← All chapters

These Old Shades · Chapter

XII: His Grace of Avon’s Ward explained

A fortnight after Léonie's arrival, the Duke of Avon comes to fetch her.

What happens

A fortnight after Léonie's arrival, the Duke of Avon comes to fetch her. Léonie practices her curtsy and is eager to see him. Avon approves of her transformation but she confesses she misses being Léon. He takes her to Avon, where she must learn to be a lady, though she bargains for fencing lessons. Avon warns her to be patient with Madam Field, and Léonie promises to try.

Read this chapter freeBook page

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.

SetupEscalationAftermathClimax
  • 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 reading

Themes in this chapter

  • Identity and Disguise

    Léonie struggles with her new identity as a girl in petticoats, missing her former self as Léon.

  • Power and Control

    Avon asserts his authority as guardian, setting rules for Léonie's behavior and education.

  • Family and Belonging

    Léonie declares she belongs to Avon, and he takes her to his home, Avon.

Characters to notice

  • Léonie de Bonnard

    Practices curtsy, expresses desire to remain with Avon, negotiates for fencing lessons, shows disapproval of Avon's fan.

  • Justin, Duke of Avon

    Arrives to fetch Léonie, approves of her appearance, agrees to teach her fencing, warns her about Madam Field.

  • Lady Fanny Marling

    Helps Léonie prepare, tries to keep her decorous, discusses Avon's intentions with him.

  • Edward Marling

    Enters to speak privately with Avon about Léonie, is dismissed by Fanny.

  • Madam Field

    Arrives at Avon with Léonie and Avon; Léonie thinks her a fool.

Key passages

  • “I wish I were Léon still. Monseigneur, do you understand what it is to be put into petticoats?”

    Léonie expresses her longing for her former male identity and the freedom of wearing breeches.

    Highlights her discomfort with gender expectations.

  • “I do not always want to be a lady, Monseigneur! If I may learn to fight with a sword I will try very hard to learn the other silly things.”

    Léonie bargains with Avon, offering to learn ladylike skills in exchange for fencing lessons.

    Shows her spirited negotiation and desire for agency.

  • “She is just a fool, Monseigneur.”

    Léonie bluntly calls Madam Field a fool, showing her candid and unguarded nature.

    Reveals her lack of respect for conventional authority figures.

Continue in the readerAll chapters