Valmont Page #6

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I love you.

My God. What happened?

Something awful happened, madame.

Something...

What?

I don't even know. It all happened...

Monsieur de Valmont wanted me to write...

...so I was writing that letter.

And?

You know.

Monsieur de Valmont is quite a writer, isn't he?

Believe me, madame.

I kept saying no.

But I kept doing what he wanted me to do.

But I don't love him, madame.

Really, I don't.

There were moments when...

...I felt like I did.

If my mother should find out about this.

Cecile.

You're not a little girl anymore.

Yes.

Your mother must never know about this.

But she wants me to marry Monsieur de Gercourt.

So?

You marry Monsieur de Gercourt.

But I love Danceny.

Danceny will be your lover.

You will marry Gercourt...

...and you will keep Danceny as your lover.

Do you understand?

No.

You don't marry your lover.

You don't?

I'm sorry.

I must seem very stupid to you, madame.

No.

You're the first person that...

No one's ever talked to me about these things before.

I love you, Cecile.

I love you, too, madame.

Did you like what you did with Monsieur de Valmont?

Then you have nothing to worry about, Cecile.

Good morning, madame.

Where is everybody?

Why is everybody late this morning?

Do you remember me?

Madame de Volanges.

I know.

I've come from Paris.

Why?

I've come to take my daughter home.

You know. Cecile.

She's such a little darling. We all adore her.

Yes?

Cecile!

Maman.

Good morning, ladies.

Madame, what an enchanting surprise.

Marquise.

Mademoiselle, let us see your hands.

Do you call those clean?

Go on. Quickly.

We're all so in love with your daughter. She's such a treasure.

-You must be very proud. -I certainly am, monsieur.

I would hesitate to marry her to a man she didn't love.

-I beg your pardon? -I think I would be ashamed.

I think I know what is best for my daughter's happiness, monsieur.

But can't you see that she's in love with another man?

Are you...

-Are you talking about that harp teacher? -Yes.

Are you suggesting that Cecile should marry that boy?

Exactly.

Are you losing your mind?

You can't build a lasting marriage...

...on the fancies of a -year-old girl.

Why not?

Look around you.

Look at all the tragedies caused by this illusion of love.

It's just as tragic when a mother destroys her daughter's life.

Vicomte, you know nothing of arranged marriages.

You've never even been married.

Those bonds are often very strong.

And you'd be surprised. They can often lead to true happiness.

My sweet girl.

If I understand what these people have been saying...

...you have a dilemma.

-I do? -Tell me, if it were up to you...

...would you rather marry that Monsieur de...

-Gercourt. -Exactly. Gercourt.

Or the other one...

...the one with the harp?

I'd do whatever maman wants me to do.

But that's not what my aunt is asking you. Forget maman.

If you had the choice, who would you pick? You, yourself.

I guess I would marry Monsieur de Gercourt...

...and keep Monsieur de Danceny for a lover?

And maman will have a huge scandal on her hands.

So the dilemma is solved.

Let us eat.

Are we not going to wait for Madame de Tourvel?

Madame who? Yes, of course. Madame de Tourvel.

She went back to Paris this morning.

I don't even know why.

It was all very unexpected...

...and she was in such a state.

I had difficulty going back to sleep after we said good-bye.

What did he say?

I don't know! I'm deaf in this one.

Don't tell anyone I'm back.

Sleep.

Sleep on.

Let me just stay here and look at you.

Night after night, I had to close my eyes to see your face.

-Would you rather I was quiet? -No.

Do you want me to bring you some milk?

A glass of wine?

What do you want? Tell me.

Your horse is in the stable.

Say something.

Anything. I want to hear your voice.

When does your husband come back?

It doesn't matter anymore.

I wrote him a letter while you were sleeping.

I told him everything.

-May I see the letter? -lt's gone. I couldn't wait.

No. Don't move.

I'll prepare something for you.

I'll wait on you.

I want to serve you.

"My dear...

"...I feel so much tenderness toward you...

"...that I cannot bear to face you when you learn the truth.

"You were right.

"For a few illusory moments, I thought I could change.

"I know now I cannot.

"I urge you to find another lover...

"...one who is worthy of you...

"...and I thank you for what you have given me."

Vicomte!

I didn't even have a chance to thank you for the kindness you showed Cecile.

-My pleasure. -No.

Mine.

Marquise.

You lost your bet.

No.

Yes.

I'm very impressed.

How was it?

Quite wonderful.

Better than Cecile?

Yes.

Better than me?

No one compares to you.

How true.

In fact, I couldn't wait to claim my reward.

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