The Mysteries of Udolpho

Emily Observes Montoni on the Castle Rampart

Hearing commotion, footsteps, and horse noises fading from the castle, Emily rushes to her casement and sees Montoni with his officers on the rampart, pointing toward the approaching threat, while soldiers prepare cannon at the far end of the wall; she remains absorbed in watching them, losing track of time.

Annette Reports Approaching Enemy Forces

Annette arrives and reports there is no news of Valancourt, as all castle staff claim to have no knowledge of any prisoners. She explains the castle is in chaos after Montoni’s party returned in disarray, having been pursued by enemy forces now approaching Udolpho to besiege the castle.

Emily Plans Escape with Ludovico’s Help

Hearing Annette wish the castle gate would open so she could escape, Emily realizes Ludovico may be able to help her flee. She sends Annette to secretly share her fears and mistreatment at Montoni’s hands with Ludovico, asking him to plan their escape, promising him a generous reward if he succeeds, and instructing Annette to be discreet to avoid being observed by Montoni’s men.

Montoni’s Troops Pursued by Enemy to Udolpho

The chapter reveals the origin of the approaching forces: Montoni’s troops had pillaged isolated mountain villas, sometimes disguised as common robbers or foreign invaders, and were violently repulsed from an attack on one allied castle before being pursued by enemy troops. They fled urgently to Udolpho with the enemy close behind, and their arrival threw the castle into upheaval as Montoni prepared for a siege.

Carlo Informs Emily She Must Leave Udolpho

Carlo arrives with an order from Montoni that Emily must leave Udolpho immediately, as the castle is about to be besieged; mules are prepared to take her and her guides to a cottage on the Tuscany border at the foot of the Apennines, a day’s journey away. Emily is torn between joy at the prospect of escaping Udolpho and fear that Montoni is removing her to enact a new vengeance scheme, and sorrow that Valancourt may still be trapped in the castle.

Annette Is Refused Permission to Accompany Emily

Annette returns after begging Montoni to allow her to accompany Emily, but he sharply refuses and orders his men to remove her from his presence when she pleads for both herself and Ludovico. Devastated, Annette returns to Emily, who fears the harsh refusal bodes ill for her own situation.

Emily Departs Udolpho with Armed Guides

Emily is summoned to the castle court where her mules and armed guides are waiting. She tries to comfort the weeping Annette, then bids her farewell, mounts her mule, and leaves Udolpho through the main portal. As she exits, she feels the unanticipated joy of a prisoner suddenly set free, despite the unknown dangers of the journey ahead.

Emily Watches Udolpho Recede, Hears Distant Cannon

As Emily travels away from Udolpho, she repeatedly looks back at the castle’s turrets, anxious that the unknown prisoner she heard playing her native province’s song may be Valancourt. She hears distant cannon fire, signaling the enemy has reached Udolpho, and fears for Valancourt’s safety, fixing her gaze on the mountain overlooking the castle until it disappears from view.

Emily Questions Guide Ugo About Udolpho Prisoners

When a distant trumpet sounds, one guide rides ahead to scout, leaving Emily with the other guide, Ugo. She asks him about the prisoners at Udolpho, but he says he was away on a mountain expedition the week she first heard the mysterious music and knows nothing of the prisoners or their arrival; his surly manner makes Emily think he would not have shared information even if he had it.

Emily Fears Her Guides Are Banditti

After the second guide returns, the group travels on in silence through remote, forested mountain terrain. Emily grows uneasy when she asks about her destination and only learns she is going to a Tuscany cottage, and the guides’ countenances and Ugo’s eagerness to join the fighting make her fear they are banditti preying on travellers in the isolated area.