That Damned Elusive Pimpernel

One of the most enjoyable things I experiences when writing Moonstone Conspiracy is blending fiction and fact and then doubling down to include a further beloved fictional character into the mix.

And that character is Sir Percy Blakeney, best known as The Scarlet Pimpernel.

If you’ve read Moonstone Obsession, you’ll see that Sir Percy makes a couple of cameo appearances, but the truth of the matter is that he wasn’t supposed to appear at all, he just muscled himself in during the original writing process – no surprise there considering the man does have a bit of an ego and one can’t think of the French Revolution, Reign of Terror or English spies without first thinking of the Scarlet Pimpernel.

Sir Percy is considered to be the first ‘superhero’. A character who conceals his identity to perform acts of heroism in defence of truth and justice.

I had fun fleshing out his backstory just a little bit. In The Scarlet Pimpernel, Sir Percy is introduced fully immersed into his acts of derring-do while concealing his true identity from all but his most trusted friends – the League of the Scarlet Pimpernel.

In Moonstone Obsession, Sir Percy was a friend and private secretary to the Prime Minister of the day, William Pitt the Younger, which allowed him access to cabinet secrets and would have put him at the forefront of what was happening across the channel.

When we see him again in Moonstone Conspiracy, Sir Percy Blakeney has been transformed into England’s spymaster – a prototype MI6 ‘M’ character, still fully involved in clandestine operations but done with the tacit knowledge of the Government, if not the Crown itself.

The Baroness Orczy’s work originally started as a play, and after a reworking in 1905 it became a West End hit and, in another groundbreaking move, the novel itself became a tie in – released after its onstage success.

Another appeal of The Scarlet Pimpernel is that after the first adventure, Sir Percy Blakeney’s wife learns of his secret identity, she becomes an active member of the League and one of the few romantic leads in the superhero trope who actually knows the identity of the superhero.

I hope you enjoy this little bit of weaving of history, fiction and fantasy in Moonstone Conspiracy.

Excerpt

Six other people were in the room and Daniel nodded to them. He recognized them all by face and even knew the names of some although he was sure they were aliases.

Behind them, a voice called the room to order. Daniel escorted Abigail to a table where they watched the bedraggled ‘Somerset’ coachman take off his rain-slicked coat and broad-brimmed hat and transform himself into a leader of men.

Daniel suppressed a smile as he felt Abigail stiffen; a quick glance revealed the surprise rising on her face. Yes, Blakeney could have that effect on people.

“Gentlemen,” he began, and, with a nod and smile to Abigail, continued, “and Lady.

“We don’t have time for socializing tonight, so we’ll save the introductions for another time. According to my sources, it’s believed our Radicals have one of two dates in mind for the attack on London. It will be either January the thirtieth—the anniversary of the execution of Charles the First—or January the thirty-first for the execution of Guy Fawkes.

“In any event, it has left us with precious little time to identify all the major players though, thanks to our light fingered new recruit,” he continued, acknowledging Abigail yet again, “we have some new addresses to try on our return to London and a lead to run down, one Molly H.

“On the assumption the two dates are significant, they may be just sentimental enough to gather together on Bonfire Night itself. We’ve given them just the incentive, an opportunity to raise cash and settle some scores. It takes the form of a boxing match on November the fifth with Dauncey in one corner and, in the other corner…”

Blakeney paused and the character of Sir Percy, the garrulous fop, made a momentary appearance as he presented Daniel to the gathering.

“It’s my pleasure to announce the coming out of retirement of Dapper Dan, the Gentleman Boxer, terror of four counties!”

Daniel stood with a grin and bowed, acknowledging the applause and laughter of every man in the room. As he retook his seat however, he took note of Abigail. Her mouth, which he knew to be full and sensual, was now in a tight, straight line as Blakeney continued speaking.

“Dauncey is a poseur who cannot resist self-aggrandizement. Dapper Dan gave him a metaphorical slapping tonight, so there will be little love lost. Watch the Irishman closely. I expect this will be a honeypot affair with a few hitherto unknowns buzzing about. I’m banking they will not be able to resist the money or the theatre.

“Now, Dan will need a second. Who volunteers?”

“I do.”

Daniel turned to the voice and gave a nod of acknowledgement to Sir Phillip Glynde.

“Good. Meet tomorrow to sort out the particulars,” instructed Blakeney. “If there is no further business, then our meeting is adjourned. You all know your parts. Be good, be safe, be victorious!”