Year of our Lord, 1800:

Anyone who was to see Cosette Blakeney would never have imagined her to one day be just as heroic in her nature as the infamous Scarlet Pimpernel. Indeed, when one was to examine her and consider her parentage and status in life, it was logical to assume she would be just another socialite fop. She was the daughter of one of the richest men in England, and every bit as beautiful as her mother. She was perfectly ordinary … or so it seemed to the outside world.

Indeed, even at the tender age of seven, Cosette had had nothing but an exceptional upbringing for an English lady. She could curtsey beyond gracefully. She could speak almost perfect French, and had quite an ability for the piano forté and singing - when she could be inclined. Then there was her natural gift for riding, and dancing. In every way, she seemed to be the perfect future heiress every one in England expected her to be.

However, despite her achievements, it was also undeniable that Cosette Blakeney was remarkably like her parents, but in ways only those privy to the true lives of Lord and Lady Blakeney would understand.

For instance, Cosette was every bit as adventurous and curious as her parents were. Her mother often blamed this on her father, but by the smile he normally wore when she said this, Cosette assumed her mother was just as much to blame as he was. Take this night for example: instead of being fast asleep as she was supposed to be, Cosette was up and about, exploring the corridors of her ancestral home.

Her bare feet hastily tiptoed forward, her white nightdress flowing behind her. She edged slowly down the passageway clutching the candelabra in her delicate hand, and blinked as it bathed the small corridor in an eerie glow.

Whereas many children her age would shudder at the darkness, Cosette didn't mind one bit; she loved exploring the old passages. The darkness was nothing new to her, nor was the place she called home. How could she ever be scared here, where she had her dear mama and papa to look after her?

Cosette smiled softly as she pressed on, perfectly content. Her toes, however, did feel numb from the icy breeze that blew down the passage. If only she'd worn slippers, she thought with a regretful sigh, but a few more feet and she would have made it without being seen.

She struggled not to laugh at that thought. She could almost be a part of the Scarlet Pimpernel's group of heroes - she too could save aristos in France. Maybe that was where her mother and father had disappeared to last month! They had both disappeared rather quickly instead of returning back from that party…

It was silly, she knew that. As if her parents could be any part of the Scarlet Pimpernel's gang of allies. Still, Cosette couldn't help the childish urge to daydream.

Ever since she'd been old enough to remember, she had heard endless tales of the mythical hero. It only made sense she'd be obsessed with the man and like to imagine herself a part of his merry band of men. It was far more exciting to her seven-year-old mind than most of the things that happened at Blakeney Manor ever were.

Well, that was except for nights like these, Cosette smiled as she finally came to a halt. She had made it.

Carefully she put down the candelabra on to the wooden side table and opened the door before her as silently as she could manage. With that, she crept into the room trying not to step on the squeaky floorboards that lined the grand library - her favourite room in all the house. It was also her favourite place to come to when she couldn't sleep. There was nothing like curling up in her father's armchair, and reading till her little eyes would droop shut.

So, with a confident huff, Cosette approached the nearest bookshelf, ready to claim her newest title for the night. The little figure, however, didn't count on being spotted by her father, Sir Percy, who was usually not quite asleep at this hour. In fact, at that particular moment, he was stood in the doorway behind her, beaming ear to ear as he watched the little rascal.

Cosette was so preoccupied with choosing her book she also didn't count on being hugged gently from behind.

"Lord, mademoiselle, where are you going at this hour?" he whispered smiling at the blond infant as she jumped in surprise. It was almost too adorable. "It is far too late for you to be scampering about the place."

"Papa," she whined. Cosette turned, her arms folding over her chest in frustration. "You know not to creep up on me."

She hated being caught. Cosette had truly thought she had been most clever with getting to the library unnoticed. She tried to hide her annoyance as she huffed at her father, trying also not to surrender to his affectionate nature.

It was easier said than done, especially as Percy stroked her hair gently, bending down to her height.

"Pray, tell me what you are doing up this late?" he quizzed, raising his blond eyebrows and folding his arms as well. The two seemed to be mirror reflections of each other.

"I was going for a walk," Cosette replied smoothly.

"Out here?"

"Yes."

"In the library at this hour? Sink me if you ain't lying," Percy contradicted with a soft chuckle. She really was the undoing of him. She only had to bat those darling eyelashes of hers, and he would be hopeless. All he'd want to do was take her in his arms, just as he did then, carrying her towards the corridor outside. "What are you really doing?" he grinned.

Cosette sighed. Fine then, maybe the truth might work. It was pointless trying to lie to her Papa anyway… he always knew. Sleepily, she turned her little blond head and nuzzled into his neck.

"I had a nightmare," she sighed almost casually. It appeared she had inherited his natural stoicism.

"What about my dear?" Percy asked, genuinely surprised. That was most unlike Cosette, even if it did account for why she was awake so late.

Sleepily she twirled her fingers into his cravat. "Well… you have been away all week, again."

"Oh," he paused, missing a beat. "That was nothing. A mere business trip with your dear Uncles Andrew and Tony."

Cosette nodded, although clearly unsatisfied with the answer. "Still… You could have taken me with you, Papa. I missed you."

"And I you, my dear."

"I just dreamt that … well…"

"Yes?"

"What if you do not always come home?"

Percy sighed a little in relief, even if his heart constricted painfully in response to his child's fear. This was, at least, one topic he could easily handle. Far more easily than the time he had tried, and failed, to explain that monsters were not in fact real. Nor did they live under his daughter's bed.

He had known letting Armaund babysit was a bad idea.

"My dear, I would never leave you and your darling mother- especially not in her condition. That is all far too preposterous - even for your imagination. All I want in the world is within these four walls. Where else would I wish to stay?" he grinned, soothing in his entire being. His handle cradled her head as she leaned against him, and he pressed several soft kisses to her head. "Good, now that is settled let us get you to bed. I do believe it shall be far comfier for you than that wretched armchair you so love to sleep in."

As if to prove the point, he opened the door to her bedroom and began to lower her towards the awaiting bed. However, it was as his daughter began to nestle herself amongst the many pillows that filled her bed that she finally spoke again.

"Papa… I am sorry for doubting you. I just thought it all was something to do with the Scarlet Pimpernel," she muttered guiltily.

Well, he had not been expecting that statement.

"Really, what a preposterous notion. Me? One of those renegade devils?" Percy laughed flamboyantly, pulling her once more into an embrace. It was his usual habit when asked about the elusive English hero. It was the way he had defended himself time and time again, though never from his own family. The thought caused a stab of grief in his heart, even as he felt the little girl chuckling into his chest. "Now sleep. Or mother will have both our heads."

Cosette yawned sleepily, still smiling as she turned her head toward her pillow. Once she was lying comfortably, her father gently tucked her in under the sheets.

No one could fault Percival Blakeney for his skill, and natural talent as a father. Despite his irresponsible, foppish reputation in the eyes of the rest of the world it could not have been further from the truth when it came to his ability to be a parent.

Family had always been the most important thing to Percy Blakeney, despite what anyone else may have thought. Money, status, and power were trivial items in his eyes. Having grown up in such a broken home, his whole life he had sought to ensure he would never again experience such suffering.

It was why he had fought so hard to earn, and keep, the love of the greatest woman in the world - the woman who had married him, and changed his life for the better in so many ways that he was unable to fully comprehend them. She had given him the greatest gift of all: a loving family of his own. He would do anything to protect it, and above all else, cherish it.

Slowly, with one last glance at the domestic scene, he turned to leave. It was then though, a soft hand grabbed his fingers.

"Will you sing to me?" Cosette whispered, looking at her papa with her big blue eyes.

Percy groaned sitting back down. This evidently wasn't over yet. Especially not when she was looking at him like that. Why had she had to inherit Marguerite's gaze? The irony was not lost on him. Of course, both the women in his life would have to be able to wrap him around their little fingers.

"Sing?" he exclaimed, holding her petite hand in his. "Why would you want to hear me sing?"

"That is what mother does when I cannot sleep," Cosette explained shaking her long blond hair.

Whereas Marguerite was an excellent performer, he was not so blessed. Still, he sighed in defeat. "So be it, what should I sing to you?"

"How about mother's lullaby?" she grinned, happy of her fathers' attention. "I hear mother singing it often," came the reply from the bed.

"She does, does she?" he chuckled. He might have to ask dear Margot about that, especially if it meant he was expected to carry on this habit of theatrical performances for their child.

Gently he opened his mouth as the song poured out. He noticed how his child's eyes began to droop wearily with every tender note. For that delightful reception alone he continued, kissing her forehead as he watched her ease into a restful slumber.

Sir Percy Blakeney was not renowned for his vocal abilities, and to hear him singing was beyond a rarity. Only their daughter had power over dear Percy like this.

Much to Percy's relief, his daughter had finally fallen back into a peaceful slumber. She was definitely asleep as he rose and turned to leave from his position beside her.

"Good night, my love," he whispered, closing the door soundlessly behind him.

With that, Percy made his way back towards his own room. His face had fallen into a small frown as her words replayed in his mind again and again. They still worried him as he returned to his bedchamber.

At least he wasn't going anywhere again soon. Cosette had no need to fear on that score, he was England bound for the foreseeable future. The terror in France had all but ground to a halt, and order prevailed. Also, having recently delivered Napoleon's latest plans regarding Europe to his Majesty, Percy had more than earned himself a respite - besides, he had more pressing commitments here to take care of.

Speaking of which, as he entered back into their room he was surprised to see Marguerite smiling up gently at him. Considering the hour he had thought her long since retired.

To his amazement, and delight, she was propped against the cushions, turning underneath the covers which was easier said than done. The somewhat proud swell of her stomach made that almost a challenge as she tried to maneuver herself. She was due any day now, carrying their second child together.

"Singing? I never thought it was one of your passions," she teased, watching as her husband entered and proceeded to ready himself for bed.

He groaned at the realisation his wife had overheard his little night time performance. "It most certainly is not," came the indignant reply, as he removed his waistcoat and shirt. This caused her to smile even more.

"Perhaps you should have joined me at the Theatre Des Arts. You would have been a real crowd favourite."

"Margo," Percy chuckled in warning. There was mischief in both their eyes as Percy hastily cast aside the rest of his attire, exchanging it for a night shirt. All he wanted in that moment was to climb into bed, and embrace the woman he cherished so much.

Thankfully, that was precisely what he did a mere moment or two later. Instantly Marguerite responded, and nestled into her husband's embrace, clearly as eager for his affection as he was for hers. The content smile on her face said as much, even in the darkness of the room.

"I had thought you would be asleep by now," Percy whispered softly, casting his wife a concerned glance. "I thought it was only Cosette and I who were left awake at such a late hour."

A groan escaped Marguerite's lips as she tried not to frown. "This child keeps tossing and turning inside me," she explained. She stroked her abdomen fondly, the very epitome of maternal bliss, even if her tone betrayed her exhaustion and mild irritation. "He is making sleep impossible. He's like his father, too full of energy."

"I am sorry, darling-" There was a brief pause as Percy seemed to fully register his wife's proclamation. "Wait, a boy?" Percy breathed in amused disbelief. "You believe it to be a boy?"

Marguerite nodded as she gazed at her swollen stomach. Her gaze was so intense it appeared as if she could see straight into the womb itself, and at the child growing inside there. "Indeed. I am certain of it, I can feel it."

"Really?"

"Yes. Finally, I can fulfill my promise to you, of an heir."

"Margo," Percy chided, his eyes swimming with adoration as he kissed her. The gesture alone made his feelings on the matter clear. All he had ever wished for was a loving family of his own - and that was what he now had. Nothing in the world could make him happier, despite what Marguerite might have believed. Despite his gesture, it did not stop him from voicing his feelings as well to his darling wife. "That has never mattered to me, nor will it ever. Any child of ours is precious, and you honour me with such a gift."

"Still, motherly instinct is never wrong, Percy," Marguerite quipped, as if he should have known such a fundamental fact of life. "I was right about Cosette. Why would I not be about this, our son?"

It was true Marguerite had accurately predicted the birth of their daughter, dropping hints over and over again throughout the months as to her belief. Whether or not the fact she had been right was a coincidence or some kind of motherly promotion, Percy was not entirely sure. His wife had proven herself to be a remarkable woman in many ways. Perhaps it was not completely beyond the realms of possibility she was right again about their second?

"Whoever this child turns out to be, we will love them as unconditionally as we love one another and our beautiful daughter." The confidence was clear in Sir Percy's tone, as he effectively drew the discussion to a halt for the night. "Besides, it was most likely coincidence your predictions about Cosette being a girl."

"Percy!"

"I speak the truth, Margo, and you know it."

Marguerite's frown very much said otherwise but she simply smiled in return, kissing his cheek gently. "We shall see about that. Till then, good night to you, my darling," she muttered, rolling over into the bed sheets.

"Goodnight to you as well, ma dear," Percy breathed happily.

Hi there and thanks for reading this! I've had this story in my head (and on my laptop) for years now, ever since I basically first read The Scarlet Pimpernel. It's my favourite novel, and after so much time over the years imagining and editing and creating, I've decided to publish this and make it a project to finish the whole story. I'll try and update often as I have drafts for most of the chapters that just need some work / finishing. Please feel free to review and respond. I'd love to hear from you xxx