The Scarlet Pimpernel

Marguerite visits Andrew in London. She tells him the situation and convinces him, a League member, to help her find Percy before Chauvelin does. They agree to meet in Dover at The Fisherman’s Rest and charter an overnight schooner, sail for Calais in France, and try to overtake Percy in time.

As her carriage races toward Dover, Marguerite feels renewed hope. She recalls how, when she first knew him, she called Percy “the shadowy king of her heart” (111) and wonders at how strangely true that impression turned out to be. 

Lady Blakeney arrives at The Fisherman’s Rest late at night. Sally and Mr. Jellyband rouse themselves and make Marguerite comfortable before the fireplace in the empty coffee-room. She reserves rooms for several days for her coachmen. She says she and Sir Andrew will board a boat later tonight. Jellyband nods but privately worries that the two are running off together. Sally, too, wonders.

Marguerite orders a cold supper for later, then waits for Andrew. The wind kicks up, rattling the windows. Andrew arrives, disguised as a servant, and suddenly Marguerite realizes how all of this must look to others.