Baroness Orczy takes us back to the chaotic, dangerous world of the French Revolution, but this time, the spotlight is on the next generation. Lord Tony Dewhurst, the dashing son of the legendary Scarlet Pimpernel, is carrying on the family business of saving French nobles from the guillotine. His latest charge is Yvonne de Kernogan, the woman he's admired from afar for years. The problem is, she's being hunted by a fanatical and cruel revolutionary named Martin-Roget, who has a very personal, bitter grudge against her family.

The Story

To get Yvonne out of France, Tony cooks up a bold plan: they'll pose as a married couple. It's a disguise of necessity, a tool for survival. But as they navigate checkpoints, dodge spies, and rely on the secret League of the Scarlet Pimpernel, the pretend marriage starts to feel less like an act. Their journey is a tense cat-and-mouse game across the Channel, with Martin-Roget always just a step behind, his obsession driving him to terrifying lengths. The story asks: can a love born in desperation survive once the immediate danger has passed?

Why You Should Read It

Look, this book is just plain fun. Orczy writes adventure with a capital 'A'. The stakes are sky-high, the villains are deliciously hateable, and the escapes will have you holding your breath. But what makes it special is the heart. Tony isn't just a carbon copy of his father; he's his own man—charming, brave, and wonderfully earnest in his feelings for Yvonne. Their relationship grows naturally from shared peril into something genuine and sweet. It’s a great mix of pulse-pounding action and a satisfying, slow-burn romance. You also get that wonderful, classic feeling of cheering for the underdogs against a brutal system.

Final Verdict

Perfect for fans of historical adventure, classic romance, and anyone who misses the sheer, unapologetic excitement of old-fashioned storytelling. If you enjoy the derring-do of Dumas or the romantic tension of Georgette Heyer, but with the added bonus of guillotines and secret societies, you'll feel right at home. It's a standalone story, so you can jump in even if you've never read The Scarlet Pimpernel (though you'll spot some lovely cameos if you have!). Ultimately, it's a thrilling, heartfelt escape into a world where love and courage are the best disguises of all.