These Old Shades · Chapter
Lady Fanny's Virtue Is Outraged explained
Lady Fanny Marling is visited by her brother, the Duke of Avon, who brings his former page, now revealed as his ward, Léonie de Bonnard.
What happens
Lady Fanny Marling is visited by her brother, the Duke of Avon, who brings his former page, now revealed as his ward, Léonie de Bonnard. Fanny is initially outraged at the impropriety, but after a private conversation with Avon, she reluctantly agrees to help. Léonie struggles with the transition from boy's clothing to women's attire, expressing her discomfort and longing for her breeches. Fanny and her tirewoman Rachel work to dress Léonie, who eventually breaks down in tears after Avon leaves, prompting Fanny to comfort her and begin the process of transforming her into a proper young lady.
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
- Gender Roles and Performance
Léonie's forced transition from boy's to girl's clothing highlights the performative nature of gender, as she struggles with the constraints of women's attire and the societal expectations placed upon her.
- Identity and Disguise
Léonie's identity is in flux as she moves from being a page (Léon) to a ward (Léonie), and she must learn to adopt a new outward appearance that conflicts with her inner self.
- Family and Belonging
Léonie is placed under the care of Lady Fanny, creating a new familial bond. Her emotional reaction to Avon's departure underscores her need for belonging and security.
Characters to notice
- Lady Fanny Marling
Initially outraged by Avon bringing Léonie to her, but after a private conversation and seeing Léonie's distress, she softens and agrees to help clothe and guide her.
- Justin, Duke of Avon
Brings Léonie to his sister Fanny, explaining that she is now his ward and needs a duenna. He leaves Léonie in Fanny's care after a brief, emotional farewell.
- Léonie de Bonnard
Struggles with the transition from being a page in boy's clothes to wearing women's attire. She is loyal to Avon but feels lonely and uncomfortable in her new role.
- Rachel
Fanny's tirewoman, who is initially shocked by Léonie's appearance but agrees to help dress her in proper women's clothing.
Key passages
“I want my breeches!”
Léonie expresses her desire to return to wearing men's clothing, which she finds more comfortable and familiar.
This line underscores Léonie's resistance to the gender role imposed on her and her attachment to her former identity.
“I would die for Monseigneur.”
Léonie declares her unwavering loyalty and devotion to the Duke of Avon, indicating the depth of her bond with him.
This reveals the emotional foundation of Léonie's compliance with Avon's plans, despite her personal discomfort.
“He is not a devil to me. And I do not care.”
Léonie dismisses Fanny's warning about Avon's reputation, affirming that her personal experience of him overrides any negative rumors.
This highlights Léonie's trust in Avon and her indifference to societal judgment.
