The Count of Monte Cristo

The Interment

The Villefort vault is a square white stone mausoleum approximately twenty feet high, divided internally to separate the two families. Unlike typical tombs with stacked drawers, this structure contains a single gloomy room. The two coffins are placed on prepared trestles in the right-hand Saint-Méran crypt. Only Villefort, Franz, and close relatives enter the sanctuary. The religious ceremonies having been completed at the entrance, the mourners separate. Morrel observes Franz and Villefort departing together in the same carriage, which fills him with foreboding. Despite being in the same carriage as Château-Renaud and Albert, Morrel hears nothing of their conversation.

Villefort Proposes the Marriage Contract

Returning to Paris, Villefort invites Franz into his study and immediately raises the subject of the marriage contract. He invokes Madame de Saint-Méran’s deathbed wish that Valentine’s wedding not be postponed. The Marchioness’s affairs are in perfect order; her will bequeaths the entire Saint-Méran property to Valentine. The notary, M. Deschamps, has the documents ready. When Franz hesitates, suggesting Valentine in deep distress may not wish to think of marriage, Villefort assures him Valentine will have no greater pleasure than fulfilling her grandmother’s final wishes.

Preparations for the Signing

Villefort declares the contract could have been signed three days prior but can be completed immediately. Franz accepts, noting he has pledged his word and will feel pleasure in adhering to it. When Franz raises the matter of mourning, Villefort explains Valentine may retire to the Saint-Méran estate for the prescribed three months, where a quiet civil marriage could be celebrated. Franz then requests that Albert de Morcerf and Raoul de Château-Renaud attend as his witnesses. After Franz departs to summon them, Villefort sends for Valentine and the notary. The news creates a sensation throughout the house; Madame de Villefort refuses to believe it while Valentine stands thunderstruck. Villefort intercepts Valentine on the stairs and leads her to the drawing-room.

The Notary and the Disinheritance

The notary, M. Deschamps, arrives along with Franz and his witnesses. Valentine appears deathly pale with visible blue veins, while Franz is deeply affected. Madame de Villefort sits in shadow behind a velvet curtain, clutching her son Edward. After arranging papers according to custom, the notary addresses Franz formally before announcing that Noirtier has entirely disinherited Valentine due to her projected marriage, though he hastens to add the will cannot bear legal scrutiny and is declared null and void. Villefort immediately declares that during his lifetime his father’s will shall never be questioned. Franz expresses regret that such a matter arose but declares he has never inquired about Valentine’s fortune and seeks only happiness in the alliance. Villefort attempts to explain Noirtier’s behavior as mere selfishness arising from losing his faithful companion.

A Summons from Noirtier

As Villefort finishes speaking, Barrois appears with a strange firmness to announce that M. Noirtier wishes to speak immediately with M. Franz de Quesnel, baron d’Épinay. The room erupts in astonishment. Villefort starts, Madame de Villefort nearly drops Edward, and Valentine rises pale and mute. Albert and Château-Renaud exchange looks of deeper amazement. When Villefort declares it impossible for Franz to leave, Barrois insists this is precisely when his master wishes to speak on important matters. Villefort attempts to send Valentine alone to discover what Noirtier wants, but quickly changes his mind, declaring he will accompany her.

Franz Insists on Seeing Noirtier

Franz politely but firmly refuses Villefort’s attempt to prevent him from seeing Noirtier, declaring he wishes to pay his respects and prove his devotion. Despite Villefort’s marked uneasiness and request that Franz not disturb himself, Franz arises and follows Valentine, who runs downstairs with the joy of a shipwrecked mariner finding a rock. Villefort follows them, leaving Château-Renaud and Morcerf exchanging a third look of increasing wonder.

KAPITEL 75. A Signed Statement

This chapter centers on Noirtier de Villefort convening a meeting with Villefort, his granddaughter Valentine, and Franz d’Épinay to reveal long-buried details about the 1815 murder of Franz’s father, General d’Épinay, while also laying bare the political machinations that led to the general’s death. This chapter centers on the revelation of the identity of the man who killed Franz d’Épinay’s father, unfolding after Franz reads a signed witness statement detailing the circumstances of the general’s death, and culminating in a shocking confession from Noirtier de Villefort.