# XLIII explained — Pimpernel and Rosemary

> Chapter companion for Pimpernel and Rosemary by Baroness Orczy.

## What happens

Rosemary and Jasper return to the château, where Jasper rushes ahead upon seeing a car depart. Rosemary is stopped by sentries but bribes a young officer, Lieutenant Uriesu, to gain entry. She overhears Jasper—revealed as 'Number Ten'—angrily reprimanding Major Buriecha for allowing Philip Imrey and Anna Heves to escape, orchestrated by Peter Blakeney. Jasper orders a pursuit and shoot-to-kill orders. Confronted by Rosemary, he shows cruelty but leaves when she commands him to go.

## Themes in this chapter

### Deception and Betrayal

Jasper's identity as 'Number Ten' is exposed, revealing his betrayal of Rosemary and his role as a spy.

### Political Oppression and Nationalism

The military's control over prisoners and the pursuit of escapees highlight oppressive state mechanisms.

### Marriage and Unrequited Love

Rosemary's marriage to Jasper is shattered by the revelation of his true nature, turning love to revulsion.

## Character check-ins

### Rosemary Fowkes

Discovers Jasper's true identity as 'Number Ten' and his role in the escape plot; confronts him with cold resolve.

### Jasper Tarkington

Revealed as the spy 'Number Ten'; orchestrates pursuit of the escapees and shows cruel, wolf-like demeanor when confronted by Rosemary.

### Peter Blakeney

Implied to have engineered the escape of Philip and Anna using a forged order and officer's uniform.

### Philip Imrey

Has escaped from custody with Anna Heves, aided by Peter Blakeney.

### Anna Heves

Escaped alongside Philip Imrey; pursued by Jasper's orders.

### Major Buriecha

Reprimanded by Jasper for allowing the escape; shown as fearful and apologetic.

## Key lines

> Number Ten speaking!

Jasper identifies himself as the spy 'Number Ten' during a phone call.

_This moment reveals Jasper's secret allegiance and his role in the political intrigue._

> Shoot at sight, of course, if the car does not slow down.

Jasper orders the frontier police to use lethal force to stop the escapees.

_Demonstrates Jasper's ruthlessness and the high stakes of the escape._

> The man was too vile to inspire fear.

Rosemary feels no fear of Jasper, only contempt, after learning his true identity.

_Highlights Rosemary's moral clarity and emotional detachment from her husband._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/pimpernel_and_rosemary_se/chapters/xliii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/pimpernel_and_rosemary_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/pimpernel_and_rosemary_se/chapters