# XII: How Simon Set Forth in Pursuit explained — Simon the Coldheart

> Chapter companion for Simon the Coldheart by Georgette Heyer.

## What happens

Simon returns to Belrémy to find that Lady Margaret has escaped, disguised as a page, with Jeanne and a red-bearded giant. He sets out in pursuit with Geoffrey, tracking them to Turincel and then to the lands of Raoul the Terrible, where they discover signs of a struggle. Simon and Geoffrey confront Raoul at his palace, demanding the return of the prisoners.

## Themes in this chapter

### Honor and Loyalty

Geoffrey's chivalrous reluctance to intrude on Margaret's chamber contrasts with Simon's pragmatic determination, highlighting different codes of honor.

### Power and Conquest

Simon's relentless pursuit and use of authority as King Henry's envoy demonstrate his drive to reclaim his prisoner and assert control.

### Love as Warfare

Geoffrey's deep concern for Jeanne and his eagerness to join the rescue mission show love as a motivating force in the conflict.

## Character check-ins

### Simon the Coldheart

Returns to Belrémy, discovers Margaret's escape, and leads the pursuit to Raoul's palace.

### Geoffrey of Malvallet

Left in command, becomes suspicious of Margaret's absence, and joins Simon in the rescue mission.

### Lady Margaret of Belrémy

Escapes Belrémy disguised as a page, travels with Jeanne and Ranaud, and is captured by Raoul.

### Jeanne de Faucourt

Accompanies Margaret in her escape and is captured by Raoul.

### Raoul the Terrible

Captures Margaret, Jeanne, and Ranaud; holds them at his palace.

### Hélène

Lady-in-waiting who tries to conceal Margaret's escape from Simon.

## Key lines

> Something impelled me to return. I know not whether I am a fool or whether my instinct truly warned me of danger.

Simon feels a mysterious urge to come back, unsure if it's foolishness or intuition alerting him to trouble.

_Simon's instinct proves correct as he discovers Margaret's escape._

> I will fetch her back, silly girl. How could ye let her go thus? God and the Devil know what may have befallen her!

Simon scolds Hélène for allowing Margaret to escape and vows to retrieve her despite the unknown dangers.

_Simon's determination and frustration are evident as he prepares for the pursuit._

> If he hath discovered that the page is none other than Margaret of Belrémy, he will seek to sell her, methinks. He will not harm them, unless he is a fool.

Simon reasons that Raoul will likely try to ransom Margaret rather than hurt her, if he realizes her true identity.

_Simon's strategic thinking about Raoul's motives._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/simon_the_coldheart_se/chapters/part-ii-xii-how-simon-set-forth-in-pursuit
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- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/simon_the_coldheart_se/chapters