Fall from Innocence

by CharlRhodes

Francis and Arthur are made for each other. Fascinated by eighteenth century literature, smarts, cynical, they are sure they don't belong in this time. And especially a burning desire to assert their omnipotence. So what better to become the Vicomte de Valmont and the Marquise de Merteuil? Some rules, many prey maximum trophies. They are masters of a cruel and dangerous game.

18. Letter 16

Letter 16

With letters 14 and 17

In Saint-Cyr

Read that, Vicomte! I have received a letter from our little Feliciano. And a rare effrontery moreover. I wondered if you were not the cause of this suddenly forwardness. It must be said that even if the game was easy, you had wonderfully engineered it. First, our first meeting, which filled my expectations and where you appeared to me so alive compared to your writing. When you called me when you were back from Corsica, and proposed that we finally meet, I was afraid. Fear of being disappointed certainly, but also to disappoint you, do not be as Merteuil as my writings. I liked you. There, I said it. Become great friends. You were right, we are made to each others. This mindset that we share, I never would have thought that, and especially not for you, not from you; this is a miracle, a divine surprise, you're the evil accomplice I hoped for. One of your looks was enough to understand that Feliciano did not run on me at the cafe. You have delivered him on a silver platter, and I thank you. And between you and me and the gate-post, he is appealing. I accept the challenge. To prove it, I am enclosing his invitation to dinner and the answer which will be delivered tomorrow, I thought I would wait until Friday. I'm sure you will enjoy this delicacy.

From Paris, September 10 19**