Gossip

Faye sipped her tea and thought how nice it was to behaving tea with her dear cousin. Isabelle and she had always gone along very well. She was worried that their long absence from each other might make them feel odd then they met again, but thankful there had been no awkwardness. They had so much to talk about that day. But now they could just have tea and discuss the latest gossip. The famed scarlet pimpernel had be the subject of most of their conversation. He had saved so many people. They also talked about who was sleeping with who. This she had a feeling was going to be today's topic.

"What news do you bring me to day?" She gave her cousin a sly glance.

Merteuil sipped the tea and smiled as though she'd just partaken of fine wine, rather than this abysmal substance that reminded her once more how she loathed England. "News? Not so much," she replied, setting the tea cup down. "I am frightfully out of sorts here. My news is limited. I am told Madame Rosamonde has landed on her feet and that her nephew has managed to escape danger... I believe you the Vicomte de Valmont?"

�Yes. I remember him� She said with more distain in her voice then she had intended. Faye did not want to remember those times. It had been time were she had freely taken lovers and had fun doing it. But his had almost cost her every thing. With any luck her dear cousin would bring her news of Valmont�s down fall. �Do you have new of him? I�m sure he still ruining the reputation of every woman she can get his hands on, no doubt.�

�One would think you didn�t care for the Vicomte,� Merteuil feigned mild surprise. She knew Volange�s true feelings and the reasons for them, Valmont had regaled her with weekly tales of that adventure while it took place. They were still on amiable terms then. �I have heard little of his exploits save that he has finally sworn to visit poor Madame Rosamonde in her exile. Poor thing has had little company save for Tourvel�s wife. The pair are as isolated as hermits, perhaps Valmont will bring some life into that household.�

At the mention of Mme de Tourvel�s name, Faye thought briefly about the old days when she and Tourvel had spent hours talking and writing to each other. For the past few months Faye had often wondered what happened to her dear friend. Just as quickly as the thought of her friend entered her mind it left her when she hear that Valmont was with her. There was no doubt in her that Valmont was there for her and not his aunt. Valmont cared nothing for the old, and Rosemonde had nothing to give him which he did not already have. �I�m sure that was his plan.� She didn�t even try to hide the distain in her voice. �I should write to Mme de Tourvel and tell her of Valmont. She is so sweet, I�m sure she doesn�t know about him.� She spoke this, as if it was in her head.

Merteuil cocked an eyebrow quizzically, as though the thought never entered her mind. �If you think that is for the best,� she replied. �I did not think to do so much, but then I am not so well versed in Msr Valmont�s sins. I admit I have heard whispers, but then who doesn�t have whispers told of them behind hands..� Playing the dutiful hostess she refilled Faye�s cup. The woman was playing perfectly into her hands.

�Tis such a pity,� she mused. �After all Madame de Rosamonde is in such a delicate condition and her remaining family is� well, as you say� disreputable� I really feel quite badly for her.�

�Yes a pity. But once she knows what he is I�m sure she will be careful. And you know she is so fond of her husband I don�t think she would ever fall for him. Did you hear the rumor that her husband is in league with thee scarlet pimpernel?� She said all this but her thoughts were in another place. She was contemplating going to she Mme. de Tourvel.

Tourvel in league with the Scarlet Pimpernel! As if there were even remotely possible! Tourvel was probably debauching every will (and some unwilling) girl in Austria. The man was lecherous and he married a nun! �I suppose anything is possible,� Merteuil replied. �Though there is no proof save the rescuing of nobles that the Scarlet Pimpernel has any ties to Austria.�