Pimpernel and Rosemary · Chapter
XLV explained
In the dead of night, Rosemary and Jasper confront each other after the events of the day.
What happens
In the dead of night, Rosemary and Jasper confront each other after the events of the day. Jasper reveals his cruel past as a spy hunter and his manipulative scheme to trap Rosemary into writing articles for General Naniescu, while also confessing his hatred for civilization and his obsession with her. He threatens to use Peter Blakeney's presence in Transylvania to create a scandal that would ruin Peter. Rosemary declares her intention to leave him, but Jasper warns that the law and his money will prevent her freedom.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Betrayal
Jasper reveals his elaborate deception: he married Rosemary under false pretenses, manipulated her into writing articles, and betrayed his friendship with Peter.
Marriage and Unrequited Love
Rosemary's marriage to Jasper is exposed as a trap; she declares she never loved him and intends to leave, while Jasper's obsession is rooted in possession rather than love.
Political Oppression and Nationalism
Jasper's work for Naniescu involved tracking down 'rebels' and spies, using military tribunals and executions to consolidate power in a conquered land.
Characters to notice
- Rosemary Fowkes
Confronts Jasper in the salon late at night; declares she will leave him and refuses to answer whether she loves Peter.
- Jasper Tarkington
Reveals his past as a spy hunter, his manipulation of Rosemary, and his threats to ruin Peter Blakeney; shows cruelty and contempt.
- Peter Blakeney
Mentioned as the object of Jasper's jealousy and threat; credited with helping Philip and Anna escape.
- Philip Imrey
Referenced as speeding toward freedom with Anna, thanks to Peter's efforts.
- Anna Heves
Referenced as fleeing with Philip; her earlier slip in Cluj gave away the secret to Jasper.
- General Naniescu
Mentioned as the corrupt official who hired Jasper to uncover the article author and offered money for Rosemary's writings.
Key passages
“How you are going to hate me after this!”
Jasper predicts that Rosemary will despise him once she learns the full truth of his actions.
Jasper's cold acknowledgment of his own villainy.
“I know enough about the laws of England to know that they do not compel me to live under your roof.”
Rosemary asserts that English law allows her to separate from Jasper without his consent.
Rosemary's defiance and belief in legal recourse.
“I mean that Peter Blakeney chose to follow you to Transylvania; any number of witnesses can testify to that. I mean, that we are now in a country where money will purchase everything, even such testimony as will enable Lord Tarkington to divorce his wife, and raise such a hell of scandal around Mr. Blakeney that no decent club would have him as a member.”
Jasper threatens to use bribery in Transylvania to fabricate evidence for a divorce scandal that would ruin Peter socially.
Jasper's weaponization of money and local corruption.