# VII: Satan and Priest at One explained — These Old Shades > Chapter companion for These Old Shades by Georgette Heyer. ## What happens The Duke of Avon visits M. de Beaupré, the Curé, to discuss Léonie's past and his suspicions about her true parentage. Avon reveals that Léonie was raised as a boy by Jean Bonnard, who sold her to him. He proposes that Léonie is actually the legitimate daughter of the Comte de Saint-Vire, switched at birth with the Bonnards' son, who is now the Vicomte de Valmé. The Curé admits he also suspected Léonie was of Saint-Vire blood but assumed she was a baseborn child. Avon asks the Curé to let Saint-Vire believe he has a written confession from the dying Mère Bonnard, and the Curé agrees to help, though he questions Avon's intentions. ## Themes in this chapter ### Identity and Disguise Léonie's true identity is hidden; she has been raised as a boy and is suspected to be the legitimate daughter of the Comte de Saint-Vire, switched at birth. ### Power and Control Avon exerts control over Léonie's fate, buying her and manipulating the narrative of her parentage to use against Saint-Vire. ### Social Class and Scandal The potential scandal of a noble child raised as a commoner and the implications for inheritance and social standing drive the plot. ## Character check-ins ### Justin, Duke of Avon Visits the Curé to discuss Léonie's past and his theory about her being the legitimate daughter of the Comte de Saint-Vire. He reveals he bought Léonie from Jean Bonnard and plans to take her to England. ### M. de Beaupré The Curé who cared for Léonie as a child. He admits he suspected Léonie was of Saint-Vire blood but assumed she was a baseborn child. He agrees to help Avon by letting Saint-Vire believe a written confession exists. ### Léonie de Bonnard The girl at the center of the discussion. Avon reveals she was raised as a boy by Jean Bonnard and is now his page. He suspects she is the legitimate daughter of the Comte de Saint-Vire. ### Comte de Saint-Vire Mentioned as the possible father of Léonie. Avon theorizes that Saint-Vire switched his legitimate daughter with the Bonnards' son to secure an heir. ### Jean Bonnard The man who claimed to be Léonie's brother. He sold Léonie to Avon and dressed her as a boy. He is now deceased. ### Mère Bonnard The woman who raised Léonie. On her deathbed, she tried to reveal something about Léonie's true parentage but died before she could finish. ## Key lines > Body and soul she is mine. I bought her from the ruffian who called himself her brother. Avon claims complete ownership of Léonie, having purchased her from Jean Bonnard. _Avon asserts his control over Léonie's fate, revealing the transactional nature of their relationship._ > I have never before heard that—Satanas—chose a priest for his ally, m’sieur. The Curé remarks on the irony of Avon, known as Satan, seeking a priest's help. _Highlights the moral complexity of Avon's character and his reputation._ > When I saw the child grow up in a delicate mould; when I saw those blue eyes, and those black brows, coupled with hair of flame, I was puzzled. The Curé recalls noticing Léonie's distinctive features, which reminded him of the Saint-Vire family. _Foreshadows the revelation of Léonie's true parentage._ ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/these_old_shades_se/chapters/vii-satan-and-priest-at-one - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/these_old_shades_se - All chapters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/these_old_shades_se/chapters