The Count received an unexpected visit from Albert Morcerf , who tells him that he and his mother (The Count's old flame, Mercedes) were talking about him the past four days, and that she would like the Count to attent a summer ball that Albert's father has arranged.

Albert returns from his trip to the country with his mother, Mercedes, and visits with the Count to invite him to a ball he's planning on throwing in the next few days. For this, Albert has two reasons: first, because he wishes very much to arrange a marriage between Eugenie Danglars and Andrea Cavalcanti (which Baron Danglars also wants); and second, because Mercedes has mentioned she wants to speak more intimately with the Count. At this second piece of information, the Count shudders but tries to maintain his composure.
It is not exactly clear to the reader at this stage why the Count is unwilling to meet with Mercedes face-to-face. It can be intuited that the Count is simply avoiding Mercedes because the thought of their interaction is too great for his heart to bear. Or, it could be that the Count understands that his desire for revenge against Fernand will indirectly harm Mercedes and Albert, and there is nothing he can do about this.
Active Themes
Justice, Revenge, and God's Will Theme Icon Changes of Identity and Station Theme Icon Love, Devotion, and Redemption Theme Icon Debt and Gratitude Theme Icon
Literary Devices
Allusions
Hyperbole
 
Albert argues that Eugenie would make a wonderful mistress but a terrible wife, and so he feels that it's best if she does marry Andrea. The Count, after some cajoling, says that he will in fact go to the ball because Mercedes requests his attendance.
Albert feels that he has been freed of a social obligation to Eugenie, allowing Danglars to continue to push for Eugenie's marriage to Andrea.