# The Secret Trust explained — Sir Percy Hits Back

> Chapter companion for Sir Percy Hits Back by Baroness Orczy.

## What happens

Fleurette, having hidden Madame de Frontenac's valuables, anxiously awaits Amédé Colombe in the darkness. She confides in him about the soldiers' raid on the château, the escape of Madame and Mademoiselle, and her fear that Bibi (Chauvelin) would force her to surrender the treasures. Amédé agrees to hide the casket, wallet, and moneybag in a secret hole in his tool-shed, and their intimate exchange deepens their bond as they share a tender moment under the night sky.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love and Loyalty

Fleurette's trust in Amédé and her devotion to Madame and Mademoiselle drive her actions, culminating in a tender romantic exchange.

### Innocence and Corruption

Fleurette's naive faith in the 'messenger from heaven' contrasts with the corrupting influence of revolutionary soldiers and Bibi's potential betrayal.

### Disguise and Deception

The mysterious faggot-carrier (the Scarlet Pimpernel) uses disguise to guide Fleurette, and she deceives others to protect the hidden valuables.

## Character check-ins

### Fleurette

Waits in darkness for Amédé, entrusts him with Madame's valuables, and expresses her deep trust in him.

### Amédé Colombe

Responds to Fleurette's summons, agrees to hide the treasures, and shares a romantic moment with her.

### Adèle

Sent by Fleurette to fetch Amédé; is a part confidant but knows little of the secret.

### Bibi

Feared by Fleurette for his revolutionary sympathies; she worries he would force her to surrender the valuables.

### Madame de Frontenac

Her valuables and papers are hidden by Fleurette; she and Mademoiselle have escaped the château.

### Rose de Frontenac

Mademoiselle de Frontenac, who escaped with Madame; her safety is a concern for Fleurette.

### Ma'ame Tronchet

The widow Tronchet, busy in the kitchen, whose presence adds to Fleurette's anxiety.

## Key lines

> I don't know what you'll think of me. I know I have done something which everyone in the village would call reprehensible. I sent for you in secret because—because, M'sieur Amédé, there is no one in the world I could trust, as I do trust you.

Fleurette admits she has acted improperly by arranging a secret meeting, but explains that Amédé is the only person she can truly trust.

_This reveals Fleurette's vulnerability and her deep reliance on Amédé._

> I just took the wallet, M'sieu' Amédé, and the moneybag, and the box. And here they are.

Fleurette shows Amédé the items she retrieved from the château: a wallet, a moneybag, and a box.

_Highlights the physical evidence of her risky mission._

> There's an old tool-shed at the back of our house where all sorts of rubbish are kept. ... I know of a convenient hole in the flooring, hidden well away in a corner. I'll put these things there.

Amédé proposes hiding the valuables in a secret hole in his family's tool-shed.

_Demonstrates Amédé's willingness to help and the practical plan for concealment._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/sir_percy_hits_back_se/chapters/x
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/sir_percy_hits_back_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/sir_percy_hits_back_se/chapters