Pimpernel and Rosemary · Chapter
XLVIII explained
Nearly two years after the tragic events in Transylvania, Rosemary has thrown herself into writing powerful articles about the region's oppression under alien occupation.
What happens
Nearly two years after the tragic events in Transylvania, Rosemary has thrown herself into writing powerful articles about the region's oppression under alien occupation. She encounters Peter Blakeney again at the Albert Hall, and he proposes marriage, to which she accepts. The chapter also recounts the successful escape of Philip and Anna, Peter's administration of Kis-Imre, and the lingering mysteries surrounding Jasper's death.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Sacrifice
Peter's two-year wait and his risky efforts to free Philip and Anna demonstrate sacrifice for love; Rosemary's work is also a form of sacrifice for justice.
Political Oppression and Nationalism
Rosemary's articles highlight the oppression in Transylvania under alien occupation, and the escape plot is set against this political backdrop.
Deception and Betrayal
Jasper's hidden dual identity and the mistrust of Peter by others reflect themes of deception.
Characters to notice
- Rosemary Fowkes
Has resumed work writing articles on Transylvania; meets Peter again and accepts his marriage proposal.
- Peter Blakeney
Returns to England after two years; proposes to Rosemary; previously orchestrated the escape of Philip and Anna and now administers Kis-Imre.
- Elza Imrey
Writes to Rosemary about Peter's work at Kis-Imre and expresses admiration for him.
- Philip Imrey
Escaped with Anna over the mountains with Peter's help; plans to marry Anna once Kis-Imre is restored.
- Anna Heves
Escaped with Philip; loved him since childhood.
- Jasper Tarkington
Deceased; his body was conveyed to England; his secret dual identity remains unresolved.
- Captain Payson
Assisted Peter in the escape by disguising as a Romanian soldier.
Key passages
“Rosemary had seen the rampant evil with her own eyes, now she was conscious of her power to help in remedying, or, at any rate, mitigating it.”
Having witnessed the oppression firsthand, Rosemary felt empowered to use her writing to address and reduce the injustice.
Highlights Rosemary's motivation and sense of agency.
“Pride, which so often has proved love’s most persistent enemy.”
Pride frequently obstructs love, as it did between Rosemary and Peter.
Reflects on the theme of love versus pride.
“When I look at him I seem to see my dear and beautiful sister gazing at me through his eyes, and in his smile I see something of hers, because, just like Peter, she was always ready to laugh, always smiling at the world, always doing great and kind things under cover of a joke.”
Elza sees Peter as a reflection of her late sister, sharing her joyful and generous spirit.
Connects Peter to his mother and underscores his character.