# The Decision explained — The Elusive Pimpernel

> Chapter companion for The Elusive Pimpernel by Baroness Orczy.

## What happens

Chauvelin and Sir Percy are alone. Chauvelin, having overheard Marguerite's murmured name, realizes Sir Percy's deep love for her and knows he will accept the infamous bargain: a letter of confession in exchange for their release. Sir Percy, after a light-hearted exchange, agrees to write the letter by seven o'clock the next evening, then falls asleep.

## Themes in this chapter

### Sacrifice for the Greater Good

Sir Percy accepts personal dishonor and a potentially fatal letter to secure Marguerite's freedom and save innocent lives.

### Love and Marriage

Marguerite's love for Percy and his passionate devotion to her drive the decision to accept Chauvelin's terms.

## Character check-ins

### Sir Percy Blakeney

Accepts Chauvelin's dishonorable bargain to save Marguerite, displaying a facade of nonchalance before falling asleep.

### Citizen Chauvelin

Triumphant in his manipulation, he secures Sir Percy's agreement to the letter and signature.

### Marguerite Blakeney

Referenced as the brokenhearted woman whose murmured name reveals her love and ties Sir Percy to the bargain.

### Désirée Candeille

Mentioned by Sir Percy in his banter about the national fête and the amnesty.

## Key lines

> A name, softly murmured by a brokenhearted woman, had told him a tale of love and passion, which he had not even suspected before.

Chauvelin overheard Marguerite whisper Percy's name, revealing her deep love for him.

_This discovery convinces Chauvelin that Percy will accept the bargain._

> I accept your bargain, man! ... I'll write the letter, I'll sign it ... an you have our free passes ready for us in exchange.

Sir Percy agrees to write and sign the letter in exchange for safe passage.

_Percy's acceptance seals the deal for their release._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_elusive_pimpernel_se/chapters/xxvii-the-decision
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_elusive_pimpernel_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_elusive_pimpernel_se/chapters