# XXII explained — Pimpernel and Rosemary

> Chapter companion for Pimpernel and Rosemary by Baroness Orczy.

## What happens

Rosemary avoids Peter before his departure, feeling a revulsion toward his callousness. She immerses herself in household affairs and gaieties at Kis-Imre, while Anna Heves visits her at night to discuss Hungarian fatalism and childlike faith. The next day is a whirl of festivities as Rosemary resolves to play the part of the cheerful guest, suppressing her inner turmoil to help in the fateful events ahead.

## Themes in this chapter

### Fate and Free Will

Anna explains Hungarian fatalism as a Christian faith in God's decrees, contrasting with Western rationalism.

### Deception and Betrayal

Rosemary resolves to play a part in a 'tragic farce' to help Philip and Anna, hiding her true feelings.

## Character check-ins

### Rosemary Fowkes

Feels revulsion toward Peter's callousness, resolves to suppress her real personality and play the cheerful guest.

### Peter Blakeney

Rosemary does not see him before he leaves; she views him as callous and irresponsible.

### Elza Imrey

Described as marvellous, kind, and fussy, focusing on household affairs despite the stakes.

### Anna Heves

Visits Rosemary's room at night, discussing Hungarian fatalism and childlike faith.

### Jasper Tarkington

Rosemary feels he was right to warn her against discussing grave events with Peter.

## Key lines

> We are made like that, we Hungarians. We hold our lives cheap, I think, because throughout our history we have always had to sacrifice them for our country.

Anna explains that Hungarians value life lightly due to a long history of sacrificing for their nation.

_Anna's explanation of Hungarian stoicism and fatalism._

> She would cease to be Rosemary with the aching heart, the soul rent by conflicting duties, by anxieties, determination and sorrow; she would become the 'dear Lady Tarkington,' the 'Rosemary darling' of all these kind, hospitable, wonderful people.

Rosemary decides to set aside her personal anguish and play the role of the cheerful guest.

_Rosemary's conscious decision to suppress her true self for the sake of the day's events._

## Links

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