The Scarlet Pimpernel
by Emma Orczy
'The Scarlet Pimpernel' Summary
The Scarlet Pimpernel is set in 1792, during the early stages of the French Revolution. Marguerite St. Just, a beautiful French actress, is the wife of wealthy English fop Sir Percy Blakeney, a baronet. Before their marriage, Marguerite took revenge upon the Marquis de St. Cyr, who had ordered her brother to be beaten for his romantic interest in the Marquis' daughter, with the unintended consequence of the Marquis and his sons being sent to the guillotine. When Percy found out, he became estranged from his wife. Marguerite, for her part, became disillusioned with Percy's shallow, dandyish lifestyle.
Meanwhile, the "League of the Scarlet Pimpernel", a secret society of twenty English aristocrats, "one to command, and nineteen to obey", is engaged in rescuing their French counterparts from the daily executions of the Reign of Terror. Their leader, the mysterious Scarlet Pimpernel, takes his nickname from the small red flower he draws on his messages. Despite being the talk of London society, only his followers and possibly the Prince of Wales know the Pimpernel's true identity. Like many others, Marguerite is entranced by the Pimpernel's daring exploits.
At a ball attended by the Blakeneys, a verse by Percy about the "elusive Pimpernel" makes the rounds and amuses the other guests. Meanwhile, Marguerite is blackmailed by Citizen Chauvelin, the wily new French envoy to England. Chauvelin's agents have stolen a letter proving her beloved brother Armand is in league with the Pimpernel. Chauvelin offers to trade Armand's life for her help against the Pimpernel. Contemptuous of her seemingly witless and unloving husband, Marguerite does not go to him for help or advice. Instead, she passes along information which enables Chauvelin to learn the Pimpernel's true identity.
Later that night, Marguerite finally tells her husband of the terrible danger threatening her brother and pleads for his assistance. Percy promises to save him. After Percy unexpectedly leaves for France, Marguerite discovers to her horror (and simultaneous delight) that he is the Pimpernel. He had hidden behind the persona of a dull, slow-witted fop to deceive the world. He had not told Marguerite because of his worry that she might betray him, as she had the Marquis de St. Cyr. Desperate to save her husband, she decides to pursue Percy to France to warn him that Chauvelin knows his identity and his purpose. She persuades Sir Andrew Ffoulkes to accompany her, but because of the tide and the weather, neither they nor Chauvelin can leave immediately.
At Calais, Percy openly approaches Chauvelin in the Chat gris, a decrepit inn whose owner is in Percy's pay. Despite Chauvelin's best efforts, the Englishman manages to escape by offering Chauvelin a pinch of snuff, which turns out to be pure pepper. Through a bold plan executed right under Chauvelin's nose, Percy rescues Marguerite's brother Armand and the Comte de Tournay, the father of a schoolfriend of Marguerite's. Marguerite pursues Percy right to the very end, resolute that she must either warn him or share his fate. Percy, heavily disguised, is captured by Chauvelin, who does not recognise him so he is able to escape.
With Marguerite's love and courage amply proven, Percy's ardour is rekindled. Safely back on board their schooner, the Day Dream, the happily reconciled couple returns to England. Sir Andrew marries the count's daughter, Suzanne.
Book Details
Author
Emma Orczy
Hungary, United Kingdom
Emmuska Orczy, was a Hungarian-born British novelist and playwright. Orczy is best known for her series of novels featuring the Scarlet Pimpernel, the alter ego of Sir Percy Blakeney, a wealthy Englis...
More on Emma OrczyDownload eBooks
Listen/Download Audiobook
- Select Speed
Related books
The Pagan's Cup by Fergus Hume
This is a captivating novel that takes readers on a thrilling journey through the realms of mystery and suspense. Set in an era of long-held secrets a...
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
Jane Austen’s classic novel chronicles the events in the lives of the Bennet family. Take a family with five unmarried daughters and a lack of wealth,...
The Trumpet Major by Thomas Hardy
The novel is set in Weymouth during the Napoleonic wars; the town was then anxious about the possibility of invasion by Napoleon. Of the two brothers,...
St. George and St. Michael, Volume 3 by George MacDonald
As ancient powers awaken, an ominous darkness casts its relentless shadow over the kingdom of Albion. A captivating dance of fate unfolds as heroes an...
The New Magdalen by Wilkie Collins
When a young woman is presumed dead in a war, another woman seizes the opportunity to escape her past and assume her identity. But when the first woma...
Dr. Heidenhoff's Process by Edward Bellamy
This thought-provoking book, first published in 1880, takes readers on a compelling journey into the realm of psychological experimentation and the c...
Blotted Out by Elisabeth Sanxay Holding
It tells the story of a woman named Laura who suddenly disappears, leaving her husband and family in a state of shock and confusion. As the search for...
The Heptameron of the Tales of Margaret, Queen of Navarre, Volume 1 by Marguerite of Navarre
Embark on a captivating journey through love, loss, and redemption in Marguerite of Navarre's timeless classic, The Heptameron. Unveiling the Secrets...
The Outdoor Girls at the Hostess House by Laura Lee Hope
It tells the story of a group of adventurous young women who find themselves at a mysterious mansion in the countryside. Set against the backdrop of...
Inside the Lines by Earl Derr Biggers
A young woman finds herself trapped in a dangerous game of espionage on the eve of World War I. Inside the Lines is a thrilling spy novel by Earl Der...
Reviews for The Scarlet Pimpernel
No reviews posted or approved, yet...