M. Noirtier de Villefort — The Count of Monte Cristo

While Valentine meets Maximilian in the garden, Villefort and Madame de Villefort visit her paralyzed grandfather Noirtier in his room. They tell him Valentine will marry Franz de Quesnel, Baron d'Épinay, in less than three months. Villefort speaks as if the decision were already settled and even calls the match a way to heal an old feud between the two families.

Noirtier cannot speak or move, but his eyes show fury. His face turns purple with silent rage while Villefort calmly opens a window and pretends the heat is bothering the old man. When Madame de Villefort asks whether to send Edward or Valentine to him, Noirtier winks to refuse Edward and closes his eyes to ask for Valentine.

Valentine comes in at once and reads her grandfather's looks. She learns that he hates the engagement as much as she does. She admits she does not love Franz and once wanted to enter a convent. Noirtier's eyes brighten when she says this, and he signals that he can still help her. Using their old alphabet game and a dictionary, he spells out that he wants a notary.

Valentine sends for her parents. Villefort mocks the request and says the scene will look ridiculous, but loyal Barrois goes to fetch a notary anyway. Noirtier has forced the law into the room, and the fight over Valentine's marriage is about to become a fight over his fortune.