These Old Shades · Chapter
His Grace of Avon Refuses to Sell His Page explained
At breakfast, the Duke of Avon is in high spirits and teases Léon about falling asleep the previous night.
What happens
At breakfast, the Duke of Avon is in high spirits and teases Léon about falling asleep the previous night. He reads a letter from Lady Fanny Marling, then questions Léon about his brother's inn. Léon, terrified, begs the Duke not to send him back. Avon visits the inn and confronts Jean Bonnard, revealing that Léon is actually a girl named Léonie. Bonnard admits he disguised her as a boy for convenience. Later, De Faugenac arrives on behalf of the Comte de Saint-Vire to buy Léon, but Avon refuses. Avon then tells Hugh Davenant he is going into the country and leaves Léon in Hugh's care.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This chapter is the dramatic climax because it marks the psychological and emotional peak of the Duke of Avon’…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Identity and Disguise
Léon is revealed to be a girl named Léonie, disguised as a boy for seven years by her brother. The Duke uncovers this secret and confronts Bonnard.
- Power and Control
Avon exerts his authority over Bonnard by threatening him and demanding the truth. He also refuses to sell Léon, asserting his ownership and control over the page's fate.
Characters to notice
- Justin, Duke of Avon
In excellent spirits at breakfast; confronts Jean Bonnard about Léon's true identity; refuses to sell Léon to De Faugenac; decides to go into the country and leaves Léon in Hugh's care.
- Léon Bonnard
Blushes when reminded of falling asleep; terrified when Avon asks about his brother; begs not to be sent back; revealed to be a girl named Léonie.
- Hugh Davenant
Has breakfast with Avon; rides out with D'Anvau; returns to find De Faugenac leaving; is entrusted with Léon's care while Avon is away.
- Jean Bonnard
Confronted by Avon at his inn; admits Léon is a girl disguised as a boy; claims he did it for the best.
- De Faugenac
Visits Avon on behalf of his wife to buy Léon; is refused and shown out.
- Lady Fanny Marling
Mentioned in a letter to Avon; reports on Rupert, Edward, and various news from England.
Key passages
“Léon was quite satisfied with the King, Hugh. He confided to me that he was just like the coins.”
Avon teases Léon about his comment that the King resembled a coin.
Avon recalls Léon's sleepy observation from the previous chapter.
“I think you know me. I want two words with you in private.”
Avon confronts Bonnard and demands a private conversation.
Avon reveals his identity to Bonnard and begins his interrogation.
“There never was a Léon. A Léonie, perhaps. I want that explained.”
Avon states that Léon is actually a girl and demands an explanation.
Avon confronts Bonnard about Léon's true gender.
“You may bear my compliments to the Comte de Saint-Vire, and tell him that Léon, my page, is not for sale.”
Avon refuses to sell Léon and sends a message to Saint-Vire.
Avon dismisses De Faugenac's offer to buy Léon.
