Dangerous Liaisons (2022–…): Season 1, Episode 3 - Even God Does Not Forgive - full transcript
She wanted me to stay.
And now she's dead.
Throw this opportunistic
baggage out.
A weapon should
be in the hands of someone
who knows how to use it.
I can't read it.
There's a water stain. Apri...
- Apricot, perhaps.
- Your wife's words.
She took her own life.
Because of you.
Support her last wish,
that I flourish here in Paris,
or I will share
your wife's ungodly act
with all your society.
Rose, let us pass.
What will you give me?
There's no place
here for a man
so lacking in morality.
My father's title, his fortune,
should have been mine
when he died,
but you poisoned him
against me.
My letters.
Do you know how dangerous
it is to have them?
Less dangerous than not
having them, I think.
How could you
possibly know a woman
such as
Jacqueline de Montrachet?
She promised me everything.
Then she threw me away
as if I were nothing.
Avenge our sex.
Devise strategies.
Conquer or die.
Here you go.
Monsieur. Food. Food for us.
I think straight down
the middle is the fairest way.
I made a new friend last night
at the opera.
The Comtesse de I'Ancenis.
It will soon be like old times.
Stay. Eat.
What is it, sir?
A fresh shirt, Azolan.
It seems the Comtesse
awaits me.
The Comtesse de I'Ancenis
is here already?
I never discuss my patrons,
monsieur.
That way, I keep them.
Forgive me.
I have the wrong room.
Did you ever look at me?
To be fair, you rarely
had your clothes on.
The card was from you. Why?
You can't decide
between vermillion or cerise?
You're starting
to look shabby, Valmont.
I noticed at the opera.
Perhaps now I'm surrounded
in all this finery,
I notice the loose threads
about you, and it won't do.
Didn't seem to trouble
my companion.
I forget, you have
so many admirers.
But that list grows shorter
by the day, I think.
So everything you need
to look your best,
courtesy of my guardian.
New wardrobe
from Jean de Merteuil?
No grief on earth
would compel him to generosity.
Well, I've been encouraging
his charitable side.
And do I want to know how?
Undress for me.
Ask me nicely.
You are fortunate I ask at all.
Undress.
Put it on.
Pussycat.
Do not call me that.
What would you give
to have me back?
Everything.
I am afraid to risk
so much for you.
My place in Saint-Honoré,
the wardship of a marquis.
I would have to be so sure
of you in deeds, not words.
Tell me what to do.
Anything?
I would need to know
you understand what love means.
What it takes.
There is a woman in Paris.
If you could seduce her,
not just in body, but in mind...
...that might show me
you're capable
of understanding love.
Why not simply
make you love me?
You did.
Now you must be beyond doubt.
Or I can never give myself
to you again.
And there must be proof,
a letter, from her to you.
Declaring her love.
Isn't that your specialty?
- Who is she?
- Your challenge.
Jacqueline de Montrachet.
Tell Jean to prepare
the guestroom.
I'll have you back
before the day is out.
Send word when you have
made progress.
Hiya!
Don't look so disapproving.
I derive no pleasure from him.
I preferred you
as a whore than a liar.
You forget my sweet tooth.
Look what you do.
Where is your head?
Clean up your mess.
And then, Major do me,
you must make your choice.
You must decide to whom
in this house you are loyal.
Bring me the letter my wife
intended for me.
And remove that sash.
This house is no longer
in mourning.
♪ My secret being mastery ♪
♪ And being untouched ♪
No, no, no! How many times?
I must truly,
truly believe you as Daphne
when you say you are a virgin.
Quite frankly,
listening to that,
I think I'd fucked you myself.
But you have.
I was speaking metaphorically.
Go again, but this time,
molto, molto innocente!
Every day,
you change the score.
My libretto. My character.
This is not an opera!
It's a tragedy!
It's a shame you can't bring
that level of drama
to your performance, darling.
Difficult day, Theo.
Well, look at you.
Valmont in the daytime.
Is it the apocalypse?
I need a favor.
I have an opera to prepare
- for the queen.
- Mm-hmm.
And opening night
fast approaching,
and still no story.
It's I who needs the favor.
Don't they always say
write what you know?
Paris is not ready
for that opera.
Oh!
Now, what is this favor?
Need you to find someone.
A woman.
Did I not see you
with the Comtesse de I'Ancenis
last night?
- She's not enough?
- Oh, she's far too much.
And comes as a pair
with her husband.
Theo.
You're a man in demand
at every fine cellar,
- not to mention Versailles.
- Mm.
Where will I find
Jacqueline de Montrachet?
Tell me you don't seek
to fuck her.
Can't you find
something meaningful
- to do with your life?
- Hmm.
One day, when I don't
have rent to pay.
Where will I find her?
On her knees.
But don't get excited.
It's the Church
of Saint-Sauveur
she can't get enough of.
I'll pray for your opera
whilst I am there.
Theo.
We are no longer in mourning?
Apparently not.
Ah, here she is!
Our visitor from Carcassonne.
Oh, Camille.
I feel as if
I know you already.
Oh, what sorrow
you have endured!
I can see it in the dullness
of your eyes and skin.
I'm sorry, we haven't
been introduced.
How remiss of me.
The Comtesse de Sevigny.
We'll get to know each other
over dinner tonight,
and we can remember
my cousin in every detail.
Though Geneviève was not one
for gossip, it's implausible
I wouldn't have heard
of this Camille.
A fact you will
illuminate tonight.
A shadow can only survive
in the dark.
Why do you not simply
cast her out?
Far better that she leave
because
she cannot bear to stay.
How can there be
no trace of her?
I mean, they were cousins,
so there must be some letters,
a journal,
something I can glean
some sense
or knowledge of her from.
There's nothing here.
- Madame wanted to protect me.
- From what?
You overestimate
her affections for you.
I can't be exposed tonight.
Then we should leave.
Not until Valmont
does what he promised.
- Madame de Montrachet.
- Huh?
Direct me to Madame
de Montrachet.
I have a message for her.
Love thinks no evil.
Bears all things. Believes...
Love sounds like a bore
at a party.
Forgive me, madame,
but I was compelled
to come closer to you.
Why?
You have bewitched me.
I felt your presence
the moment I entered here.
Then God does indeed
hear my prayer.
Might he hear them
even more clearly outside?
I shall be known at confession.
Forgive me.
I have never felt
such desire for a stranger.
Perhaps it's because I leave
Paris tonight for America.
I don't know when I'll be back.
My dear boy, it was very nice.
But I have to get back.
The sermon's about
to get very fiery.
Grant me something
more tangible than a memory.
A letter, perhaps, so that
I may read it on my journey,
relive our joy.
If it means we say "adieu."
Might you address me
as your beloved Valmont,
in your words,
of course, Jacqueline.
Jacqueline?
De Montrachet?
Montachet.
No. Montrachet.
Candice Montachet. And you are?
Mistaken. Madame.
Adieu.
Vicomtesse de Valmont.
Thank you for granting me
this audience.
You're not here to arrest me?
I've stolen the hearts
of so many, monsieur.
Why would the Unit
of Moral Discipline
seek an audience with me?
To discuss your
late husband's son.
Prévan.
Pascal Valmont.
If you are here to ask me
to pay for his drinking debts
or the father of some
foolish girl he seduced,
your journey is a wasted one.
That... man has no place
in my family.
May I ask
why he is so regarded?
Perhaps I wasn't clear.
He is not regarded at all.
A man without morals
has no place in my family.
A man without morals
is a danger to society,
Vicomtesse.
He is disinherited
and penniless.
He's as dangerous
as a blind hen.
Do not underestimate what
those with nothing will do.
Then why do you not act?
I require more than
my suspicion, Vicomtesse.
I require proof.
And with this proof?
I will see him
in a prison cell.
Then we must hope
such proof is found.
Please, Major do me.
I've helped you enough.
I owe you nothing more.
I'm not asking you to break
some kind of sacred trust.
Just tell me who this woman is.
Their time together.
The affection between them.
There is tarnish.
See it is removed.
Major do me.
Madame promised to guide me
through this world.
I'm lost here without her.
I can tell you about etiquette.
Which knife to use at table.
But I cannot fabricate a life,
nor will I compromise
myself further.
And why should I?
You are not
who you say you are.
No one is who they say
they are, Major do me.
Is that your name?
Or was it given?
Because if it was given, then
you are who they say you are.
I need your help.
If I thrive, so will you.
That's a promise.
And I have saved you
once already here.
I am not in need of a savior
such as you, mademoiselle.
Your instructions
for dinner are noted.
Mademoiselle.
You should pray more,
as madame did.
You mock me now?
It gave her guidance
when she needed it most,
and you are a woman
in much need of guidance,
not least in how
you address me in the future.
Don't ever imagine
you know who I am.
I have abused your
music teacher long enough.
Delight us
with your honeyed voice.
Everybody, Camille is here.
Camille.
The Comte de Sevigny
and his daughter Emilie.
Camille.
We will be like sisters
while I'm in Paris,
especially as now I am
no longer
a prisoner of the convent.
The Chevalier d'Ancenis.
And you've already met
the Comtesse.
We look forward to learning
everything about you.
Dinner is served, Marquis.
At last.
Draw comfort from the book
if your mistress will not.
Forgive me, mademoiselle.
You will find we're sticklers
for customs here, Camille.
For your devotion, mistress.
Christine
called madame "general,"
a play on Geneviève.
Madame in turn called her
"musket"... explosive
and liable to go off
at any moment.
To my late wife,
light of my darkness.
We all feel your loss, Jean.
None more so than I.
Geneviève was to be
instrumental in our search
for a match worthy of Emilie.
With such a vast dowry,
I valued another pair of eyes.
One can never have
too much scrutiny
on the agenda of strangers.
Well, I'm in no rush
to find a husband.
Nonsense, darling.
The queen herself
will want to help.
My wife is a favorite
of Her Majesty.
Another little custom, Camille.
But, uh, seeing as you are
so new to Paris,
how did you come
to meet my cousin Geneviève?
Perhaps first
a prayer of thanks.
We're building
such anticipation.
Our Lord Christ,
thou art here...
Madame went
every spring alone to Geneva.
The air and waters
were healing
to the melancholic nature
she was disposed to.
Amen.
Amen.
My mother knew madame
from her time in Geneva.
That is where I first met her.
- Geneva?
- Mm.
Her melancholy always seemed
to lift when she was there.
The melancholy
that plagued her.
She would bathe in the lake
morning and night.
As you know,
she couldn't abide the heat,
but she would love the cool
of the water.
I wish I did have more common
ground to share with you,
but she rarely spoke of you.
When she did, she...
She called you "musket."
I don't know why. Blessings.
And yet your mother did not
come to pay her respects?
The disadvantage
of her herself being dead.
How I would adore to have heard
the conversations
between you all.
But Mama,
this is really... you can.
We can ask
Geneviève herself.
No more wine for you,
my darling.
There's a man new to Paris,
a mesmerist.
We heard about him at a
recital the other evening.
Crowds gather in the square,
and he performs miracles.
They say he receives messages
from the grave,
that he can speak with ghosts.
He is...
Spectacular.
And chilling.
If he can commune with ghosts,
might we not
invite him here, Jean?
We could put your mind
at rest
that Geneviève is at peace.
Your wife
had a deep faith, Marquis.
A man such as that would be
at odds with her.
If my wife has words for me,
I shall hear them.
From whatever source they come.
Then let him
bring back Geneviève.
Blessings.
Did you see her reaction
at the idea of a conduit
for Geneviève?
She was terrified!
One charlatan
in fear of another.
But tell me you do not believe
that such things are possible.
Where there is belief,
anything is possible.
So let us...
let us exploit her belief,
and let Geneviève send her
packing
from beyond the grave.
You must not stay
in the dark alone, Jean,
or more girls like this one
will come to take advantage
of your good nature.
Protect yourself.
Find a new wife.
One who will...
...who will honor the great
title your name bestows.
"Well, Valmont,
have you succeeded?
Do I make up the guest room?
And I thought this challenge
would play to your strengths.
Though perhaps
it is broken promises
you are master of rather
than the hearts of women."
Stop. I know this one. Stop.
Fetch Gabriel Carré.
Get off.
This way. Over here.
I'm so sorry. It's her.
It's Camille.
She always wore it.
See that no one touches her.
If you're in need
of comfort... ah...
Cheers!
She comes every morning
and night for communion,
always dressed in white,
and always in a veil.
They call her the ghost
around here,
but apparently,
she's quite generous.
- Body of Christ.
- Amen.
- Body of Christ.
- Body of Christ.
- Body of Christ.
- Body of Christ.
- Body of Christ.
- Body of Christ.
Madame. Please. Your glove.
It is yours, surely.
And now I see
it could not possibly be,
for you have
quite a pair of your own.
We are in God's house,
monsieur.
I do not come here
to talk of gloves
or other vanities
with strangers.
Madame de Montrachet
wears only silk.
Of course. My apologies.
With skin so delicate,
anything else would be
like grit to an oyster.
Madame, before you leave,
I wanted to introduce myself.
If mademoiselle
loves you, sir,
why would she set you
an impossible task?
She cannot simply take me back.
Her pride will not allow it.
Bring me a paper and quill.
"Camille, though perhaps
I should call you torturer,
this task you have set me
is a fool's errand.
I thought you sought
to punish me,
because in that there is
the possibility of redemption.
Now I see it is
my humiliation you desire.
You may rest assured
this has been achieved.
The only body that Jacqueline
de Montrachet desires
is that of Christ.
She is at the Saint-Sauveur
morning and night,
praying to a God
who would not,
I am sure,
condone this challenge.
A more pious and pure woman
would be hard to find."
Pious? Pious and pure?
She is neither.
"So the great Valmont
has failed.
Perhaps it is only
without my consent
that you can seduce others.
And I set you a task
suited to your skills,
and you respond with defeat.
I take from this that you do
not understand what it means
for a woman
to give herself completely,
or that you lied
when you said would
do anything to win me back."
Should I wait for your reply?
Valmont, lost for words?
Let's mark this day, Azolan.
No more games.
That is my reply.
This is at an end.
It's a message, I'm sure, even
with your limited vocabulary,
you could relay without error.
Good.
Then you've let her down
for the last time.
You have no idea
what you've done, do you?
When you stole my letters,
you didn't simply ruin things
between Camille and me.
No, you set a fire burning
that will consume everyone
and everything connected to it.
Get out.
Valmont does not decide
when this is over.
- Monsieur.
- Hmm?
Stand up. Come with me.
I want these people gone
from here, now.
Yes, monsieur.
Mm.
She has been in the water
some time.
Perhaps from the night
she left to meet you.
You betrayed Camille,
and so she drowned herself.
How can you think
this is Camille?
It does not suit you
to see the evidence
of your immorality, monsieur?
Look upon it.
The proof. If it was needed.
Have you no words of comfort
for her, monsieur?
For the woman you ruined?
May God have mercy on her soul.
May God have mercy on yours.
As I will not.
It's not possible, is it?
To summon the dead?
It's the living here
I'm more afraid of.
I found something.
This isn't
the Majordome's writing.
It's madame's.
She says, "forgive me,"
but what does
she need forgiveness for?
I have no time
for the riddles, Victoire.
Just keep watch here
and make sense
of what this contraption is.
Where are you going?
Where do you think?
I don't want to fight.
Neither do I.
Why did you never
bring me here?
It's hardly the house
I dreamed of for us.
Perhaps if you had laid out
smaller dreams for us,
the disappointment
would not be so great.
I don't want
smaller dreams for us.
I want to give you
another chance.
To complete your task.
You said you would do anything
to have me back.
Jacqueline de Montrachet
is not for mortal man.
Nor is she a damsel in distress
awaiting rescue.
What's happened to you?
If you love me, you'd protect
me as I protect you.
I was not aware
of your protection.
I mean, from your officer.
Gabriel Carré.
How could you know him?
He has a vendetta
against me because of you.
Who is he?
The sort of man that thought
I could be owned.
Worse, because he believed
he was in love.
Everything I'm running from.
Well in your absence, he's
turned his attention against me.
And it's already
cost me my job.
Now he believes
he's found your body
floating in the Seine.
Drowned because
of my betrayal of you.
What did you tell him?
That it was you.
Because every instinct in me
cries out
that it's safer to be dead
to a man like that.
Thank you.
Are we even now, my love?
When you have
made her love you.
When you bring me proof.
I know you will find a way.
What is it that you sell here?
Settlements, sir.
We have something for every man
who has not the energy
to write his own.
Activities, assumptions,
last judgments.
Forgive us our trespasses.
Passions, charity, sin,
and hell.
Anything on hypocrisy?
If one must trap a songbird...
...one must first
learn its song.
Tis a little brutal, Azolan.
A pious man should show
no vanity.
The change
will be good for you.
I disagree.
This crop
disbalances my features.
I meant the lack
of vanity, sir.
Ah. You have returned.
Much like
my dead wife's spirit.
Let's hear her truths.
Have you forgotten
your reputation is in my hands?
Geneva.
Where you and madame
spent those springs.
Do you really think
my wife would visit a city
of infidels and revolution?
Geneva is a house of care
on the way to Versailles,
presided over by nuns
who would attempt to dispatch
her melancholy
by bathing her in salts
and letting out her blood.
And each spring, like
the melancholy, she returned.
Oh, come now.
The Major do me, if he is
your spy, could not have known.
Marriage must have
some secrets, hmm?
No matter.
Let the entertainment begin.
Major do me, I need to see
the letter madame wrote.
Please.
Do you really think
you'll survive here
if Camille doesn't?
Put it back when you are done.
Or it will be you
that won't survive here.
"The bitter fruit
our marriage bore.
"Apricot.
"Ariadne.
"Ariadne, forgive me.
Does one bathe in it
or drink from it?
I'm here, Lily.
I understand that
I am to entertain you.
That I should speak
to the dead on your behalf.
It is true that between
this world and the next
there is an invisible chain.
I will not summon the dead.
But this chain of fluid,
this may draw the dead to us.
Close your eyes.
There is comfort on the dark.
It is you, not me,
with power here.
You need only be open
to what lies within.
The magnetic sea
that draws knowledge
and awakes what is hidden
restores us to balance,
to health.
Let me guide you, mistress.
It's Ariadne.
The smudged word
from madame's notes.
The same name
in the prayer books.
It's someone they've wronged.
They are haunted by her.
Let these magnetized waters
connect and be guided
by the spirit within you.
If you are willing to look,
you will see
your own hearts tonight.
I feel as if the rod draws me.
I do not move, yet it...
Yet it turns in my hands!
We are portals to the past
and to what is to come.
Whether we choose
to listen or not.
There is a great darkness
in this room.
Geneviève is here.
I gave that vase to her
on her wedding.
It is symbolic of her.
It-it was me.
I knocked it over.
Quiet! I see something.
I see her before me.
In the water. Oh, she's crying.
There is
an uninvited guest here.
An imposter.
A woman who makes her cry.
She's saying
the same word over...
- Liar.
- And over again.
- She is saying...
- "Ariadne!"
She's saying, "Ariadne."
She's saying, "Forgive me."
She wants to talk.
She wants to talk of Ariadne.
- Be silent. Be silent.
- Let go.
Victoire. Victoire!
Say something.
Major do me! Major do me!
Victoire.
Charlatan. Fraud.
I promised you a mirror.
I did not promise
you would like what you saw.
Get out of my house!
Once the child is safe.
Get out!
It is an intuition of sorts,
the falling sickness.
You should note when she falls.
Events before may be symbolic.
Like your intuition.
You didn't hold a mirror
up to anyone.
I made it up.
Now, please leave us.
You are in great pain
from a past wound.
A wrong done to you.
A betrayal of trust.
I am in pain.
What have you seen?
The damage done to you.
But now you must forgive.
Only through forgiveness
can you find the light.
- I must forgive?
- To find the light.
Otherwise, the darkness here
will overtake you.
Then you have seen
nothing of my pain.
For I cannot forgive.
And I don't want the light,
monsieur.
And it is through the meek,
through the poor,
that we shall truly know God.
The Lord cares not for riches.
The Lord cares only
for the heart.
God be with you.
And with you.
Father.
Forgive me,
but I am new to this church,
and I was moved by your words.
The other morning, I watched a
young boy
eat half an egg
for his breakfast.
So little had he,
that to him, this was a feast.
It broke my heart.
The Church
does all it can, monsieur.
But what of the rich?
Where is their love
for the children?
Starving in orphanages
on the streets?
Surely, God would not condone
such hypocrisy.
We have lost our morality,
and without it, we are adrift.
I do not know how
I can help you, my child.
It is I who offers
myself to you.
To the Church.
It is I who will do
all I can to help you.
Help the children.
- What is your name, sir?
- Monsieur Lucien, madame.
And yours?
Madame de Montrachet.
I was moved by your words.
It's rare for a man
to speak from the heart.
It was no more
than needed to be said.
Yet it was previously unsaid.
You have brought such shame.
Madame, please.
I'm sorry. I'm sorry.
Sorry for your lies?
For all the damage
you've done here?
I'm sorry for it all.
Forgive me.
Even God doesn't forgive.
Even God does not forgive.
And now she's dead.
Throw this opportunistic
baggage out.
A weapon should
be in the hands of someone
who knows how to use it.
I can't read it.
There's a water stain. Apri...
- Apricot, perhaps.
- Your wife's words.
She took her own life.
Because of you.
Support her last wish,
that I flourish here in Paris,
or I will share
your wife's ungodly act
with all your society.
Rose, let us pass.
What will you give me?
There's no place
here for a man
so lacking in morality.
My father's title, his fortune,
should have been mine
when he died,
but you poisoned him
against me.
My letters.
Do you know how dangerous
it is to have them?
Less dangerous than not
having them, I think.
How could you
possibly know a woman
such as
Jacqueline de Montrachet?
She promised me everything.
Then she threw me away
as if I were nothing.
Avenge our sex.
Devise strategies.
Conquer or die.
Here you go.
Monsieur. Food. Food for us.
I think straight down
the middle is the fairest way.
I made a new friend last night
at the opera.
The Comtesse de I'Ancenis.
It will soon be like old times.
Stay. Eat.
What is it, sir?
A fresh shirt, Azolan.
It seems the Comtesse
awaits me.
The Comtesse de I'Ancenis
is here already?
I never discuss my patrons,
monsieur.
That way, I keep them.
Forgive me.
I have the wrong room.
Did you ever look at me?
To be fair, you rarely
had your clothes on.
The card was from you. Why?
You can't decide
between vermillion or cerise?
You're starting
to look shabby, Valmont.
I noticed at the opera.
Perhaps now I'm surrounded
in all this finery,
I notice the loose threads
about you, and it won't do.
Didn't seem to trouble
my companion.
I forget, you have
so many admirers.
But that list grows shorter
by the day, I think.
So everything you need
to look your best,
courtesy of my guardian.
New wardrobe
from Jean de Merteuil?
No grief on earth
would compel him to generosity.
Well, I've been encouraging
his charitable side.
And do I want to know how?
Undress for me.
Ask me nicely.
You are fortunate I ask at all.
Undress.
Put it on.
Pussycat.
Do not call me that.
What would you give
to have me back?
Everything.
I am afraid to risk
so much for you.
My place in Saint-Honoré,
the wardship of a marquis.
I would have to be so sure
of you in deeds, not words.
Tell me what to do.
Anything?
I would need to know
you understand what love means.
What it takes.
There is a woman in Paris.
If you could seduce her,
not just in body, but in mind...
...that might show me
you're capable
of understanding love.
Why not simply
make you love me?
You did.
Now you must be beyond doubt.
Or I can never give myself
to you again.
And there must be proof,
a letter, from her to you.
Declaring her love.
Isn't that your specialty?
- Who is she?
- Your challenge.
Jacqueline de Montrachet.
Tell Jean to prepare
the guestroom.
I'll have you back
before the day is out.
Send word when you have
made progress.
Hiya!
Don't look so disapproving.
I derive no pleasure from him.
I preferred you
as a whore than a liar.
You forget my sweet tooth.
Look what you do.
Where is your head?
Clean up your mess.
And then, Major do me,
you must make your choice.
You must decide to whom
in this house you are loyal.
Bring me the letter my wife
intended for me.
And remove that sash.
This house is no longer
in mourning.
♪ My secret being mastery ♪
♪ And being untouched ♪
No, no, no! How many times?
I must truly,
truly believe you as Daphne
when you say you are a virgin.
Quite frankly,
listening to that,
I think I'd fucked you myself.
But you have.
I was speaking metaphorically.
Go again, but this time,
molto, molto innocente!
Every day,
you change the score.
My libretto. My character.
This is not an opera!
It's a tragedy!
It's a shame you can't bring
that level of drama
to your performance, darling.
Difficult day, Theo.
Well, look at you.
Valmont in the daytime.
Is it the apocalypse?
I need a favor.
I have an opera to prepare
- for the queen.
- Mm-hmm.
And opening night
fast approaching,
and still no story.
It's I who needs the favor.
Don't they always say
write what you know?
Paris is not ready
for that opera.
Oh!
Now, what is this favor?
Need you to find someone.
A woman.
Did I not see you
with the Comtesse de I'Ancenis
last night?
- She's not enough?
- Oh, she's far too much.
And comes as a pair
with her husband.
Theo.
You're a man in demand
at every fine cellar,
- not to mention Versailles.
- Mm.
Where will I find
Jacqueline de Montrachet?
Tell me you don't seek
to fuck her.
Can't you find
something meaningful
- to do with your life?
- Hmm.
One day, when I don't
have rent to pay.
Where will I find her?
On her knees.
But don't get excited.
It's the Church
of Saint-Sauveur
she can't get enough of.
I'll pray for your opera
whilst I am there.
Theo.
We are no longer in mourning?
Apparently not.
Ah, here she is!
Our visitor from Carcassonne.
Oh, Camille.
I feel as if
I know you already.
Oh, what sorrow
you have endured!
I can see it in the dullness
of your eyes and skin.
I'm sorry, we haven't
been introduced.
How remiss of me.
The Comtesse de Sevigny.
We'll get to know each other
over dinner tonight,
and we can remember
my cousin in every detail.
Though Geneviève was not one
for gossip, it's implausible
I wouldn't have heard
of this Camille.
A fact you will
illuminate tonight.
A shadow can only survive
in the dark.
Why do you not simply
cast her out?
Far better that she leave
because
she cannot bear to stay.
How can there be
no trace of her?
I mean, they were cousins,
so there must be some letters,
a journal,
something I can glean
some sense
or knowledge of her from.
There's nothing here.
- Madame wanted to protect me.
- From what?
You overestimate
her affections for you.
I can't be exposed tonight.
Then we should leave.
Not until Valmont
does what he promised.
- Madame de Montrachet.
- Huh?
Direct me to Madame
de Montrachet.
I have a message for her.
Love thinks no evil.
Bears all things. Believes...
Love sounds like a bore
at a party.
Forgive me, madame,
but I was compelled
to come closer to you.
Why?
You have bewitched me.
I felt your presence
the moment I entered here.
Then God does indeed
hear my prayer.
Might he hear them
even more clearly outside?
I shall be known at confession.
Forgive me.
I have never felt
such desire for a stranger.
Perhaps it's because I leave
Paris tonight for America.
I don't know when I'll be back.
My dear boy, it was very nice.
But I have to get back.
The sermon's about
to get very fiery.
Grant me something
more tangible than a memory.
A letter, perhaps, so that
I may read it on my journey,
relive our joy.
If it means we say "adieu."
Might you address me
as your beloved Valmont,
in your words,
of course, Jacqueline.
Jacqueline?
De Montrachet?
Montachet.
No. Montrachet.
Candice Montachet. And you are?
Mistaken. Madame.
Adieu.
Vicomtesse de Valmont.
Thank you for granting me
this audience.
You're not here to arrest me?
I've stolen the hearts
of so many, monsieur.
Why would the Unit
of Moral Discipline
seek an audience with me?
To discuss your
late husband's son.
Prévan.
Pascal Valmont.
If you are here to ask me
to pay for his drinking debts
or the father of some
foolish girl he seduced,
your journey is a wasted one.
That... man has no place
in my family.
May I ask
why he is so regarded?
Perhaps I wasn't clear.
He is not regarded at all.
A man without morals
has no place in my family.
A man without morals
is a danger to society,
Vicomtesse.
He is disinherited
and penniless.
He's as dangerous
as a blind hen.
Do not underestimate what
those with nothing will do.
Then why do you not act?
I require more than
my suspicion, Vicomtesse.
I require proof.
And with this proof?
I will see him
in a prison cell.
Then we must hope
such proof is found.
Please, Major do me.
I've helped you enough.
I owe you nothing more.
I'm not asking you to break
some kind of sacred trust.
Just tell me who this woman is.
Their time together.
The affection between them.
There is tarnish.
See it is removed.
Major do me.
Madame promised to guide me
through this world.
I'm lost here without her.
I can tell you about etiquette.
Which knife to use at table.
But I cannot fabricate a life,
nor will I compromise
myself further.
And why should I?
You are not
who you say you are.
No one is who they say
they are, Major do me.
Is that your name?
Or was it given?
Because if it was given, then
you are who they say you are.
I need your help.
If I thrive, so will you.
That's a promise.
And I have saved you
once already here.
I am not in need of a savior
such as you, mademoiselle.
Your instructions
for dinner are noted.
Mademoiselle.
You should pray more,
as madame did.
You mock me now?
It gave her guidance
when she needed it most,
and you are a woman
in much need of guidance,
not least in how
you address me in the future.
Don't ever imagine
you know who I am.
I have abused your
music teacher long enough.
Delight us
with your honeyed voice.
Everybody, Camille is here.
Camille.
The Comte de Sevigny
and his daughter Emilie.
Camille.
We will be like sisters
while I'm in Paris,
especially as now I am
no longer
a prisoner of the convent.
The Chevalier d'Ancenis.
And you've already met
the Comtesse.
We look forward to learning
everything about you.
Dinner is served, Marquis.
At last.
Draw comfort from the book
if your mistress will not.
Forgive me, mademoiselle.
You will find we're sticklers
for customs here, Camille.
For your devotion, mistress.
Christine
called madame "general,"
a play on Geneviève.
Madame in turn called her
"musket"... explosive
and liable to go off
at any moment.
To my late wife,
light of my darkness.
We all feel your loss, Jean.
None more so than I.
Geneviève was to be
instrumental in our search
for a match worthy of Emilie.
With such a vast dowry,
I valued another pair of eyes.
One can never have
too much scrutiny
on the agenda of strangers.
Well, I'm in no rush
to find a husband.
Nonsense, darling.
The queen herself
will want to help.
My wife is a favorite
of Her Majesty.
Another little custom, Camille.
But, uh, seeing as you are
so new to Paris,
how did you come
to meet my cousin Geneviève?
Perhaps first
a prayer of thanks.
We're building
such anticipation.
Our Lord Christ,
thou art here...
Madame went
every spring alone to Geneva.
The air and waters
were healing
to the melancholic nature
she was disposed to.
Amen.
Amen.
My mother knew madame
from her time in Geneva.
That is where I first met her.
- Geneva?
- Mm.
Her melancholy always seemed
to lift when she was there.
The melancholy
that plagued her.
She would bathe in the lake
morning and night.
As you know,
she couldn't abide the heat,
but she would love the cool
of the water.
I wish I did have more common
ground to share with you,
but she rarely spoke of you.
When she did, she...
She called you "musket."
I don't know why. Blessings.
And yet your mother did not
come to pay her respects?
The disadvantage
of her herself being dead.
How I would adore to have heard
the conversations
between you all.
But Mama,
this is really... you can.
We can ask
Geneviève herself.
No more wine for you,
my darling.
There's a man new to Paris,
a mesmerist.
We heard about him at a
recital the other evening.
Crowds gather in the square,
and he performs miracles.
They say he receives messages
from the grave,
that he can speak with ghosts.
He is...
Spectacular.
And chilling.
If he can commune with ghosts,
might we not
invite him here, Jean?
We could put your mind
at rest
that Geneviève is at peace.
Your wife
had a deep faith, Marquis.
A man such as that would be
at odds with her.
If my wife has words for me,
I shall hear them.
From whatever source they come.
Then let him
bring back Geneviève.
Blessings.
Did you see her reaction
at the idea of a conduit
for Geneviève?
She was terrified!
One charlatan
in fear of another.
But tell me you do not believe
that such things are possible.
Where there is belief,
anything is possible.
So let us...
let us exploit her belief,
and let Geneviève send her
packing
from beyond the grave.
You must not stay
in the dark alone, Jean,
or more girls like this one
will come to take advantage
of your good nature.
Protect yourself.
Find a new wife.
One who will...
...who will honor the great
title your name bestows.
"Well, Valmont,
have you succeeded?
Do I make up the guest room?
And I thought this challenge
would play to your strengths.
Though perhaps
it is broken promises
you are master of rather
than the hearts of women."
Stop. I know this one. Stop.
Fetch Gabriel Carré.
Get off.
This way. Over here.
I'm so sorry. It's her.
It's Camille.
She always wore it.
See that no one touches her.
If you're in need
of comfort... ah...
Cheers!
She comes every morning
and night for communion,
always dressed in white,
and always in a veil.
They call her the ghost
around here,
but apparently,
she's quite generous.
- Body of Christ.
- Amen.
- Body of Christ.
- Body of Christ.
- Body of Christ.
- Body of Christ.
- Body of Christ.
- Body of Christ.
Madame. Please. Your glove.
It is yours, surely.
And now I see
it could not possibly be,
for you have
quite a pair of your own.
We are in God's house,
monsieur.
I do not come here
to talk of gloves
or other vanities
with strangers.
Madame de Montrachet
wears only silk.
Of course. My apologies.
With skin so delicate,
anything else would be
like grit to an oyster.
Madame, before you leave,
I wanted to introduce myself.
If mademoiselle
loves you, sir,
why would she set you
an impossible task?
She cannot simply take me back.
Her pride will not allow it.
Bring me a paper and quill.
"Camille, though perhaps
I should call you torturer,
this task you have set me
is a fool's errand.
I thought you sought
to punish me,
because in that there is
the possibility of redemption.
Now I see it is
my humiliation you desire.
You may rest assured
this has been achieved.
The only body that Jacqueline
de Montrachet desires
is that of Christ.
She is at the Saint-Sauveur
morning and night,
praying to a God
who would not,
I am sure,
condone this challenge.
A more pious and pure woman
would be hard to find."
Pious? Pious and pure?
She is neither.
"So the great Valmont
has failed.
Perhaps it is only
without my consent
that you can seduce others.
And I set you a task
suited to your skills,
and you respond with defeat.
I take from this that you do
not understand what it means
for a woman
to give herself completely,
or that you lied
when you said would
do anything to win me back."
Should I wait for your reply?
Valmont, lost for words?
Let's mark this day, Azolan.
No more games.
That is my reply.
This is at an end.
It's a message, I'm sure, even
with your limited vocabulary,
you could relay without error.
Good.
Then you've let her down
for the last time.
You have no idea
what you've done, do you?
When you stole my letters,
you didn't simply ruin things
between Camille and me.
No, you set a fire burning
that will consume everyone
and everything connected to it.
Get out.
Valmont does not decide
when this is over.
- Monsieur.
- Hmm?
Stand up. Come with me.
I want these people gone
from here, now.
Yes, monsieur.
Mm.
She has been in the water
some time.
Perhaps from the night
she left to meet you.
You betrayed Camille,
and so she drowned herself.
How can you think
this is Camille?
It does not suit you
to see the evidence
of your immorality, monsieur?
Look upon it.
The proof. If it was needed.
Have you no words of comfort
for her, monsieur?
For the woman you ruined?
May God have mercy on her soul.
May God have mercy on yours.
As I will not.
It's not possible, is it?
To summon the dead?
It's the living here
I'm more afraid of.
I found something.
This isn't
the Majordome's writing.
It's madame's.
She says, "forgive me,"
but what does
she need forgiveness for?
I have no time
for the riddles, Victoire.
Just keep watch here
and make sense
of what this contraption is.
Where are you going?
Where do you think?
I don't want to fight.
Neither do I.
Why did you never
bring me here?
It's hardly the house
I dreamed of for us.
Perhaps if you had laid out
smaller dreams for us,
the disappointment
would not be so great.
I don't want
smaller dreams for us.
I want to give you
another chance.
To complete your task.
You said you would do anything
to have me back.
Jacqueline de Montrachet
is not for mortal man.
Nor is she a damsel in distress
awaiting rescue.
What's happened to you?
If you love me, you'd protect
me as I protect you.
I was not aware
of your protection.
I mean, from your officer.
Gabriel Carré.
How could you know him?
He has a vendetta
against me because of you.
Who is he?
The sort of man that thought
I could be owned.
Worse, because he believed
he was in love.
Everything I'm running from.
Well in your absence, he's
turned his attention against me.
And it's already
cost me my job.
Now he believes
he's found your body
floating in the Seine.
Drowned because
of my betrayal of you.
What did you tell him?
That it was you.
Because every instinct in me
cries out
that it's safer to be dead
to a man like that.
Thank you.
Are we even now, my love?
When you have
made her love you.
When you bring me proof.
I know you will find a way.
What is it that you sell here?
Settlements, sir.
We have something for every man
who has not the energy
to write his own.
Activities, assumptions,
last judgments.
Forgive us our trespasses.
Passions, charity, sin,
and hell.
Anything on hypocrisy?
If one must trap a songbird...
...one must first
learn its song.
Tis a little brutal, Azolan.
A pious man should show
no vanity.
The change
will be good for you.
I disagree.
This crop
disbalances my features.
I meant the lack
of vanity, sir.
Ah. You have returned.
Much like
my dead wife's spirit.
Let's hear her truths.
Have you forgotten
your reputation is in my hands?
Geneva.
Where you and madame
spent those springs.
Do you really think
my wife would visit a city
of infidels and revolution?
Geneva is a house of care
on the way to Versailles,
presided over by nuns
who would attempt to dispatch
her melancholy
by bathing her in salts
and letting out her blood.
And each spring, like
the melancholy, she returned.
Oh, come now.
The Major do me, if he is
your spy, could not have known.
Marriage must have
some secrets, hmm?
No matter.
Let the entertainment begin.
Major do me, I need to see
the letter madame wrote.
Please.
Do you really think
you'll survive here
if Camille doesn't?
Put it back when you are done.
Or it will be you
that won't survive here.
"The bitter fruit
our marriage bore.
"Apricot.
"Ariadne.
"Ariadne, forgive me.
Does one bathe in it
or drink from it?
I'm here, Lily.
I understand that
I am to entertain you.
That I should speak
to the dead on your behalf.
It is true that between
this world and the next
there is an invisible chain.
I will not summon the dead.
But this chain of fluid,
this may draw the dead to us.
Close your eyes.
There is comfort on the dark.
It is you, not me,
with power here.
You need only be open
to what lies within.
The magnetic sea
that draws knowledge
and awakes what is hidden
restores us to balance,
to health.
Let me guide you, mistress.
It's Ariadne.
The smudged word
from madame's notes.
The same name
in the prayer books.
It's someone they've wronged.
They are haunted by her.
Let these magnetized waters
connect and be guided
by the spirit within you.
If you are willing to look,
you will see
your own hearts tonight.
I feel as if the rod draws me.
I do not move, yet it...
Yet it turns in my hands!
We are portals to the past
and to what is to come.
Whether we choose
to listen or not.
There is a great darkness
in this room.
Geneviève is here.
I gave that vase to her
on her wedding.
It is symbolic of her.
It-it was me.
I knocked it over.
Quiet! I see something.
I see her before me.
In the water. Oh, she's crying.
There is
an uninvited guest here.
An imposter.
A woman who makes her cry.
She's saying
the same word over...
- Liar.
- And over again.
- She is saying...
- "Ariadne!"
She's saying, "Ariadne."
She's saying, "Forgive me."
She wants to talk.
She wants to talk of Ariadne.
- Be silent. Be silent.
- Let go.
Victoire. Victoire!
Say something.
Major do me! Major do me!
Victoire.
Charlatan. Fraud.
I promised you a mirror.
I did not promise
you would like what you saw.
Get out of my house!
Once the child is safe.
Get out!
It is an intuition of sorts,
the falling sickness.
You should note when she falls.
Events before may be symbolic.
Like your intuition.
You didn't hold a mirror
up to anyone.
I made it up.
Now, please leave us.
You are in great pain
from a past wound.
A wrong done to you.
A betrayal of trust.
I am in pain.
What have you seen?
The damage done to you.
But now you must forgive.
Only through forgiveness
can you find the light.
- I must forgive?
- To find the light.
Otherwise, the darkness here
will overtake you.
Then you have seen
nothing of my pain.
For I cannot forgive.
And I don't want the light,
monsieur.
And it is through the meek,
through the poor,
that we shall truly know God.
The Lord cares not for riches.
The Lord cares only
for the heart.
God be with you.
And with you.
Father.
Forgive me,
but I am new to this church,
and I was moved by your words.
The other morning, I watched a
young boy
eat half an egg
for his breakfast.
So little had he,
that to him, this was a feast.
It broke my heart.
The Church
does all it can, monsieur.
But what of the rich?
Where is their love
for the children?
Starving in orphanages
on the streets?
Surely, God would not condone
such hypocrisy.
We have lost our morality,
and without it, we are adrift.
I do not know how
I can help you, my child.
It is I who offers
myself to you.
To the Church.
It is I who will do
all I can to help you.
Help the children.
- What is your name, sir?
- Monsieur Lucien, madame.
And yours?
Madame de Montrachet.
I was moved by your words.
It's rare for a man
to speak from the heart.
It was no more
than needed to be said.
Yet it was previously unsaid.
You have brought such shame.
Madame, please.
I'm sorry. I'm sorry.
Sorry for your lies?
For all the damage
you've done here?
I'm sorry for it all.
Forgive me.
Even God doesn't forgive.
Even God does not forgive.