1. This chapter felt like it was mostly a setup for the ball, which promises to be an interesting affair. The count has tried to avoid Mercedes, and if I’m not mistaken hasn’t seen her since his breakfast introduction to Paris. I think it’s clear that she knows who he is, and I think he’s smart enough to know that he hasn’t fooled her. I think he didn’t want her to be at his dinner party because it would have been too hard for him to keep up the charade, and pull off the dead baby story, with her in the room. But at this ball he probably won’t be able to avoid her.

2. Albert seems really thirsty for the count’s friendship. The way he ran over to his place and asked if he’d done anything for him. Part of it may just be that Albert is spoiled, but it made me wonder how their relationship will play out once the count takes his revenge on the young man’s father.

3. I was confused by the ending of the chapter. When Bertuccio leaves to look for the little estate in Normandy, I thought he would have already purchased it for him, or is this some other estate?

Last line:

Bertuccio bowed, and as his wishes were in perfect harmony with the order he had received, he started the same evening.

Link to previous discussion.

The next discussion will be up on Monday.