The Escape Plan Unfolds — Madame Bovary

Emma and Rodolphe fall in love again. She signals Justin to fetch Rodolphe and complains that Charles is awful. She wants to run away, but Rodolphe laughs and says that is impossible. The more she loves him, the more she hates her husband. She dresses up, wears jewellery, and prepares her room for each visit. Lheureux the shopkeeper sells her gifts on credit, including a riding whip for Rodolphe. When he demands payment, Emma uses money from a patient and pays part of the bill.

Rodolphe grows bored with her jealous questions and midnight tests. Emma acts boldly in public, even smoking with him. Charles's mother visits and they fight badly. Emma hangs white paper in the window as a signal. When Rodolphe comes she begs him to carry her off and says they will take Berthe.

Emma orders a cloak, trunk, and bag and sets a September date to flee. Charles knows nothing. He dreams by Berthe's crib about her future while Emma plans escape. On the Saturday before, they sit in moonlight and she swears she will go anywhere with him. He kisses her and walks home. Alone under a tree he thinks of the trouble, the cost, and the child. He says no, a thousand times no. Running away would be too stupid.