Valmont

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Maman!

Cecile, darling.

Cecile, do you remember Madame de Merteuil?

Why, yes, of course.

What a beautiful young lady.

The last time I saw you, you were just a little girl.

Madame, is it true that I'm getting married?

Who told you that?

Everybody's been talking about it.

I'm not supposed to say anything...

...but yes, it's true.

-To whom? -I can't say.

-Please, Madame, please. -I mean, I don't know.

Your mother's been so secretive about it.

But can you try and find out, please?

It's really sweet to see Cecile so excited about her marriage.

Yes, she's excited, very excited.

-lt almost has me worried. -Why?

She's been at that convent since she was .

She's so innocent, so unprepared.

As long as her husband doesn't mind.

On the contrary. He seems obsessed by her purity, virginity.

Who is he?

It was he who suggested that she stay at the convent till the wedding.

That's very thoughtful. I like this in a man.

Who is he?

I'd rather not say.

I agreed to let him make the announcement.

I see.

My dear, I'd love you to spend some time with Cecile.

She could learn so much from you.

I want her to enter this marriage as innocent as she is...

...and as wise as you are.

You flatter me.

Cecile.

Do you see how I hold my fan?

Yes.

-Vicomte. -Madame.

Mademoiselle.

Won't you introduce me to your enchanting friend?

Cecile, if you allow your hand to be held too long...

...men will take it as an encouragement.

Is this your first opera, mademoiselle?

Should I answer?

If you do answer...

...a man will take it as an invitation.

If you don't, a gentleman will know he should leave.

So what should I do?

What do you want to do?

Yes, this is my first opera.

-I've never been to one before. -Do you do any singing yourself?

Monsieur de Valmont, may I have a word with you, please?

That young lady is the daughter of my cousin...

...Madame de Volanges.

She's about to get married, and she's under my protection.

So you keep away from her.

How old did you say she was?

Fifteen, you monster.

I just wanted to let you know that I'm going to leave Paris for a while.

Where are you going?

Do you really want to know?

If you want to tell me.

I'm going to visit my old aunt.

Your old aunt.

My old aunt, yes.

How old is your old aunt?

You know her, Madame de Rosemonde.

Madame de Rosemonde is still alive?

So if you get bored with playing chaperon, you'll know where to find me.

And if you come, I'll be very happy.

Very happy.

Give my love to Madame de Rosemonde.

Who was that?

Cecile, that man is very bad for a young lady's reputation.

Your mother shouldn't even know he was in our box.

Is he your lover?

Cecile...

One doesn't ask questions like that.

Certainly not of a widow.

Widows don't have lovers?

No, they don't.

More.

More?

I want more.

Then...

...you might have to find yourself another lover.

No.

I'm very happy with the one I have.

You're not bored yet?

Unspeakably bored.

When shall I see you again?

Monday?

Monday. I can't.

-Tuesday? -Tuesday...

I'm afraid not.

Wednesday?

I'll have to let you know.

Are you seeing somebody else?

Of course not.

Good afternoon, Madame.

No, it's A in the right hand, not B-flat.

-Madame! -No. Don't stop.

This is...

I'm sorry.

-Chevalier de Danceny. -Yes, Danceny.

He's giving me my music lessons.

-Nervous? -Madame, feel my heart.

Don't be silly. Everyone will love your singing.

That's not it.

It's my husband, my fiance.

I know he's going to be there. I know my mother's invited him.

Can you try and find out who he is?

Please?

My dear.

Cecile is so nervous. Poor thing.

She believes that her fiance is here today. Is he?

See? How does she know that? She's so clever.

-I never told her anything. -Which one is he?

-You'll keep it to yourself? -Of course.

Come. I'll introduce you, but...

Why is he so secretive?

I think he has a mistress, and he's having trouble getting rid of her.

I heard she's a little...

I understand.

Monsieur de Gercourt, may I introduce you to Madame de Merteuil?

You two know one another?

Do we?

If you remember that we do, madame...

...then your memory must be better than mine.

Then I suppose that we don't.

You couldn't have made a better choice, my dear.

"A knight riding through the glade

"Chanced on a pretty maid

"And as the sunlight played

"He wooed the pretty lady

"'Sir, go thy way,' the maiden replied

"'My lord came today to make me his bride

"'There are others, other roses

"'Leave me to my lord and go'

"Now, he did not believe it true

"Swore he would win the maid

"But her lord came and slew

"Both knight and pretty lady

"Friends, though your rose be so fair..."

She's so adorable.

I can't even feel jealous.

I wish you all the happiness in the world.

Thank you.

Lovely.

Is she...

Just resting, sir. Just resting.

-Shall I... -No.

Let's take it out.

Is it my turn?

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