Part I: Letters 1 through 15 Summary

In Letter 1, Cecile Volanges writes to her friend, Sophie Carnay, and discusses her somewhat carefree life. She also informs her friend she believes she is to marry. She admits to being apprehensive. In letter 2, the Marquise de Merteuil writes to the Vicomte de Valmont, begging him to come back to Paris, as she has an idea for his enjoyment. She explains that she seeks revenge against the Comte de Gercourt, and as he is the chosen husband of Madame de Volanges for Cecile, Merteuil wishes Valmont to return to Paris so he can seduce the young girl, thereby spoiling her for her husband. In letter 3, Cecile against writes to Sophie, complaining that the evening before, she had been subjected to a large dinner party, at which people continuously stared at her. She feels embarrassed, but notes that...