# His Grace of Avon Becomes Further Acquainted with His Page explained — These Old Shades

> Chapter companion for These Old Shades by Georgette Heyer.

## What happens

Léon becomes more accustomed to his luxurious new life in Paris, fiercely defending the Duke of Avon against the household staff who criticize him. Gaston the valet recounts how Avon ruined a young nobleman at cards in Vienna. At a ball, the Comte de Saint-Vire questions Léon about his origins, and later Avon gently interrogates Léon about the encounter. Léon confesses his love for the Duke, and Avon invites him to talk, learning about Léon's past in Anjou.

## Themes in this chapter

### Identity and Disguise

Léon's mysterious origins are probed by Saint-Vire, and Avon's cryptic responses hint at hidden truths about the page's identity.

### Power and Control

Avon's calm, soft-spoken authority over his household and his manipulation of social interactions demonstrate his control, while Gaston's tale reveals the ruthless power of wealth and gambling.

### Love and Sacrifice

Léon's unwavering loyalty and declaration of love for Avon contrast with the Duke's admission of never having loved anyone, highlighting the theme of sacrificial devotion.

## Character check-ins

### Léon the Page

Léon continues to adapt to Parisian high society, fiercely loyal to the Duke, and reveals his love for Avon during a private conversation.

### Justin, Duke of Avon

Avon observes Léon's loyalty, questions him about Saint-Vire's interrogation, and shows an unusual interest in the boy's past.

### Comte de Saint-Vire

Saint-Vire confronts Léon at the ball, asking about his birthplace, and later brushes past Avon in the ballroom.

### Gaston

Gaston, the Duke's valet, tries to turn Léon against Avon by recounting how Avon ruined a young nobleman at cards in Vienna.

### Madame Dubois

The housekeeper, Madame Dubois, defends Léon's youth and loyalty, and allows him to chatter.

### Florimond de Chantourelle

Florimond converses with Avon at the ball, mentioning Saint-Vire's interest in the page and the enmity between Saint-Vire and his brother Armand.

## Key lines

> Mon petit, it is ridiculous. It is unthinkable. Même, it is outrageous. It is against all custom. The Duke, he is not human. Some call him Satanas, and mon Dieu, they have reason!

Gaston insists that it is absurd and improper for Léon to defend the Duke, whom he and others consider inhuman and devilish.

_Gaston's speech reveals the household's fear and resentment of Avon, contrasting with Léon's devotion._

> I am his dog. He is kind to me, and I love him.

Léon declares his complete loyalty and affection for the Duke, comparing himself to a faithful dog.

_This line underscores Léon's unconditional love and the theme of devotion._

> I only said that I loved you, Monseigneur.

Léon repeats his declaration of love to Avon, who is taken aback by the sentiment.

_This moment marks a rare emotional exchange between the Duke and his page._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/these_old_shades_se/chapters/iv-his-grace-of-avon-becomes-further-acquainted-with-his-page
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/these_old_shades_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/these_old_shades_se/chapters