The entire Villefort household erupted into chaos when the Count of Monte Cristo arrived. He'd come to return a courtesy visit to the prosecutor, and his name alone was enough to send everyone into a frenzy.
Madame de Villefort sat alone in her drawing room when the butler announced him. She immediately sent for her son Edward, wanting the boy to thank the Count again for saving his life. Edward hurried in, not out of gratitude or obedience, but pure curiosity. He'd heard everyone talking about this mysterious man for two whole days, and he was dying to see what all the fuss was about. Plus, he enjoyed making outrageous comments that made his mother say, "Oh, that terrible child! But I can't be too harsh with him, he's just so clever."
After exchanging pleasantries, the Count asked about Monsieur de Villefort.
"My husband is dining with the chancellor tonight," the young woman replied. "He just left, and I'm sure he'll be devastated to have missed you."
