Act 2

The Countess prays for her husband's love. When Susanna tells her that the Count has tried to seduce her, they scheme with Figaro how to make the Count stay faithful. Figaro has sent the Count an 'anonymous' note to warn him that the Countess is planning an assignation. This will distract the Count by sending him into his own orbit of jealousy. Susanna warns that Marcellina could still prevent the wedding. Figaro suggests they send Cherubino, dressed as a girl, to meet the Count in the garden instead of Susanna. The Countess will then catch him in mid-seduction, and have him at her mercy.

Susanna and the Countess begin to feminise Cherubino, and notice that his commission has no seal. The Countess finds the stolen ribbon, decides to keep it, and sends Susanna for a replacement. Cherubino and the Countess almost kiss.

The Count tries to enter the room, but the door is locked. Cherubino hides in the closet. The Countess opens the door, and the Count confronts her with Figaro's anonymous note arranging an assignation. Cherubino knocks something in the closet, and the Count suspects that this is the Countess's lover in hiding. The Countess says it is Susanna. When the Countess refuses to unlock the closet door, the Count takes her to fetch tools to force it open. Susanna lets Cherubino out of the closet. He jumps out of the window and runs away.
With the Count about to force the door, Countess admits that the person hiding is not Susanna, but Cherubino. The Count opens the door, but it is Susanna who emerges. The Countess confronts the Count with his unjust suspicions, and he begs forgiveness. She explains that the note from Figaro was sent to test him. The Count prevents Figaro from leading them off to the wedding, and asks him to explain the note. He denies knowing anything about it, but the Countess and Susanna tell him they have explained everything. The Count wishes Marcellina would hurry up and put a stop to the wedding. Antonio says he saw a man jump out of the Countess's window. Figaro says that he was the one who jumped, and that he has twisted his ankle. Antonio has found Cherubino's commission, and the women prompt Figaro to explain that it needed the Count's seal. Marcellina demands that Figaro marries her in repayment of the loan. The Count promises to give his judgement.

Please see next page for Act 3