The Scarlet Pimpernel looked up to the heavens in delight as it thundered all it's rain and hail upon him. Sure, it made for a nasty cold, but was enough to stop his pursuers from gaining more ground. He let a wild laugh escape him at the adrenaline thrill of it all. The little girl in front of him shifted at the curious sound he made. One could only think he was half-mad, and maybe he was. After all, he knowingly risked his life for sport, time and again. His men couldn't comprehend his mindset totally. Not even his second-in-command, Andrew Foulkes, who was the closest to him of all, could see his leader's reasoning behind their mad adventures. The valiant leader had planned the most risky, daring escapes for the past two weeks. None had failed, but they were all worried for his sake, and that of his new wife, who no doubt stayed up night and day thinking about him. Percy always shook them off with his inane laugh, but never gave a reason why he was not with Marguerite.
The light of the rendezvous beckoned to both riders on the horse, promising warmth and substance. Within a few minutes, Percy stopped the horse in front of the small shack. After they were hushed in by the weary family and Foulkes himself, the shutters were closed, making it almost impossible to tell if there even was a house on the side of the road, due to the darkness the storm had created. Annette shivered at the table as she gulped down her soup, some of the first appetizing food she had since she entered the Paris prison. Percy sat by the fire with Foulkes, talking quietly.
"Madam D'Augne and Pierre are almost to Boulogne. The Daydream is waiting?"
"Yes, Foulkes, their rescue should be easy compared to little Annette here. It was a pity we had to split. Those demmed frog-eaters wouldn't give up the chase, would they?"
"I cannot believe you could say such a thing, sir," Foulkes smiled somberly,"seeing that your own wife hails from this country."
"Her loyalties still lie with her country as well," Percy murmured as he gazed into the fire.
"What do you mean?" Andrew asked curiously. Percy raised his head and met his eyes with a melancholy expression.
"She betrayed the St. Cyr family, Foulkes. They," he paused and sighed, "They are all dead now, and because of her." Percy put his head in his hands in an affecting manner, making Foulkes' feel for Percy's heartrending emotions.
"So she does not know that you are...?"
"How could I," Percy moaned. The were both silent for a time, listening to the slurps of Annette at the table. Percy finally finished the story. "We had a horrible quarrel Andrew! She... insulted me so grossly that I can't stand to think of reconciliation, not now, when there are such high stakes."
"Percy, I don't think-"
"And I fought back too Andrew. How horrible I was to her! But I didn't even know the woman anymore. She... was not who I believed her to be. There is a whole family's blood on her hands, and all she does is scoff at me and give no answer," Percy stood and leaned on the mantle, speaking as fiercely as he could within a whisper. "I would have accepted a lie Andrew, but she refused me even that, and now I am forced to believe the rumors."
"Is that why you haven't returned to Richmond-because she is there?"
"Afterwards, Andrew, she left me for Armand. I have not seen her since then." Andrew gaped at him with an inquisitive glance at his obstinate, strong-willed friend. He had learned many a-time of Percy's trait, and was only reminded of it further in these extreme situations. "I don't even know if she is at Richmond."
"Is there anything I can do...?"
"No, Andrew. I will handle the situation." Percy smiled plaintively and turned to Annette at the table. "Well Mademoiselle D'Augne, I think it is time for you to rest. Monsieur Garcon will see you to your needs." The room was clear of everyone else, and Percy leaned over to Andrew with a whisper, "I am back to Paris. See to it that Annette gets back to her mother. It will happen as long as you follow my directions."
"Percy, I will go to Paris for you. Go back to England."
"Foulkes, this really isn't the time to-"
"I'm not, Percy, go home and rest. Come back when you are well-rested."
"What waits for me there, Andrew? An empty household mocking me?"
"Send for her Percy! It is her pride that keeps her away."
"Then it is mine that devoids me from calling for her."
"Then think of your image. Surely England misses her dandy, Sir Percy?" Andrew urged with a smile,"They will suspect if you're absent as much as you are now." Percy faltered and with some concern evident on his face, he turned and thought on it.
"Sir Percy Blakeney Bart," he drawled and followed by his inane laugh, continued, "is my most full-proof disguise Andrew."
"Then test it out on the one who has the best chance of seeing through it! And if you succeed, you will have the assurance that you will be safe from any French spy who snivels around in London." There was a smile on Percy's face as he contemplated.
"Very good plan Foulkes. I might just take on that challenge. Your wish is granted-Moncey's rescue is now up to you. I will reunite Annette and her mother, then."
