# XXI explained — Pimpernel and Rosemary

> Chapter companion for Pimpernel and Rosemary by Baroness Orczy.

## What happens

Rosemary wrestles with her suspicions of Peter, feeling torn between her promise to Jasper and her loyalty to Peter. She confronts Peter about his changed behavior and his knowledge of the escape plan, but their conversation ends in frustration and mistrust. Rosemary ultimately decides not to break her promise to Jasper, leaving Peter to go on his errand.

## Themes in this chapter

### Deception and Betrayal

Rosemary lies to Peter about Jasper's whereabouts and feels trapped by her promise, leading to mutual mistrust.

### Marriage and Unrequited Love

Rosemary's marriage to Jasper creates a barrier between her and Peter, and her lingering feelings for Peter complicate her loyalty.

## Character check-ins

### Rosemary Fowkes

Struggles with loyalty to Peter versus her promise to Jasper; feels hurt, angry, and ashamed.

### Peter Blakeney

Confronts Rosemary about her lies and the mistrust between them; shows frustration and resentment.

### Elza Imrey

Mentioned as having discussed plans with Rosemary and Anna; her white dress is seen in the summerhouse.

### Anna Heves

Mentioned as part of the group discussing plans; crosses the lawn with Elza.

### Jasper Tarkington

Referenced as the one who extracted a promise from Rosemary and who suspects Peter.

## Key lines

> Peter and intrigue! Peter and crafty Machiavellism! Peter and a double game he was ashamed to avow! Why, reason should have rejected the first hint of such a possibility, even if loyalty did not.

Rosemary dismisses the idea that Peter could be involved in deceitful schemes, believing that both logic and loyalty should have prevented such thoughts.

_Rosemary's internal struggle to trust Peter despite Jasper's suspicions._

> It seems as if something had come between us, almost as if we were enemies.

Rosemary feels a growing distance and hostility between herself and Peter.

_Highlights the breakdown of their relationship._

> Wait another twenty-four hours, Peter. Don't go till—till after the ball.

Rosemary pleads with Peter to postpone his departure until after the upcoming ball.

_Rosemary's attempt to keep Peter involved without breaking her promise._

## Links

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