“Chauvelin had been too intent on listening to the sound of those approaching footsteps, to notice what his cunning adversary had been doing. He now pulled himself together, trying to look unconcerned in the very midst of his anticipated triumph.” — The Scarlet Pimpernel | Baroness Orczy
Today we examine the last 7 chapters of The Scarlet Pimpernel by Baroness Orczy. We get to see the craftiness of Sir Percy and his confrontation with the dastardly Chauvelin. Now that we are at the end, we can also walk away with the stirring climax of the tale, which ends the first tale in The Scarlet Pimpernel chronicles.
Chapter 25
In chapter 25 of The Scarlet Pimpernel, Marguerite finds herself in a tense situation as her husband, Sir Percy Blakeney, unexpectedly enters the inn where she and Chauvelin meet. Percy, seemingly unaware of the danger, engages in casual conversation with Chauvelin, who is attempting to conceal his surprise and impatience. Marguerite, hidden in the loft, struggles with needing to warn Percy of the impending danger, but she keeps from doing so to avoid jeopardizing his safety.
As Percy continues to engage Chauvelin in conversation, he subtly executes a clever trick by adding pepper to his snuff-box. When he offers Chauvelin a pinch of snuff, the unsuspecting Chauvelin falls victim to a violent fit of sneezing, temporarily incapacitating him. Seizing the opportunity, Percy leaves the room, leaving money on the table, and escapes without raising suspicion.
Chapter 26
In this chapter, Marguerite has a moment of relief as she witnesses the escape of Sir Percy from Chauvelin’s clutches. Sir Percy manages to evade capture, leaving Chauvelin frustrated and angry. However, Marguerite is torn between relief and regret as she contemplates the dangers that still lie ahead for her husband. Chauvelin, although momentarily foiled, is determined to capture The Scarlet Pimpernel and orchestrates a plan to track him down.
Chauvelin interrogates a Jewish man named Reuben, who had a recent encounter with Sir Percy. Reuben reveals that Sir Percy hired a horse and cart and set off towards the Père Blanchard’s hut. Chauvelin strikes a deal with the man, offering him a reward for guiding him to his target.
Marguerite, witnessing these events, feels a sense of helplessness Chauvelin gets closer to the Scarlet Pimpernel. Chauvelin, eager to capture his elusive enemy, plans to lead a group of soldiers to confront Sir Percy at the Père Blanchard’s hut, anticipating a showdown with the daring Englishman and his allies.
Chapter 27
In this chapter, Marguerite takes bold action to track the movements of the French agent Chauvelin, who is in pursuit of her husband. Marguerite, displaying both courage and resourcefulness, leaves the Chat Gris inn and follows the cart driven by a man that carries Chauvelin. She stays in the shadows, avoiding detection, as she makes her way along the road towards Miquelon.
Meanwhile, Chauvelin, confident in the success of his plan, receives information from a mounted messenger that suggests the Pimpernel and his companions might be in a hut near Miquelon. Chauvelin is determined and shows no remorse, viewing Marguerite merely as a useful tool. The tension builds as Marguerite overhears the conversation between Chauvelin and the messenger, learning that the trap is closing in on her husband and his comrades.
Chapter 28
In chapter 28 of the novel, Marguerite follows Chauvelin and his soldiers as they advance toward the Père Blanchard’s hut. Despite abandoning hope of saving Percy, she is determined to see him one last time and, if he is willing to forgive her, die by his side.
Marguerite’s physical condition is deteriorating from exhaustion, with sore feet and shaking knees. Crawling through darkness, she eavesdrops on Chauvelin’s plans. The soldiers are preparing to ambush the hut, and Chauvelin specifically instructs them to capture the tall Englishman—Percy—alive. Marguerite absorbs every detail, aware that her ability to be of any use to Percy hinges on understanding Chauvelin’s strategy.
As Chauvelin and his party approach the cliff’s edge, Marguerite sees the moonlight revealing the sea and Percy’s waiting yacht, the Day Dream, further intensifying her anguish. Driven by a surge of despair and determination, she continues to follow them, making a desperate attempt to warn Percy and the others. However, her efforts are thwarted when she is discovered by Chauvelin. Despite her perilous situation, a strange twist occurs as Chauvelin, realizing her gender, momentarily indulges in mocking gallantry, creating a bizarre interlude in the midst of impending tragedy. The chapter ends with Marguerite being carried toward the hut, her last hope slipping away.
Chapter 29
In chapter 29, Marguerite, having been carried to a spot near the hut, regains consciousness. Placed with some comfort against a rock, she observes the surroundings in the darkness. The moon is hidden, intensifying the darkness, and the sea roars below. The glimmer of the red light that marked the hut has vanished.
Marguerite overhears Chauvelin and Desgas discussing the situation. Four men are inside the hut, waiting quietly, and Chauvelin confirms that the tall Englishman (Sir Percy) is expected. He warns Marguerite against making any sound, revealing that her brother Armand and three other men are in the hut. Chauvelin offers her a choice: remain silent and ensure Armand’s safety, or scream and witness the execution of Armand and the others.
Chauvelin removes the gag from Marguerite’s mouth, presenting her with the cruel dilemma. The presence of the sea and the darkness surrounding her intensifies the surreal and dreadful nature of the situation. Chauvelin, aware of the emotional turmoil within Marguerite, manipulates her into a state of immobilizing indecision. As Marguerite struggles with her thoughts, the realization sinks in that the man she once despised, the Scarlet Pimpernel, is unknowingly walking towards danger. In the midst of this internal conflict, a voice nearby breaks the silence, singing “God save the King.”
Chapter 30
In this chapter, the tension escalates for Marguerite as she faces a dire situation. The proximity of approaching danger, symbolized by the singing, intensifies her internal turmoil. The urgency heightens as Chauvelin’s soldiers close in on the fugitives’ hiding place, creating a palpably tense atmosphere. Unexpectedly, the soldiers discover an empty hut, falling for a decoy. Chauvelin’s frustration is evident as his meticulously planned capture unravels due to unforeseen circumstances.
Chapter 31
In chapter 31, Marguerite finds herself alone on the beach, anxiously listening to the fading footsteps of the four men who escaped. Lost in uncertainty and weariness, she thinks about her adventure to this point. Similarly, her mind is tormented by the unknown fate of Percy and Armand.
Suddenly, a peculiar sound shatters the silence – a distinctly British “Damn!” echoing through the French cliffs. Astonished, Marguerite realizes that Percy is alive. She discovers him disguised, his hands bound, and his body weakened by the soldiers’ blows. Despite the physical pain, Percy’s wit and humor shine through as he recounts his daring plan to outsmart Chauvelin and rescue the fugitives.
Marguerite, overwhelmed with joy, helps free Percy from his bonds. The couple shares a tender reunion, with Percy expressing his admiration for Marguerite’s courage. Their happiness is further amplified when Sir Andrew Ffoulkes, Percy’s loyal comrade, arrives on the scene. Together, they venture to the Day Dream, Percy’s yacht, and escape back to England the clutches of Chauvelin and the French soldiers.
Analysis
These final chapters ramp up the action, and Sir Percy shows his ability to convert a situation from bad to his own favor by outsmarting Chauvelin. Additionally, Marguerite shows her capacity for love and determination by following Sir Percy to the ends of the Earth. Chauvelin’s cruelty knows no bounds as he captures Marguerite and punishes her to psychological torment as she is forced to wait for Sir Percy’s capture and execution. At long last, the Frenchman is thwarted and Sir Percy and Marguerite rekindle their love.
The story features more psychological examination for a heroine, Marguerite, and is actually a little light on action until the end. Nevertheless, it is an adeptly written story that focuses on historical narrative and the action of espionage and intrigue, which surely excited audiences at the time. As such, readers experienced a story of love and redemption in the eyes of both government and spouses.
Works Cited
Orczy, Baroness Emma. The Scarlet Pimpernel. Penguin Books, 1982. Print.
Leave a Reply