The Scarlet Pimpernel

A book I've been meaning to read since junior high school. Perhaps it might have been better in junior high school.
It starts out kind of slow, and I had some annoyances in Orczy's style. The main plot in fact is somewhat preposterous: British aristocrats saving French aristocrats.
The first major reveal happens about halfway through the book. But, it is hard to imagine that it could come as a surprise to anyone over the age of twelve. The title and the first chapter are about a male superhero. Then we spend umpteen chapters following a woman around. Why is that? What is the connection?
Finally the pace picks up and we have some real action. This bit is better paced, which is probably why it seems better written. Eventually it even culminates in the 18th century shanks' mare equivalent of a car chase, reminiscent of Kidnapped or John Buchan chases through the gorse. However the disguises wouldn't fool anyone who has read a few Doc Savages or is over the age of twelve.
So am I glad that I read it after all these years? Yes.
Do I wish that I had read it earlier? Yes, but not because I feel like I was missing some part of my education by not reading it. It's more like I think I might have enjoyed it more if I were more naive.