Dangerous Liaisons · Chapter
Letter 13: The Marchioness de Merteuil to Cecilia Volanges explained
Merteuil writes to Cecilia expressing concern over not being able to see her due to Madame de Volanges' indisposition.
What happens
Merteuil writes to Cecilia expressing concern over not being able to see her due to Madame de Volanges' indisposition. She has delivered a message to Danceny and proposes a social gathering where Cecilia can sing with Danceny while Merteuil and Madame de Volanges play piquet with Belleroche.
Themes in this chapter
Class and Social Standing
The letter details a planned social gathering involving card games and music, typical of aristocratic leisure activities.
Characters to notice
- Marchioness de Merteuil
Writes to Cecilia, expressing concern and arranging a social gathering.
- Cecilia Volanges
Recipient of the letter; Merteuil addresses her affectionately and mentions her singing with Danceny.
- Chevalier Danceny
Merteuil has delivered Cecilia's commission to him; he is to sing with Cecilia.
- Madame de Volanges
Indisposed; Merteuil plans to visit and play piquet with her.
- Chevalier de Belleroche
Mentioned as a knight who will play piquet with Merteuil and Madame de Volanges.
Key passages
“I performed your commission with the Chevalier Danceny, who will certainly be very sorry to hear of your Mamma’s indisposition”
I delivered your message to Danceny, and he will be sad to learn that your mother is unwell.
Merteuil acts as an intermediary between Cecilia and Danceny, facilitating their secret correspondence.
“She and I will attack the Chevalier de Belleroche at piquet; and in winning his money, we shall have the double pleasure of hearing you sing with your amiable master”
Your mother and I will play piquet against Belleroche, and while we win his money, we will also enjoy hearing you sing with your kind teacher.
Merteuil proposes a social evening combining card games and music, typical of aristocratic entertainment.