# Departure explained — The Triumph of the Scarlet Pimpernel

> Chapter companion for The Triumph of the Scarlet Pimpernel by Baroness Orczy.

## What happens

Marguerite Blakeney, eager for news of her husband Percy, plans a trip to London but is interrupted by Bertrand Moncrif, who reveals that Régine de Serval and her brother Jacques have fled to Dover. Marguerite agrees to help Bertrand pursue them, and they set off by coach. During the journey, Bertrand drugs and binds Marguerite, revealing his treachery as he diverts the coach to a mysterious white house.

## Themes in this chapter

### Deception and Disguise

Bertrand Moncrif feigns distress and gratitude to gain Marguerite's trust, only to drug and bind her during the journey.

### Love and Loyalty

Marguerite's willingness to help Bertrand stems from her love for Percy and her loyalty to those he has saved; Régine's devotion to her brother drives her flight.

### Innocence vs. Corruption

Marguerite's trusting nature is exploited by Bertrand's corrupt and treacherous scheme.

## Character check-ins

### Marguerite Blakeney

Agrees to help Bertrand Moncrif pursue Régine and Jacques; later drugged and bound by Bertrand during the coach journey.

### Bertrand Moncrif

Arrives at the Manor in distress, reveals Régine and Jacques have fled to Dover; later betrays Marguerite by drugging and binding her.

### Régine de Serval

Has fled to Dover with her brother Jacques, prompting Bertrand's desperate plea for help.

### Jacques de Serval

Régine's hotheaded brother who has fled with her to Dover, leaving behind incriminating papers.

### Madame de Serval

Mentioned as distraught with anxiety over her son Jacques's disappearance.

## Key lines

> You, milady? ... You would ... really ... help me ... like that?

Bertrand expresses astonished hope that Marguerite will assist him.

_Bertrand's feigned gratitude masks his treacherous intent._

> Régine has gone! ... To Dover ... with Jacques.

Bertrand reveals that Régine and her brother Jacques have fled to Dover.

_This sets the plot in motion for the coach journey._

> The next moment a thick woollen scarf was wound quickly and tightly round her head, covering her mouth and eyes, only barely giving her room to breathe, and her hands and arms were tied together with cords.

Bertrand suddenly and violently binds and gags Marguerite inside the coach.

_The betrayal is complete as Bertrand reveals his true nature._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters/xx-departure
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_triumph_of_the_scarlet_pimpernel_se/chapters