The Fifth of September (The Count of Monte Cristo — Chapter 30, Part 7)

Morrel maintains an outward calm in the days leading to September 5th, going about his routine as though nothing has changed. Yet his actions betray the truth: he holds Julie close for an unusually long time after dinner, and she later confides to her mother that his heart was beating violently despite his composed demeanor. On September 4th, he asks Julie for the key to his study — a request that terrifies her. The key has always been hers to keep, and he has never asked for it except as a childhood punishment. Sensing danger, she delays and immediately consults Emmanuel, who urges her not to give up the key and to stay by her father’s side as much as possible the next day. That night, Madame Morrel listens in agony as her husband paces restlessly until three in the morning before collapsing onto the bed. Mother and daughter pass the night together in dread, waiting for Maximilian’s arrival. At eight the next morning, Morrel enters their room. He is calm, even tender — but his pallor and exhausted features reveal the turmoil of the night. He shows Julie and her mother an unusual level of affection, kissing Julie repeatedly and gazing at her with sorrowful intensity. When Julie attempts to follow him, remembering Emmanuel’s warning, Morrel gently stops her: she must remain with her mother. His tone leaves no room for refusal.   Links Explore every chapter and insight: https://countdownofmontecristo.com Join the reader community on Discord: https://discord.gg/Sg2prdm Support the project and unlock bonus readings: https://patreon.com/gruntworkpod Watch daily readings on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@countdownofmontecristo   The Countdown of Monte Cristo is a daily podcast reading one page at a time from Alexandre Dumas’ classic novel — every day, for four years. Whether you’re starting from the beginning or joining mid-journey, each episode brings you deeper into the story of The Count of Monte Cristo.