The first novel in a series of historical fiction novels by Baroness Orczy, published in 1905
Set during the perilous French Revolution's Reign of Terror in September 1792, this historical adventure follows the mysterious English hero, the "Scarlet Pimpernel," and his clandestine league as they daringly rescue condemned French aristocrats from the guillotine. The narrative introduces Sir Percy Blakeney, a seemingly foolish and foppish English baronet, and his intelligent French wife, Marguerite St. Just, whose past accusation of denouncing a marquis has created a rift in their marriage. The cunning French agent, Chauvelin, blackmails Marguerite into helping him unmask the Pimpernel by threatening her brother, Armand St. Just. Torn between her loyalty to her brother and a growing admiration for the Pimpernel, Marguerite reluctantly provides a crucial clue. Upon discovering that her own husband, Sir Percy, is the Scarlet Pimpernel, Marguerite is overwhelmed by love and guilt. She resolves to warn him and aid his mission, embarking on a perilous journey to Calais. There, she witnesses Percy's clever escapes and follows Chauvelin's pursuit of the Pimpernel and a group of royalist fugitives, including Armand. Marguerite inadvertently triggers the Pimpernel's counter-plan, leading to the royalists' escape. Percy, disguised as a Jew, endures a brutal beating from Chauvelin's men before Marguerite discovers his true identity. With the help of Sir Andrew Ffoulkes, they ultimately escape on Percy's schooner, the Daydream, back to England.
