# XXXIV explained — Pimpernel and Rosemary

> Chapter companion for Pimpernel and Rosemary by Baroness Orczy.

## What happens

Peter Blakeney confronts General Naniescu and M. de Kervoisin, revealing he has stolen Rosemary's manuscript of newspaper articles. He proposes a trade: the manuscript for the title-deeds of the Kis-Imre property. Naniescu, after reading the articles and daydreaming about the political benefits, reluctantly agrees to the bargain.

## Themes in this chapter

### Deception and Betrayal

Peter steals Rosemary's manuscript and deceives Naniescu to achieve his goal, while Naniescu schemes to use the articles for his own political gain.

### Political Oppression and Nationalism

Naniescu's daydream of using the articles to vindicate his administration and gain favor with the King underscores the oppressive nationalist agenda.

### Honor vs. Compromise

Peter's willingness to steal and bargain contrasts with Naniescu's initial indignation, yet both compromise their principles for practical outcomes.

## Character check-ins

### Peter Blakeney

Confronts Naniescu and de Kervoisin, having stolen Rosemary's manuscript to drive a bargain for the Kis-Imre property.

### General Naniescu

Negotiates with Peter, initially resistant but ultimately agrees to exchange the property deeds for the manuscript.

### M. de Kervoisin

Present during the negotiation, remains largely silent and inscrutable, occasionally observing Peter.

### Rosemary Fowkes

Her manuscript is the subject of the negotiation; she had written articles and then repented, but Peter stole them.

### Jasper Tarkington

Mentioned indirectly as Lady Tarkington's husband; Rosemary is referred to as Lady Tarkington.

## Key lines

> Those articles were just what he wanted. They were so beautifully written! So convincingly! What a stir they would make! They were a complete vindication of his administration here in Transylvania.

Naniescu imagines the articles will justify his rule and bring him rewards from the King.

_Highlights Naniescu's self-serving political ambitions._

> I stole it this morning from Lady Tarkington.

Peter admits to taking the manuscript without permission.

_Reveals Peter's decisive and morally ambiguous action._

> The title-deeds of the Kis-Imre property.

Peter demands ownership of the estate in exchange for the manuscript.

_Sets the terms of the central bargain of the chapter._

## Links

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