Dangerous Liaisons

Part Three, Exchange Eleven: Letters 112–124

Summary

Madame de Rosemonde writes to the Présidente de Tourvel, dictating through her maid, Adélaide, on account of her rheumatism in Letter One Hundred and Twelve, to express her friendship for, and sympathy with, the troubled woman.

In Letter One Hundred and Thirteen, the Marquise de Merteuil informs the Vicomte de Valmont that Paris society has begun to remark upon his prolonged absence. She also mentions that she has begun to tire of her lover, the Chevalier de Belleroche, and that the Chevalier Danceny is to be his successor. Apparently, the Marquise is also awaiting the outcome of a lawsuit.

Tourvel replies to Madame de Rosemonde's kind note (Letter One Hundred and Fourteen) with more worries. She has heard that Valmont is sick, and since he has suddenly stopped writing to her, she is concerned that it may be serious.

Meanwhile, the Vicomte composes a letter to Merteuil (Letter One Hundred and Fifteen) to brag about his current exploits with Cécile and his adventures to come with the Présidente. He also advises Merteuil to leave Danceny to someone a little closer to his own age.

Danceny himself, in his latest letter to Cécile (Letter One Hundred and Sixteen), is filled with doubts. He remarks on how charming the Marquise de Merteuil has been of late, and how much he longs to hear a confirmation of Cécile's feelings for him.

Cécile replies (Letter One Hundred and Seventeen) coyly. She queries whether Danceny appreciates the trouble she has to go to communicate with him at all, and questions whether he appreciate her unhappiness, forced as she is to marry the Comte de Gercourt. She closes by complimenting the Vicomte Valmont on his efforts to keep them in communication.