# Letter 13: The Marchioness de Merteuil to Cecilia Volanges explained — Dangerous Liaisons

> Chapter companion for Dangerous Liaisons by Pierre Choderlos de Laclos.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters/letter-13-the-marchioness-de-merteuil-to-cecilia-volanges
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters