# Chapter XVII explained — Pimpernel and Rosemary

> Chapter companion for Pimpernel and Rosemary by Baroness Orczy.

## What happens

Rosemary is tormented by the secret she holds about Philip and Anna's impending doom, feeling increasingly isolated as the household joyfully prepares for Peter's arrival. When Peter finally arrives, Rosemary finds him changed—more English, less intense—and their conversation reveals his indifference to the danger facing Anna and Philip. Rosemary realizes she cannot confide in Peter and longs to escape the situation.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love and Sacrifice

Rosemary's internal struggle reflects her willingness to sacrifice her own peace for the safety of Philip and Anna.

### Deception and Betrayal

Rosemary hides the truth from the Imrey family, feeling complicit in their impending doom.

### Honor vs. Compromise

Rosemary grapples with the moral compromise of keeping her promise to Jasper versus her desire to warn the family.

## Character check-ins

### Rosemary Fowkes

Torn by guilt and anxiety over Philip and Anna's fate; feels unable to share her burden with Peter.

### Peter Blakeney

Arrives at Kis-Imre appearing more English and carefree; dismisses the danger to Anna and Philip.

### Elza Imrey

Radiates happiness and plans festivities, unaware of the looming catastrophe.

### Maurus Imrey

Unbends and joins in the family joy, oblivious to the threat.

### Philip Imrey

Almost feverishly gay, unaware of the danger he and Anna face.

### Anna Heves

Thoughtful and unaware; Peter suggests she should leave Transylvania.

## Key lines

> And it was that spectre which from that hour haunted Rosemary; it would not allow her to rest at night; it dogged her steps by day.

Rosemary is haunted day and night by the secret she carries.

_Highlights Rosemary's torment and the central conflict of the chapter._

> He seemed younger, more boyish—more English in many ways.

Peter appears more youthful and typically English to Rosemary.

_Shows Rosemary's perception of Peter's change and her growing distance from him._

> It was all wrong, all wrong. Peter used to be so fond of little Anna.

Rosemary feels that Peter's indifference to Anna is a betrayal of his former self.

_Emphasizes Rosemary's disillusionment with Peter._

## Links

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