第七十八章 We hear From Yanina
The chapter centers on the aftermath of Noirtier de Villefort’s revelation of General d’Épinay’s true cause of death, which ends the engagement between his granddaughter Valentine and Franz d’Épinay, alongside parallel plot developments including Maximilian Morrel and Valentine confirming their saved union, Noirtier revising his will to leave his full fortune to Valentine, and Count Morcerf’s failed attempt to secure a marriage between his son and Eugénie Danglars.
Villefort Receives Letter Ending Franz-Valentine Engagement
After the morning’s disclosures about General d’Épinay’s death, Villefort receives a letter from Franz d’Épinay’s family formally ending the engagement between Franz and Valentine, stating Villefort should have anticipated this outcome given the morning’s events. Villefort is deeply unnerved, as he had long believed his father Noirtier was unaware of the duel that killed d’Épinay, and did not expect Noirtier to reveal this truth to Franz, prompting Franz’s abrupt departure from the Noirtier residence.
Madame de Villefort Lies About Noirtier’s Apoplectic Fit
Left alone with the notary and witnesses after Franz’s sudden exit, Madame de Villefort seeks answers from Villefort, who only confirms the engagement is broken. To avoid explaining the situation, she lies, claiming Noirtier suffered an apoplectic fit at the start of the discussion, forcing a delay of several days. The false story, following two recent similar misfortunes, astonishes the assembled guests who leave without further question.
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