# Rosemary Fowkes — Pimpernel and Rosemary character guide > Rosemary Fowkes in Pimpernel and Rosemary by Baroness Orczy. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Rosemary, Rosemary Tarkington, Poor Rosemary **First appearance:** 0000-prologue ## Snapshot A tall, restless Englishwoman whose cool composure barely masks a heart torn between old love and a marriage of gratitude in a country on the brink. ## Who they are Rosemary moves through Transylvanian drawing rooms as the admired wife of Jasper Tarkington, yet Peter Blakeney's sudden arrival at Kis-Imre strips away her practiced calm. She is caught between loyalty to a husband whose kindness she cannot repay and the pull of a youth she thought she had buried; Peter alone sees that she is thinner, feverish, unhappy. Her private ache drives the novel's central question of whether love or duty will govern her choices as political danger closes in. ## Relationships ### [Jasper Tarkington](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pimpernel_and_rosemary_se/characters/jasper_tarkington) _romantic_ Jasper is deeply in love with Rosemary, and their interactions are frequent and emotionally charged, forming the central romantic plot. ### [Peter Blakeney](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pimpernel_and_rosemary_se/characters/peter_blakeney) _romantic_ Peter is also a suitor to Rosemary, creating a love triangle with Jasper, marked by tension and competition. ### [Elza Imrey](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pimpernel_and_rosemary_se/characters/elza_imrey) _friendship_ Elza is a close confidante and friend to Rosemary, often providing support and counsel. ### [General Naniescu](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pimpernel_and_rosemary_se/characters/general_naniescu) _psychological_ General Naniescu exerts a manipulative and obsessive influence over Rosemary, viewing her as a pawn in his schemes. ### [Anna Heves](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pimpernel_and_rosemary_se/characters/anna_heves) _friendship_ Anna is a loyal friend to Rosemary, sharing in her adventures and personal struggles. ### [Maurus Imrey](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pimpernel_and_rosemary_se/characters/maurus_imrey) _social_ Maurus is an acquaintance of Rosemary, connected through the Imrey family circle. ### [Philip Imrey](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pimpernel_and_rosemary_se/characters/philip_imrey) _social_ Philip is a family member of Elza and Maurus, interacting with Rosemary in social settings. ### [Jasper Tarkington](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pimpernel_and_rosemary_se/characters/jasper_tarkington) _romantic_ Jasper is deeply in love with Rosemary, and their interactions are frequent and emotionally charged, forming the central romantic plot. ### [Elza Imrey](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pimpernel_and_rosemary_se/characters/elza_imrey) _friendship_ Elza is a close confidante and friend to Rosemary, often providing support and counsel. ### [Peter Blakeney](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pimpernel_and_rosemary_se/characters/peter_blakeney) _romantic_ Peter is also a suitor to Rosemary, creating a love triangle with Jasper, marked by tension and competition. ### [Jasper Tarkington](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pimpernel_and_rosemary_se/characters/jasper_tarkington) _romantic_ Jasper is deeply in love with Rosemary, and their interactions are frequent and emotionally charged, forming the central romantic plot. ### [Anna Heves](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pimpernel_and_rosemary_se/characters/anna_heves) _friendship_ Anna is a loyal friend to Rosemary, sharing in her adventures and personal struggles. ## In the story ### [Prologue](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pimpernel_and_rosemary_se/chapters/prologue) Introduced as a central figure whose actions may lead to sacrifice. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pimpernel_and_rosemary_se/chapters/i) Recently engaged to Jasper Tarkington; she approaches Peter at the ball and asks him to dance. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pimpernel_and_rosemary_se/chapters/ii) Mentioned as a beautiful and brilliant woman, author of the 'Uno' articles on bureaucracy in the Near East. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pimpernel_and_rosemary_se/chapters/iii) Described as exceptionally beautiful, dressed in a Venetian gown; her charm is attributed to her pixie-like eyes. She is the subject of admiration and political resentment from General Naniescu. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pimpernel_and_rosemary_se/chapters/iv) Struggles with her emotions during Peter's confession, ultimately reaffirms her engagement to Jasper and returns to her social role. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pimpernel_and_rosemary_se/chapters/v) Meets Sir George Orange and General Naniescu; considers Naniescu's proposal to write about Transylvania; reflects on her love for Peter and her commitment to Jasper. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pimpernel_and_rosemary_se/chapters/vi) Turns to prayer for guidance, discusses her plans to go to Transylvania with Jasper, and is taken aback by Jasper's sudden proposal of immediate marriage. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pimpernel_and_rosemary_se/chapters/vii) Resolves to marry Jasper and accept Naniescu's proposal; experiences a dreamlike state and emotional turmoil during the journey to Budapest. ### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pimpernel_and_rosemary_se/chapters/viii) Dines with Jasper on the terrace; feels tired and uneasy with Naniescu's presence and his gallantry. ### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pimpernel_and_rosemary_se/chapters/ix) Arrives in Cluj with Jasper, meets Anna Heves, and is deeply moved by Anna's patriotic sacrifice. She tries to offer Anna a job as her secretary. ### [Chapter X: The Hospitality of Kis-Imre](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pimpernel_and_rosemary_se/chapters/x) Rosemary takes the Imreys to her heart, recalling their pre-war hospitality, and now sees Elza as a woman shaped by suffering. ### [XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pimpernel_and_rosemary_se/chapters/xi) Acts decisively to secure Philip's release by telephoning Naniescu; dances the csàrdàs with Philip; feels a moment of fear and recognition of Jasper's hidden passion. ### [XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pimpernel_and_rosemary_se/chapters/xii) Feels triumphant after securing Philip's release, but is distressed by news of his arrest. Torn between impartial journalism and her desire to intervene. ### [XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pimpernel_and_rosemary_se/chapters/xiii) Confronts Naniescu, lies boldly, and is torn between her sense of honor and the desperate need to save Philip and Anna. ### [XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pimpernel_and_rosemary_se/chapters/xiv) Rosemary is emotionally strained after crying, physically exhausted but mentally clearer. She seeks Jasper's advice about Naniescu's ultimatum but feels chilled by his lack of sympathy. She reminisces about Peter Blakeney, longing for his humanity and understanding, and is shocked to learn from Jasper that Peter is in Transylvania. ### [XV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pimpernel_and_rosemary_se/chapters/xv) Struggles with the burden of secrecy and Jasper's demands, feeling like a slave in her marriage. ### [XVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pimpernel_and_rosemary_se/chapters/xvi) Feels like a stranger in the family gathering, heavy-hearted, and later tormented by the implications of Anna's story and the mysterious eyes watching from the garden. ### [Chapter XVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pimpernel_and_rosemary_se/chapters/xvii) Torn by guilt and anxiety over Philip and Anna's fate; feels unable to share her burden with Peter. ### [XVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pimpernel_and_rosemary_se/chapters/xviii) Reveals to Elza that Philip and Anna face treason charges; swears she cannot save them, though she is hiding her own involvement. ### [XIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pimpernel_and_rosemary_se/chapters/xix) Puzzled by the gipsy's mystery and torn between her promise to Jasper and her loyalty to Peter; observes the household's gaiety with admiration and concern. ### [XX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pimpernel_and_rosemary_se/chapters/xx) Torn between loyalty to Peter and growing mistrust; longs for Jasper's steady hand; approves of Elza's escape plan. ### [XXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pimpernel_and_rosemary_se/chapters/xxi) Struggles with loyalty to Peter versus her promise to Jasper; feels hurt, angry, and ashamed. ### [XXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pimpernel_and_rosemary_se/chapters/xxii) Feels revulsion toward Peter's callousness, resolves to suppress her real personality and play the cheerful guest. ### [XXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pimpernel_and_rosemary_se/chapters/xxiii) Devastated by Peter's lie; struggles to maintain composure and protect Peter from suspicion. ### [XXIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pimpernel_and_rosemary_se/chapters/xxiv) Supports Elza, keeps vigil, and listens for the motor; comforts Elza on the balcony. ### [XXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pimpernel_and_rosemary_se/chapters/xxv) Comforts Elza, discovers Naniescu's letter in the dead chauffeur's hand, and prays for guidance. ### [XXVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pimpernel_and_rosemary_se/chapters/xxvi) Referred to as the obstinate lady journalist whom Naniescu wants to write articles. ### [XXVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pimpernel_and_rosemary_se/chapters/xxvii) Kneels at her window in agony, then lies insensible on her bed; later dresses, searches for Elza, and offers comfort, torn between sentiment and duty. ### [Chapter XXVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pimpernel_and_rosemary_se/chapters/xxviii) Horrified by Jasper's sophistry, she staunchly refuses to bargain with truth and honour, but is deeply shaken by his accusations against Peter. ### [XXIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pimpernel_and_rosemary_se/chapters/xxix) Writes the articles based on Jasper's notes, then decides to let Elza decide their fate; later reads Jasper's notes and locks them away. ### [The Decision](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pimpernel_and_rosemary_se/chapters/xxx) Presents the articles to Elza, showing selflessness and love. ### [XXXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pimpernel_and_rosemary_se/chapters/xxxi) Struggles with her decision, her feelings for Peter, and her duty to Jasper; sees Peter in a lightning flash and dreams of him. ### [XXXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pimpernel_and_rosemary_se/chapters/xxxii) Struggles with Jasper's cruelty and her own guilt; supports Elza's decision to destroy the articles. ### [XXXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pimpernel_and_rosemary_se/chapters/xxxiii) Confronts Jasper after the scuffle, doubts his account of Peter's theft, and decides to wire the Times to stop publication of her articles. ### [XXXIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pimpernel_and_rosemary_se/chapters/xxxiv) Her manuscript is the subject of the negotiation; she had written articles and then repented, but Peter stole them. ### [XXXVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pimpernel_and_rosemary_se/chapters/xxxvi) Anxiously waiting for Elza's return, conflicted about Jasper's offer to go to London, and troubled by his dual nature. ### [XXXVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pimpernel_and_rosemary_se/chapters/xxxvii) Mentioned as Lady Tarkington, the author of the articles that Naniescu seeks to publish. ### [XXXVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pimpernel_and_rosemary_se/chapters/xxxviii) Welcomes Jasper eagerly, reacts with horror to the eviction order, and struggles with guilt over her articles. ### [XXXIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pimpernel_and_rosemary_se/chapters/xxxix) Wakes from an uneasy sleep, becomes agitated by the delay and worries about Naniescu's courier. ### [XL](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pimpernel_and_rosemary_se/chapters/xl) Unable to sleep, she is consumed by foreboding about her interview with Elza, fearing Elza has prioritized mother-love over patriotism. She suspects Naniescu's machinations are delaying her and resolves to fight the obstacles. ### [XLI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pimpernel_and_rosemary_se/chapters/xli) Seeks transport to the frontier, encounters Peter, and confronts him about his betrayal. ### [XLII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pimpernel_and_rosemary_se/chapters/xlii) Startled by a cat, she conceals her tears and feelings from Jasper, feeling lonely and grateful yet unable to return his passion. ### [XLIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pimpernel_and_rosemary_se/chapters/xliii) Discovers Jasper's true identity as 'Number Ten' and his role in the escape plot; confronts him with cold resolve. ### [XLIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pimpernel_and_rosemary_se/chapters/xliv) Waits in the château, reflects on the escape, and plans her own journey. ### [XLV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pimpernel_and_rosemary_se/chapters/xlv) Confronts Jasper in the salon late at night; declares she will leave him and refuses to answer whether she loves Peter. ### [XLVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pimpernel_and_rosemary_se/chapters/xlvi) Remains in the salon after Jasper leaves, leaning against the table in despair, feeling that nothing matters anymore. ### [XLVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pimpernel_and_rosemary_se/chapters/xlvii) Sits by Maurus's bedside, forgives him, and commends his soul to God. ### [XLVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pimpernel_and_rosemary_se/chapters/xlviii) Has resumed work writing articles on Transylvania; meets Peter again and accepts his marriage proposal. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pimpernel_and_rosemary_se/characters/rosemary_fowkes - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pimpernel_and_rosemary_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pimpernel_and_rosemary_se/characters