A/N: Well, I did say I would update faster than I did before. No major notes here just enjoy!

Part 5

The carriage let Ariette off in front of the Palais de Justice. She surveyed the daunting building Robespierre called home. She had been there many times with Chauvelin. But she knew this time was different and she was a little afraid. Why hadn't Sir Blakeney told her what he had planned? She pondered this as several minutes passed before a guard came to escort her inside.

The guard led her into the dining hall. Robespierre sat ata long, lavishly decorated table.When she entered the room, he stood up. As she sat down opposite him, Robespierre did the same.

An elderly servant came over and filled her wineglass. Ariette nodded to him in thanks. He went and filled Robespierre's glass, and then hobbled back into the kitchen.

"Welcome back to Paris, Citizen." Robespierre said to her. "And tell me, how is England this time of year?" Ariette took a swig of her wine.

"What makes you think I went to England?" He shook his head.

"Come now, do you honestly think I don't have ways of finding these things out? It is true that you were cleared of all charges of treason but that doesn't mean I trust you. I had you followed to Calais. I know you boarded a ship heading to England."

The servant came back out of the kitchen. He handed them folded cards. "That is this evening's menu." He cackled.

Ariette opened her menu. A wry smile played over her lips. In the top, right hand corner of her menu was the seal of The Scarlet Pimpernel. She ripped off the seal and nonchalantly placed it in her bodice. She looked over at the old servant. He winked at her. She held up her wineglass.

"Sir Blakeney?" She whispered as he poured.

"No, Dewhurst," he whispered back. Ariette narrowed her eyes.

"I thought you didn't trust me."

"I don't, that is why I am here."

"More wine!" Robespierre bellowed. Dewhurst shuffled over to him. Ariette looked over at the French leader.

"Why did you summon me here? You may have enjoyed my company in the past, but I refuse to believe this is meant to be a simple meal between old friends." Robespierre looked at her, amused. She asked quietly, "Are you going to arrest me?" He shook his head.

"Nothing so melodramatic, I assure you. I am simply revoking your travel papers. You can no longer leave Paris, let alone France. You should have stayed in England while you had the chance, my dear." Ariette felt ill, this was not good. She took a large gulp of her wine.

When the salad arrived, Robespierre started to talk again.

"Why did you return to France?"

"I could not stay in England while Chauvelin rots in the Bastille." Robespierre buttered his bread. He smiled casually and then shook his head.

"Your precious Pimpernel is no longer in the Bastille." Ariette narrowed her eyes.

"You moved him? Where?" Robespierre laughed maniacally and then started to cough.

"Do you honestly think I would tell you where he is?" She thought for a moment and then shook her head.

"There is no need. I have a fair idea."

"Yes well, I was afraid that the Pimpernel's friends would try to get him out of the Bastille so I had him moved." Ariette had lost her appetite.

"He is not the Scarlet Pimpernel," she seethed. Robespierre sighed.

"You have said that many times during the past few weeks. And yet, you have shown me no proof. We found his damn ring and papers on him!"

Ariette glared at him. She reached into her bodice and pulled out the seal she had ripped off. Proof, he wanted! She could give it to him! It would be so easy. She could hand him the seal and the paper Chauvelin had given her. It would be so easy to walk over to Dewhurst and rip off his costume.

Dewhurst turned to her. He glared at her as if he knew what she was thinking. She stared back at him. Robespierre looked at them both.

"Is something wrong?"Robespierreasked her. The Leaguer stared back at her, fearful. But Ariette sighed inwardly. She could not allow her anger to take precedence over the task at hand. Too much was at stake.

"You may take my salad." She told Dewhurst, calmly. He nodded. She stood up. "Is there anything else you require from me other than my travel papers?" she asked Robespierre. He shook his head. "Then I pray you excuse me." He nodded his acquiescence.

"Have a good evening!" he called to her as she fled.

Ariette climbed into the first carriage to stop. Waiting inside was Dewhurst. Though he was no longer in his makeup, he was still dressed as the old servant. She sat opposite him. He signaledthe driver to depart.

"For a moment, I thought you were going to turn me in." he said to her.

"I did entertain the idea, but it would have been a foolish thing to do." Dewhurst nodded his agreement. He moved to sit beside her.

"Mademoiselle, I want to apologize," he told her. "I am now absolutely certain of where your loyalties are. I do hope you will forgive my doubting you." He took her hand and kissed it. "Now, onto the task at hand. You said you know where Chauvelin is being kept."

"Yes. I am certain he is being kept in a place called The Hole."

"The Hole?"

"Yes."

"And can you get in?"

"I believe so. But it will cost a fair sum. I will have to bribe a guard." Dewhurst pulled out a pouch and handed it to her.

"There is one hundred francs in there. Will that suffice?" She nodded at him, as she secured the pouch well within her cloak. He continued, "Could you do it tomorrow?"

"I can make the arrangements tomorrow. I can get one other person and myself in the day after tomorrow. But how can I explainhis presence with me?" Dewhurst thought for a moment and smiled.

"A priest! Say that you wish to bring one with you so that Chauvelin can confess his sins before death." Ariette nodded in agreement.

"Of course! It's perfect."

"Excellent! Sir Percy will come to you the day after tomorrow, in the morning."

"The day after tomorrow," she repeated. Dewhurst nodded. "The day after tomorrow is Sunday," she told him. "That will mean there are just two more weeks until Chauvelin's execution.

to be continued . . . . . .

F is for feedback; it's good enough for me. Halfway done! Part 6 will be coming soon. And finally, Chauvelin will make an appearance.