The Way of the Scarlet Pimpernel
Baroness Emma Orczy
Adventure Fiction
Published 1933
Synopsis
The Way of the Scarlet Pimpernel is a sequel in the Scarlet Pimpernel series set during the ongoing turmoil of the French Revolution (circa early 1790s), and focuses on further confrontations between Sir Percy Blakeney and his persistent nemesis, Citizen Chauvelin. The arrival of the Austrian Baron de Batz complicates the Pimpernel’s exploits as he continues to showcase his mastery of disguise and strategic maneuvering to shepherd endangered aristocrats through perilous escape routes to England. Through clever subterfuge, the narrative reinforces the core themes of unwavering loyalty to justice and the ethics of resistance against the tyrannical fervor of revolutionary France. The novel emphasizes how the Pimpernel employs the transformative styles of courage and honor that defines his protection of individual rights against a backdrop of historical upheaval.
Novel Excerpt
Josette had picked up her cape and slung it round her shoulders; she pulled the hood over her fair curls and ran swiftly down the stairs and out into the street. Thoughts of the Scarlet Pimpernel had a way of whipping up her blood. When she spoke of him she at once wanted to be up and doing. She wanted to be up and doing something that would emulate the marvellous deeds of that mysterious hero of romance—deeds which she had heard recounted with bated breath by her fellow-workers in the Government workshops where breeches were stitched and stockings knitted by the hundred for the “Soldiers of Liberty,” marching against the foreign foe.
Josette on this late afternoon had to put in a couple of hours at the workshop. At six o’clock when the light gave out she would be free; and at six o’clock Maurice Reversac would of a certainty be outside the gates of the workshop waiting to escort her first for a walk along the Quai or the Cour la Reine and then home to cook the family supper.
She came out of the workshop on this late afternoon with glowing eyes and flaming cheeks, and nearly ran past Maurice without seeing him as her mind was so full of other things. She was humming a tune as she ran. Maurice was waiting for her at the gate, and he called to her. He felt very happy all of a sudden because Josette seemed so pleased to see him.
“Maurice!” she cried, “I am so glad you have come.”
Maurice, being young and up to his eyes in love, did not think of asking her why she should be so glad. She was glad to see him and that was enough for any lover. He took hold of her by the elbow and led her through the narrow streets as far as the Quai and then over to Cour la Reine, where there were seats under the chestnut trees from which the big prickly burrs were falling fast, and split as they fell, revealing the lovely smooth surface of the chestnuts, in colour like Josette’s hair; and as the last glimmer of daylight faded into evening the sparrows in the trees kicked up a great shindy, which was like a paean of joy in complete accord with Maurice’s mood.
Nor did Maurice notice that Josette was absorbed; her eyes shone more brightly than usual, and her lips, which were so like ripe fruit, were slightly parted, and Maurice was just aching for a kiss.