her engagement to Baron Franz d’Épinay has been broached that very morning. Far from serving as her ally, her grandmother Madame de Saint-Méran has declared herself favorable to the match and so eagerly anticipates it that the families are only awaiting d’Épinay’s arrival, with the contract to be signed the following day. Morrel reacts with a deep, mournful sigh.

Morrel Confirms Franz d’Épinay’s Arrival in Paris

Morrel confirms the imminent threat by recounting that he was at Monte Cristo’s home an hour earlier when a carriage drew into the courtyard. His presentiments overwhelmed him at the sound of footsteps on the staircase, and when Albert de Morcerf entered followed by Baron Franz d’Épinay, his worst fears were realized. He departed without hearing a word that was said, bearing the certainty that d’Épinay has come to claim Valentine.

Morrel Urges Valentine to Resist the Forced Marriage

Morrel urges Valentine not to waste precious time in passive sorrow but to act immediately against their ill-fortune. He asks her plainly whether she intends to struggle against the family’s plans, emphasizing that the moment demands decisive resistance rather than resignation. He makes clear that his very life depends upon her answer.

Valentine Refuses to Defy Her Family

Valentine is astonished by the very idea of opposing her father’s will and her dying grandmother’s wishes, calling such resistance sacrilege. She insists she has no choice but to gather her strength, suffer in secret, and submit to her family’s arrangements, declaring outright that defiance is impossible.

Morrel Threatens Suicide Over the Upcoming Marriage

Morrel, his calmness masking a desperate resolve, declares that if Valentine submits to the marriage he will have no further reason to live. He details his plan: he will wait until the very moment she is wed, clinging to the slender hope of some miraculous chance that might prevent it, and when all hope is lost he will write farewell letters to his brother-in-law and the prefect of police before taking his own life in some solitary place. His words are spoken with such chilling tranquility that Valentine understands his intention is not mere rhetoric.

Valentine Promises to Flee with Morrel to Avoid the Wedding

Valentine, breaking under the weight of her love, abandons her resistance and swears she will be Morrel’s. She promises that if her prayers and entreaties fail to delay the contract signing—if her father and Madame de Saint-Méran insist—she will go to Morrel and they will fly together. She names the notary M. Deschamps as the one who will confirm the time of the signing, arranges for a carriage to await her at the gate, and the two exchange a near-kiss through the barrier before parting with the words “Adieu, then, till we meet again.”