The Scarlet Pimpernel · Chapter
The Secret Orchard explained
Marguerite Blakeney, after leaving the noisy coffee-room, meets her brother Armand St.
What happens
Marguerite Blakeney, after leaving the noisy coffee-room, meets her brother Armand St. Just on the cliffs near the Fisherman's Rest. They share a poignant farewell before his return to revolutionary France. Marguerite expresses her fears for his safety and her disillusionment with her marriage to Sir Percy Blakeney, revealing that he knows of her role in the arrest of the Marquis de St. Cyr and holds her in contempt. The chapter explores the emotional distance between them and the 'secret orchard' of unspoken thoughts and feelings.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Betrayal
Marguerite's love for Percy has soured due to his contempt over her past actions; she feels betrayed by his lack of understanding and the loss of his affection.
Secrecy and Trust
Both Marguerite and Armand have 'secret orchards'—private thoughts and feelings they dare not share with each other, highlighting a breakdown in trust.
Identity and Disguise
Marguerite hides her true emotions and the depth of her marital unhappiness from Armand, while Armand conceals his evolving political views.
Characters to notice
- Marguerite Blakeney
Reveals her deep unhappiness in marriage and her fear for Armand's safety; confesses her role in the St. Cyr affair and Percy's contempt.
- Armand St. Just
Marguerite's brother, preparing to return to France; questions her about Percy's knowledge of her past and expresses concern for her well-being.
- Sir Percy Blakeney
Referenced as Marguerite's husband; his love has waned due to her denunciation of the Marquis de St. Cyr, and he holds her in contempt.
- Briggs
The old skipper who informs Marguerite that Armand must board the yacht within half an hour.
Key passages
“each now seemed to have a secret orchard, into which the other dared not penetrate.”
Both brother and sister now harbored private thoughts and feelings that they were unwilling to share with each other.
Metaphor for the emotional distance growing between Marguerite and Armand.
“I have the satisfaction, Armand, of knowing that the biggest fool in England has the most complete contempt for his wife.”
Marguerite bitterly states that her husband, whom she considers a fool, now holds her in utter disdain.
Reveals Marguerite's perception of Percy's feelings and her own bitterness.