Suspense explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Courage and Risk

  Marguerite's determination to cross the Channel despite the storm and her fear of Chauvelin's spies demonstrates her courage and willingness to take risks for Percy.

• Love and Betrayal

  Marguerite's love for Percy drives her desperate journey, while her past betrayal of the Marquis de St. Cyr haunts her; the chapter explores the tension between loyalty and past mistakes.

Characters to notice

• Marguerite Blakeney

  Arrives alone at the Fisherman's Rest, desperate to cross to France; endures a sleepless night of anxiety and fear for Percy.

• Sir Andrew Ffoulkes

  Joins Marguerite in disguise as a lackey; recounts Percy's exploits to comfort her and confirms the storm prevents their crossing.

• Mr. Jellyband

  Innkeeper at the Fisherman's Rest; suspicious of Marguerite's late-night meeting with Sir Andrew, but provides hospitality.

• Miss Sally

  Serves Marguerite supper and prepares a room; wonders about Marguerite's serious demeanor.

• Sir Percy Blakeney

  Discussed by Sir Andrew; his daring rescues and disguises are recounted to Marguerite.

Key passages

• “Andrew had persuaded her to sit down to the table, to partake of some supper and to drink a little wine.”

  Sir Andrew convinced Marguerite to eat and drink something to keep up her strength.

  Shows Sir Andrew's care for Marguerite's well-being during the tense wait.

• “He made her eyes glow with enthusiasm by telling her of his bravery, his ingenuity, his resourcefulness, when it meant snatching the lives of men, women, and even children from beneath the very edge of that murderous, ever-ready guillotine.”

  Sir Andrew's stories of Percy's daring rescues filled Marguerite with admiration and hope.

  Highlights Percy's heroism and the danger of the French Revolution.

• “She had not dared to question the people at the various inns, where they had stopped to change horses. She feared that Chauvelin had spies all along the route, who might overhear her questions, then outdistance her and warn her enemy of her approach.”

  Marguerite avoided asking questions at inns because she worried Chauvelin's spies would hear and alert him.

  Illustrates Marguerite's caution and the pervasive threat of Chauvelin's network.

• “The loneliness of the room overwhelmed her; everything within was so horribly still; the ticking of the grandfather’s clock—dreadfully slow and measured—was the only sound which broke this awful loneliness.”

  The silent room and slow ticking clock intensified Marguerite's sense of isolation and dread.

  Conveys her emotional state during the long night of waiting.

• “I am afraid it is not a question of cost, Lady Blakeney. There is a nasty storm blowing from France, the wind is dead against us, we cannot possibly sail until it has changed.”

  Sir Andrew explains that no amount of money can overcome the storm; they must wait for the wind to shift.

  Introduces the natural obstacle that delays Marguerite's rescue mission.