Act 3

The Count is bamboozled by the events of the day, and begins to doubt the Countess's fidelity. He vows that Figaro will marry Marcellina. The Countess persuades Susanna to convince the Count of her secret desire for him, and to arrange to meet him in the garden, where the Countess herself, dressed as Susanna, will consummate the plan. Fooled by Susanna, the Count overhears her tell Figaro that he is now sure of winning his case against Marcellina. The Count rages at the thought that Figaro will get what he wants, and he himself will go without.

Barbarina and Cherubino (to be disguised as a girl) plan to join the other girls in bringing flowers to the Countess. The Countess grieves at her humiliation at having to beg for a servant's favour to save her marriage. She remembers how Almaviva used to love her, and hopes to regain his love.

Don Curzio announces the Count's decision: Figaro must marry Marcellina or pay her. Figaro says that he cannot marry without his parents' consent, and that does not know who they are. Marcellina recognises him as her own son Raffaelo, kidnapped in childhood. Bartolo is his father. Susanna catches Figaro embracing Marcellina, but soon learns the good news. The two couples will celebrate a double wedding.
Antonio tells the Count that Cherubino is still around the castle, now dressed as a girl.

The Countess dictates a note for Susanna to send the Count. Susanna seals the note with a pin. The girls present their flowers. Antonio and the Count catch Cherubino, and are about to punish him when Barbarina interrupts them. During the wedding, Susanna slips the note to the Count, who pricks his finger on the pin.

Please see next page for Act 4