The Poisoning in the Villefort Household

Details the series of poisonings orchestrated by Madame de Villefort to secure her son's inheritance.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

First Victims

First Victims The Saint-Merans Madame de Villefort poisons the Marquis and Marquise de Saint-Meran, Valentine's wealthy grandparents. Their deaths increase the fortune that will eventually go to her son Edward. The deaths are attributed to natural causes, but suspicion lingers. Barrois's Death Barrois, the loyal servant of Noirtier, dies after drinking a lemonade intended for Noirtier. The poison was meant for the old man, but Barrois accidentally consumed it. This death alerts Noirtier to the danger.

Attempt on Valentine

Attempt on Valentine The Poisoned Lemonade Valentine is the main target. Her stepmother, Madame de Villefort, regularly poisons her drink. Noirtier, suspecting foul play, begins to give Valentine small doses of the same poison to build her immunity. When the dose is increased, Valentine appears to die. The Plot Exposed Monte Cristo, who has been watching, reveals the truth to Noirtier and Maximilian. He arranges for Valentine to be taken to safety and given an antidote. The plot is exposed, but Madame de Villefort remains undetected until the end.

Final Revelation and Death

Final Revelation and Death Confrontation with Villefort Villefort confronts his wife after learning the truth from d'Avrigny. He gives her a choice: die by poison or face the scaffold. She chooses poison. The Tragedy Madame de Villefort poisons herself and also her son Edward, unwilling to leave him behind. Villefort returns to find both dead. This final blow drives him mad.

August 1839

September 1839

October 1839