Les Liaisons dangereuses (Dangerous Liaisons) Part 1, Letters 41-45 Summary

Letter 41: The Présidente de Tourvel to the Vicomte de Valmont

In her letter, Tourvel says that Valmont's protestations just go to prove what she already thinks about him.
She tells Valmont that her friends warned her about him, that he needs to leave, and that she'll go if he won't.
If he really wants her to see him as honorable, then he'll agree to her request and leave.

Valmont agrees to go on two conditions: he wants the names of his accusers and her permission for him to write to her now and then.
He also asks for a chance to speak to her in private so he can explain himself fully.

Valmont knows Tourvel can't grant the first request, so she'll have to agree to the second.
Nevertheless, Valmont is determined to uncover the identity of whoever it is who's bad-mouthed him.
To pile on the manipulation, Valmont pretends to have bouts of illness caused by his love for Tourvel.

As anticipated, Tourvel won't reveal the accuser.
Since they've only been concerned for her welfare, she doesn't want to betray them.
But she won't agree to a private talk with Valmont.
She does agree to receive his letters if he gives up the love-talk.
She points out that he hasn't followed through yet on his promise to leave.

Valmont can't wait to tell the Marquise how perfectly his plan is unfolding.
He tries to bribe the chambermaid to steal Tourvel's letters, but regrets it immediately.
Valmont and his valet plot to blackmail the chambermaid.
They arrange a lover's rendezvous in which the chambermaid is discovered undressed by Valmont. Shocking.
With the chambermaid now forced into working secretly for him, Valmont reads Tourvel's letters and learns that Madame de Volanges is the one spreading bad news about him.
Valmont promises not only to seduce Cécile, but to ruin her reputation in revenge for her mother trying to ruin his.
Before leaving, Valmont manipulates Tourvel into allowing him to kiss her hand.

Valmont has gone and his aunt was sad to see him leave.
Madame de Tourvel's feeling a little guilty about being the reason for his departure.
She wonders if she was a little too hasty in her judgment, but she was just honoring Madame de Volanges' advice.
She'll be bringing Madame de Volanges an invitation to join Madame de Rosemonde in the country, and looks forward to meeting Cécile.