The Scarlet Pimpernel by Baronness Orczy tells the story of a man, the Scarlet Pimpernel, who helps aristocrats escape from France during the Reign of Terror in 1792. He outwits the authorities time and again and they have the strongest desire to capture him in the middle of an attempt so that they can also send him to the guillotine.
Enter the weathly British aristocrat, Percy Blakeney, and his beautiful estranged wife, Margerite. Margerite is French and unwittingly helped in the capture of a French aristocrat. When Sir Percy learned of her help he refuses to love her. Margerite pines for the affections of The Scarlet Pimpernel, who is, of course, Sir Percy, only no one knows the true identity of the Scarlet Pimpernel.
Margerite is set up by a French dignitary to reveal the activities of the Scarlet Pimpernel in order to save her brother's life. Though conflicted, she agrees, only to set a trap for her husband. She then must do everything in her power to save both her brother and her husband.
The story line is actually very good. It moves at a good pace and is engaging; however, the writing is a bit over-the-top. For that reason I'll give The Scarlet Pimpernel 4/5. Recommended for those who like to read historical fiction.
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