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
Washington Square by Henry James
Washington Square is a short novel by Henry James. Originally published in 1880 as a serial in Cornhill Magazine and Harper's New Monthly Magazine, it...
The Flying U's Last Stand by B. M. Bower
It is a timeless tale of the American West, filled with colorful characters, dramatic showdowns, and plenty of action. Bower's writing is vivid and en...
Mildred at Roselands by Martha Finley
At Roselands, a tranquil haven nestled amidst lush greenery, Mildred Keith's life unfolds with the promise of love, friendship, and happiness. But ben...
Jim The Story Of A Backwoods Police Dog (And Other Stories) by Sir Charles G. D. Roberts
In the Canadian wilderness, a young police dog named Jim must use his courage and intelligence to track down a dangerous criminal. "Jim: The Story of...
The Mine with the Iron Door by Harold Bell Wright
It tells the story of a man named Hugh Mottram who goes on a journey of self-discovery and adventure in the American Southwest. The novel was first pu...
The Duchess of Langeais by Honoré de Balzac
It is a captivating novel that takes readers into the intricate world of 19th-century French society. This book explores themes of love, desire, and t...
The Evolutionist at Large by Grant Allen
This is a thrilling tale that combines the captivating realms of science and suspense. From the very first page, readers are plunged into an enigmatic...
The Smuggler by George Payne Rainsford James
It is a historical fiction novel that tells the story of a young smuggler named Jack Smith who becomes involved in a dangerous plot to overthrow the g...
The Gleam in the North by D. K. Broster
In the haunting beauty of the Scottish Highlands, secrets carve through the mists like ancient runes. Uncover the enigmatic tale that is "The Gleam in...
The Diary of a Nobody by George Grossmith
Grossmith’s comic novel unveils the daily chronicles of the pompous and clumsy middle-aged clerk Charles Pooter, who has just moved to the London subu...
Reviews for The Scarlet Pimpernel
No reviews posted or approved, yet...