The Elusive Pimpernel · Chapter
The Richmond Gala explained
At the Richmond Gala, townsfolk discuss the mysterious Scarlet Pimpernel while observing the arrival of the quality, including Sir Percy and Lady Blakeney.
What happens
At the Richmond Gala, townsfolk discuss the mysterious Scarlet Pimpernel while observing the arrival of the quality, including Sir Percy and Lady Blakeney. Marguerite Blakeney reassures Juliette Marny about Paul Déroulède's safety in England. The chapter highlights public fascination with the Scarlet Pimpernel and the contrast between English merriment and French émigré anxieties.
Themes in this chapter
Heroism and Self-Sacrifice
The Scarlet Pimpernel is celebrated as the bravest gentleman who rescues French aristocrats, inspiring both admiration and mystery among the gala attendees.
Class and Aristocracy
The gala showcases the social hierarchy: the 'quality' arrive in fine clothes, while commoners like Mistress Polly and Master Jezzard observe and comment on their betters.
Deception and Disguise
The Scarlet Pimpernel's identity is a subject of speculation, with rumors that he is dead or ugly, highlighting the theme of hidden identity.
Characters to notice
- Marguerite Blakeney
Arrives at the gala in a shimmering green gown, radiant and happy, reassuring Juliette Marny about Paul Déroulède's safety.
- Sir Percy Blakeney
Stands tall and immaculate at the gala, his lazy blue eyes scanning the crowd, the center of a gaily-dressed group.
- Juliette Marny
Recently rescued from France, still fearful, dressed in white with a childlike face marked by suffering, walking with Marguerite.
- Paul Déroulède
Present among a group of friends at the gala, the man Juliette loves, now safe in England.
- Sir Andrew Ffoulkes
Arrives with his lady Suzanne, admired by the crowd for his bravery in rescuing her from France.
- Suzanne Ffoulkes
Pretty and dainty in a short-waisted gown, her hazel eyes fixed in admiration on her husband Sir Andrew.
- Mistress Polly
Pretty barmaid from the Bell Inn, opinionated about the French, teases Master Jezzard, and speculates about the Scarlet Pimpernel.
- Master Thomas Jezzard
Mistress Polly's attendant swain, defends the Scarlet Pimpernel's bravery but claims he is ill-favored.
Key passages
“Lud! but she do give me the creeps... I don't see why we English folk should send our hard-earned pennies to those murdering ruffians over the water.”
Mistress Polly expresses her unease and disapproval of sending English money to support the violent revolutionaries in France.
Reflects common English sentiment against the French Revolution's excesses.
“Nay! we'll find your Paul, never fear! Lud! child, have you forgotten he is in England now, and that there's no fear of his being kidnapped here on the green in broad daylight.”
Marguerite reassures Juliette that Paul Déroulède is safe in England and cannot be abducted in public.
Highlights the lingering trauma of French émigrés and the relative safety of England.
“Perhaps he isn't... I mean, that perhaps we must not ask, 'who is this mysterious Scarlet Pimpernel?' but 'who was that poor and unfortunate gentleman?'”
Old Clutterbuck suggests that the Scarlet Pimpernel may no longer be alive, implying he was captured and killed by the French.
Shows the uncertainty and myth-making surrounding the Scarlet Pimpernel's fate.
