# XXXVI explained — Pimpernel and Rosemary

> Chapter companion for Pimpernel and Rosemary by Baroness Orczy.

## What happens

Rosemary waits anxiously for Elza's return to Kis-Imre, torn between her need to travel to London to stop the publication of her articles and her loyalty to Elza. Jasper offers to go in her stead, but Rosemary hesitates, still troubled by his dual nature and her waning trust. She visits Maurus, who is mentally deteriorating, and learns nothing of Elza's whereabouts. The day passes without news, and Rosemary resolves to wait for Elza before making any decision.

## Themes in this chapter

### Marriage and Unrequited Love

Rosemary's growing distrust and fear of Jasper, despite his outward kindness, underscores the erosion of their marriage and her inability to reciprocate his passion.

### Deception and Betrayal

Jasper's dual nature and Rosemary's suspicion that her telegram will be intercepted highlight themes of deceit and hidden motives.

### Political Oppression and Nationalism

The Imrey family's dispossession by the Romanian government and the imprisonment of Philip and Anna illustrate the oppressive nationalist policies.

## Character check-ins

### Rosemary Fowkes

Anxiously waiting for Elza's return, conflicted about Jasper's offer to go to London, and troubled by his dual nature.

### Jasper Tarkington

Offers to travel to London for Rosemary, shows kindness and practicality, but Rosemary's trust in him is shaken by his past outbursts.

### Elza Imrey

Has not returned from visiting Philip and Anna in Cluj and then Ujlak; her absence causes Rosemary increasing anxiety.

### Maurus Imrey

Mentally deteriorating, speaks vaguely about Elza's movements and laments the loss of his property and Philip's imprisonment.

## Key lines

> not trust me,” he said quietly. For another fraction of a second she hesitated, then with a frank gesture of camaraderie she put her hand out to him: “I think I ought to carry my own business through myself,” she said, and added softly: “You understand, dear, don’t you?”

Jasper accuses Rosemary of distrusting him, but she gently insists on handling her own affairs, softening her refusal with a smile and a touch.

_This exchange reveals the tension in their relationship and Rosemary's determination to maintain independence._

> The dual nature in him puzzled her. She would not admit that she feared him, because she had never in her life been afraid of anyone, but she did own to a certain vague dread which would creep into her heart whenever she found herself alone with him

Rosemary is confused by Jasper's contrasting kindness and cruelty, and though she denies fear, she feels a growing unease in his presence.

_Highlights Rosemary's internal conflict and the theme of deception and betrayal._

> What did he hope to accomplish? Did he know her so little as to imagine that she would merely call the occurrence an adverse blow of Fate and quietly sit down under it⁠—be content to send one wire which would be intercepted?

Rosemary scoffs at Peter's plan, believing he underestimated her resolve to fight back and not passively accept his interference.

_Shows Rosemary's defiance and her belief in her own agency as a British subject._

## Links

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