The Count of Monte Cristo

CHAPITRE 42. Monsieur Bertuccio

This chapter details Monte Cristo’s arrival at his new Parisian residence on the Champs-Élysées, the purchase of an estate at Auteuil, and his steward’s growing apprehension about the destination. The Count conducts business with a notary, signs the deed for the Auteuil property, and prepares to depart with Bertuccio in tow, despite the steward’s visible distress.

Arrival at the Champs-Élysées House

Monte Cristo arrives at his town house after a six-minute journey that draws admiration from young men envious of his expensive horses worth 20,000 francs each. The gates open before the coachman even hails the concierge, and the Count is served with lightning speed upon his arrival.

Description of the Mansion

The mansion sits on the right side of the Champs-Élysées, isolated from neighboring properties. A thick clump of trees and shrubs masks part of the front, with two alleys branching left and right to form a carriage-drive. Iron gates lead to a double portico where porcelain vases filled with flowers line each step. The house has a main entrance and a secondary one on Rue de Ponthieu.

Meeting with Bertuccio

Count greets his steward with thanks and inquires about the notary, who awaits in the small salon. Bertuccio reports that the visiting cards have been engraved and the first delivered to Baron Danglars. The time is four o’clock. Monte Cristo hands his hat, cane, and gloves to a French footman and enters the small salon, preceded by Bertuccio, whom he dismisses the antechamber’s “indifferent marbles.”

The Notary’s Visit

A provincial solicitor arrives to complete the sale of a country house. Monte Cristo asks if the deed is ready and reveals he does not know the property’s location. The notary explains the house is at Auteuil, close to Passy, in the heart of the Bois de Boulogne. Bertuccio reacts with visible distress to this revelation.

Learning of the Auteuil Estate

Monte Cristo feigns ignorance of the property’s whereabouts, claiming he only saw an advertisement with the false title “a country house.” The notary describes it as a charming location with spring-water, fine trees, valuable old furniture, and magnificent surroundings. The Count decides to keep the property despite its proximity to Paris.

Bertuccio’s Apprehension

Bertuccio grows increasingly agitated when the house at Auteuil is mentioned. His copper complexion turns livid, and he appears to fight against revealing something. The Count notices his steward’s nervous trembling, which he attributes to great disquietude. Bertuccio cannot bring himself to answer the Count’s question about what has happened to him.

Signing the Purchase Deed

Monte Cristo rapidly signs the deed after reviewing the property details. He instructs Bertuccio to pay fifty-five thousand francs, and the steward departs with faltering steps before returning with banknotes. The notary counts the money and confirms all forms are complete, with keys held by the house concierge.

Consulting Private Records

Alone after dismissing the notary, Monte Cristo retrieves a locked book from his pocket and opens it with a key worn around his neck. He compares notes with the deed of sale and confirms the address matches his records: “Auteuil, Rue de la Fontaine, No. 28.”

Summoning Bertuccio

The Count rings for his steward and asks if Bertuccio has traveled in France or knows the Paris environs. The steward denies knowing either, trembling noticeably. Monte Cristo declares his intention to visit the new property that evening and instructs Bertuccio to accompany him, prompting the steward to cry out in alarm at the prospect of going to Auteuil.

Departure for Auteuil

Monte Cristo writes several notes while the carriage is prepared. He orders Bertuccio to fetch his hat and gloves, instructing the steward to accompany him since he intends to reside at the house. Bertuccio complies without protest, taking his place on the front seat as the Count settles into the carriage for the journey.

CHAPITRE 43. The House at Auteuil

This chapter depicts Monte Cristo and his steward Bertuccio traveling to Auteuil, where the Count has purchased a house at Number 28 Rue de la Fontaine. During the journey, Bertuccio displays increasing distress and makes religious gestures in the Corsican manner, revealing his deep unease about visiting this particular location. The chapter builds toward a dark revelation as Bertuccio’s terror grows upon their arrival.