Valmont Page #7

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-What reward? -You forgot our bet?

-Valmont, that was just a joke. -Not for me.

Please!

Would you have locked yourself in a monastery if you'd lost?

-But I didn't lose. -But if you did.

lf. That's not even a question.

Yes, it is. Imagine that you lost.

-But I won. -lmagine!

Don't try to change the subject.

And am I something that one wins as a wager?

Yes! Because you accepted it.

I know. You won, but if you did lose...

-But I didn't! -I know, for God's sake.

What are you going on about? I won, and I have the right to collect my prize!

Now you sound just like a husband.

Do you want to know why I never remarried?

So that no one could ever claim they had any rights over me at all.

You are confusing bets and marriages, madame.

One must always honor a bet.

You don't want me?

You had your chance.

Yes?

Thank you, Victoire.

I'm sorry, but you'll have to leave now.

Show me the letter.

-Vicomte. -Show me that letter.

Certainly.

Here.

Is this a declaration of war?

If you wish.

-Monsieur de Valmont? -Yes.

I'm Chevalier de Danceny.

Sir, I'm infinitely grateful to you for getting Cecile's letter to me.

Would you be kind enough to forward my reply?

It's extremely important that I get an answer as soon as possible.

I'll deliver it myself.

Monsieur de Valmont.

Shall I announce you?

I'll announce myself.

-Who's there? -Valmont.

He says he wants to die for me.

Sounds as if he loves you.

He's asking me if he should challenge Monsieur de Gercourt to a duel.

Do you still love him?

Believe me, sir, I've been trying not to love him.

I pray to God all the time to make me forget him.

But since I pray all the time...

...I think about him all the time.

Then you only have one choice.

What?

-We have to write Danceny another letter. -Yes.

But...

We will only write, won't we, sir?

Yes.

Yes, we'll only write.

Thank you.

I believe that the only way to prevent this marriage...

...is for us to run away together now.

It is?

Yes, it is.

But the prospect of a life in a foreign country...

...frightens me.

Yes, it does.

-Who is it? -lt's me, my darling.

I have someone with me.

I won't disturb you for long.

Just a minute, maman.

It's lovely of you to do this.

I've discussed the wedding arrangements with her...

...but I left the final announcement to you, of course.

Yes, maman.

Mademoiselle.

I hope this small token will please you.

Thank you.

-May I open it? -Please do.

It's beautiful!

Thank you. Look, maman.

You will be pleased to know that our marriage...

...will be celebrated in the royal chapel, with the King himself in attendance.

Ladies, this has been a pleasure.

Thank you, my dear.

Did you hear that about the King?

So is this the end of Danceny?

No.

I suppose I should be firm with myself now...

...shouldn't I?

You should.

Where were we?

"But the prospect of a life in a foreign country frightens me."

On the other hand...

"Madame de Merteuil thinks that I should marry Gercourt...

"...and keep you as a lover.

"Do you think this is good advice, and would you accept it?"

What is it?

Thank you, sir.

I couldn't thank you enough.

-Yes? -Madame, Chevalier de Danceny is calling.

Show him into the salon.

Chevalier.

I was just thinking about you. We have so much to talk about.

I want to send a letter to Cecile, madame.

By all means. I'd be happy to help you, sit down.

No, madame. You sit down.

You will write, and I will dictate.

It will be your letter to Cecile.

My letter?

Interesting. We never tried that.

I'm ready.

My dear Cecile.

I must apologize for the advice I gave you.

Young man...

...that's not my style, to apologize.

Keep writing.

If you truly love your Danceny...

...as much as I believe you do...

...then it would be a crime to marry anyone else.

That's good.

That's good, but...

May I ask you a question?

Yes.

How old are you?

I'm .

Why do you want to be a husband...

...when you can be a lover?

Keep writing.

Why don't you leave all the boredom of marriage to Gercourt...

...and keep the excitement of love for yourself?

-Keep writing, I said. -I will.

But...

Do you really believe yourself capable of killing me?

What?

Sir, come here quick and look out the window.

I made it very clear that you weren't home, but look, she's still there.

What do you want me to do?

Why did you come?

What do you think you'll find here?

That you love me.

Do you want me to lie to you?

Yes.

Where is she?

She left.

She woke me up. It was still dark.

-Did she say anything? -No.

I'm not at home to anyone.

It's Monsieur de Valmont.

Show him into the salon.

You must have a lot of courage, Vicomte...

...to come here after you sent that...

...lunatic harp teacher to kill me.

I apologize for that.

It was a silly thing to do.

I feel awful.

Are you surprised?

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