[Gutenberg 61484] • Nicolette: a tale of old Provence

Baroness Emma Magdolna Rozalia Maria Jozefa Borbala "Emmuska" Orczy de Orci 23 September 1865 - 12 November 1947) was a Hungarian-born British novelist, playwright, and artist of noble origin. She is most known for her series of novels featuring the Scarlet Pimpernel, the alter ego of Sir Percy Blakeney, a wealthy English fop who transforms into a formidable swordsman and a quick-thinking escape artist, establishing the "hero with a secret identity" into popular culture. Opening in London's West End on 5 January 1905, The Scarlet Pimpernel became a favourite of British audiences. Some of her paintings were exhibited at the Royal Academy in London. During World War I, Orczy formed the Women of England's Active Service League, an unofficial organisation aimed at encouraging women to persuade men to volunteer for active service in the armed forces.Emmuska Orczy was born in Tarnaors, Heves County, Hungary, and was the daughter of composer Baron Felix Orczy de Orci (1835-1892) and Countess Emma Wass de Szentegyed et Cege (1839-1892). Her grandfather, Baron Laszlo Orczy (1787-1880) was a royal councillor, and also knight of the Sicilian order of Saint George, her grandmother was the Baroness Magdolna Muller (1811-1879). Her maternal grandparents were the Count Samuel Wass de Szentegyed et Cege (1815-1879), member of the Hungarian parliament, and Rozalia Eperjessy de Karolyfejervar (1814-1884)