The Catalans — The Count of Monte Cristo

The chapter opens in the Catalans village, a small Spanish-speaking community near Marseilles. Inside a sun-baked cottage, Fernand begs Mercédès to marry him. She has told him no many times before and says it again plainly. She loves Edmond Dantès, and no one else will ever be her husband. When Fernand hints that Edmond may be dead or faithless, she grows angry and says she would throw herself from Cape de Morgiou if harm came to Edmond.

Edmond's voice calls from outside, and Mercédès runs to him. Their reunion is full of joy. Fernand watches, pale and shaking. Edmond shakes his hand and treats him as family. Mercédès warns Fernand that she would leave her own home if Edmond were truly threatened here. Edmond invites Fernand, Danglars, and Caderousse to the wedding feast.

At La Réserve, Danglars and Caderousse sit drinking while Fernand broods. Danglars toasts Captain Edmond Dantès and his bride. Fernand smashes his glass. Edmond and Mercédès pass by, happy and open, and set the wedding for tomorrow or the next day. Edmond also says he must go to Paris on Captain Leclère's last commission. Danglars hears that and thinks the letter gives him a capital idea. Edmond walks away smiling, not knowing the plot is already taking shape behind him.