Based on a scene from the Scarlet Pimpernel (1982).
Percy sat on his fine gold couch, lazily leaning into the soft cushions. His fair hair was carefully combed, his cravat perfect, and his gold suit without a wrinkle. Armand stood behind him, his hand resting on the couch. The young Frenchman was not so particular about his dress, but his clothes matched Sir Percy's with the same elegant style of the times. Armand's face carried a determined look as he and the fine gentleman discussed the plight of his friend, the Count de Tournay. He still did not know the secret identity of Sir Percival Blakeney, his soon to be brother-in-law. Armand was speaking.
"I will tell the de Tournay's that it is no use to try to get him out of prison."
"Now look here, my dear fellow. I did not save your neck from those thugs of St. Cyr's merely to have you loose your head at the guillotine." Percy opened his snuffbox and carefully took a pinch, wiggling his nose like a rabbit.
"Never the less, I will warn them," Armand retorted. "It's no use trying to stop me."
"I have no intention of stopping you," Sir Percy drawled. He stood up and walked over to the mantle and leaned his arm on it.
"Do you suppose you could get into the Temple Prison and see the Count, tonight?" Percy inquired carelessly. Armand considered a moment.
"Why yes, I suppose so. But for what purpose?"
Percy shook out the elaborate lace adorning the cuffs of his suit.
"I have a plan."
"Oh." Armand was disappointed. "You have a plan. You, who are incapable of thinking any thought in your head that is not trivial. Really, Percy, this is serious."
Percy's face changed in a moment. He went from carefree rich man - to the daring Pimpernel. "So am I. Deadly serious. We must rescue the Count de Tournay - without endangering you. You can be far more useful to us if you keep in with Chauvelin."
Armand was puzzled. " 'Useful to us', what on earth are you talking about?"
"You must swear by all you hold sacred, that what you are about to hear, you will not reveal to anyone-"
His listener interrupted crossly. "Really, Percy."
Sir Percy continued on. "Not even Marguerite."
Armand stared at him is shock. Not tell Marguerite, his own sister who raised him?
"You must be quite mad!"
Percy was not moved. "Do you swear?"
Armand shrugged his shoulders reluctantly. Might as well, he thought. "Very well."
With a somewhat smug expression, the brave leader removed his reversible seal ring. He turned it over, showing the flower seal to Armand.
"Do you recognized that seal?" Percy asked casually.
Armand pondered for a moment. "Why, yes, it looks like a flower of some sort."
"Correct," the Englishman replied. "It is the scarlet pimpernel."
Armand stared at it. Suddenly the information registered, and he looked up at Percy in surprise. How was it possible? Then he looked past the man's foppish ways and saw the great wisdom and brains behind that mask. Then he understood his strange behavior in public. This man was wanted and he needed a cover. Therefore, he camouflaged himself with silliness. And it was working.
Do tell what you think of it! My little sister is the writer and I am her beta, and this is our first story to post up here, so whatever thoughts you have on either the writing or the formatting of this fic would be very much appreciated and adored...