# XXIV explained — Pimpernel and Rosemary

> Chapter companion for Pimpernel and Rosemary by Baroness Orczy.

## What happens

After the ball, Elza and Rosemary oversee the departure of Philip and Anna. The guests silently understand the escape and leave. Elza maintains composure until alone, then collapses briefly. Rosemary keeps vigil, listening for the motor's sound, and Elza joins her on the balcony after hearing it start. They wait for a coded message confirming safety.

## Themes in this chapter

### Political Oppression and Nationalism

The escape of Philip and Anna highlights the oppression of Hungarians in Romanian-occupied Transylvania and the solidarity among the community.

### Love and Sacrifice

Elza's careful orchestration of the escape and her emotional collapse afterward demonstrate her sacrificial love for Philip and Anna.

## Character check-ins

### Elza Imrey

Maintains stoic calm during the escape, then collapses briefly; later watches with Rosemary for the motor's departure.

### Rosemary Fowkes

Supports Elza, keeps vigil, and listens for the motor; comforts Elza on the balcony.

### Philip Imrey

Flees with Anna during the night; his absence is noted by guests.

### Anna Heves

Escapes with Philip; her absence is silently acknowledged.

### Maurus Imrey

Mentioned as needing to be put to sleep; Elza checks on him after the ball.

## Key lines

> Silently, with lips tightly pressed together, Elza pushed past him, but Rosemary now had once more taken hold of her hand. She held Elza tight, with one arm round her waist and the other clutching her hand. Struggle as she might, Elza could not free herself this time.

Elza tries to rush forward but Rosemary physically restrains her, holding her firmly.

_Rosemary prevents Elza from seeing the dead chauffeur too closely._

> It was no use going to bed; she knew she would not be able to go to sleep. It was just a case of waiting. Of watching, of praying, and commending those two young creatures to God.

Rosemary cannot sleep; she spends the night in anxious vigil, praying for Philip and Anna.

_Rosemary's internal tension during the escape._

> And suddenly Rosemary heard right through the stillness a crepitation and then a whir. And then the whirring died away very gradually, and stillness reigned once more. Absolute! 'They've started!' It was Elza's voice close to Rosemary's elbow.

Rosemary hears the motor start and fade; Elza appears beside her and confirms the escape has begun.

_The moment of departure is marked by sound and Elza's quiet exultation._

## Links

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