Pimpernel and Rosemary · Chapter
XLIII explained
Rosemary and Jasper return to the château, where Jasper rushes ahead upon seeing a car depart.
What happens
Rosemary and Jasper return to the château, where Jasper rushes ahead upon seeing a car depart. Rosemary is stopped by sentries but bribes a young officer, Lieutenant Uriesu, to gain entry. She overhears Jasper—revealed as 'Number Ten'—angrily reprimanding Major Buriecha for allowing Philip Imrey and Anna Heves to escape, orchestrated by Peter Blakeney. Jasper orders a pursuit and shoot-to-kill orders. Confronted by Rosemary, he shows cruelty but leaves when she commands him to go.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Climax.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This is the dramatic climax because it marks the emotional and psychological peak of Jasper’s hidden anguish,…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Deception and Betrayal
Jasper's identity as 'Number Ten' is exposed, revealing his betrayal of Rosemary and his role as a spy.
- Political Oppression and Nationalism
The military's control over prisoners and the pursuit of escapees highlight oppressive state mechanisms.
- Marriage and Unrequited Love
Rosemary's marriage to Jasper is shattered by the revelation of his true nature, turning love to revulsion.
Characters to notice
- Rosemary Fowkes
Discovers Jasper's true identity as 'Number Ten' and his role in the escape plot; confronts him with cold resolve.
- Jasper Tarkington
Revealed as the spy 'Number Ten'; orchestrates pursuit of the escapees and shows cruel, wolf-like demeanor when confronted by Rosemary.
- Peter Blakeney
Implied to have engineered the escape of Philip and Anna using a forged order and officer's uniform.
- Philip Imrey
Has escaped from custody with Anna Heves, aided by Peter Blakeney.
- Anna Heves
Escaped alongside Philip Imrey; pursued by Jasper's orders.
- Major Buriecha
Reprimanded by Jasper for allowing the escape; shown as fearful and apologetic.
Key passages
“Number Ten speaking!”
Jasper identifies himself as the spy 'Number Ten' during a phone call.
This moment reveals Jasper's secret allegiance and his role in the political intrigue.
“Shoot at sight, of course, if the car does not slow down.”
Jasper orders the frontier police to use lethal force to stop the escapees.
Demonstrates Jasper's ruthlessness and the high stakes of the escape.
“The man was too vile to inspire fear.”
Rosemary feels no fear of Jasper, only contempt, after learning his true identity.
Highlights Rosemary's moral clarity and emotional detachment from her husband.
