These Old Shades · Chapter
The Education of Léonie explained
The Duke of Avon spends over a month at Avon Court, personally overseeing Léonie's transformation into a lady.
What happens
The Duke of Avon spends over a month at Avon Court, personally overseeing Léonie's transformation into a lady. He teaches her deportment, dancing, curtsying, riding sidesaddle, and fencing, while also instructing her in the history of the Alastair family and the notable personalities of the day. Léonie's lively spirit revitalizes the court, though she occasionally tests Avon's patience with her unconventional behavior. The chapter ends with Avon warning Léonie to beware of the Comte de Saint-Vire, promising to explain why another day.
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
Léonie's education is a deliberate transformation from a wild girl into a lady, highlighting the performative nature of identity and the disguise of her true self.
- Power and Control
Avon exerts control over Léonie's education, from riding sidesaddle to curtsying, while she tests boundaries; his warning about Saint-Vire hints at future power struggles.
- Social Class and Scandal
Madam Field's shame over her marriage and Avon's disdain for vulgarity underscore class distinctions; the gossip about Avon's past with beautiful girls hints at scandal.
Characters to notice
- Justin, Duke of Avon
Devotes a month to educating Léonie in deportment, dancing, riding, and fencing; also instructs her on family history and contemporary nobility; warns her against Saint-Vire.
- Léonie de Bonnard
Eagerly learns to become a lady, mastering curtsies, riding sidesaddle, and fencing; her lively spirit transforms Avon Court; she is warned to beware of Saint-Vire.
- Madam Field
Oversees Léonie's education but is flustered by her refusal to sew and her love of swordplay; she stands in awe of Avon and feels inferior due to her marriage.
- Hugh Davenant
Mentioned as a person to whom Léonie practices her curtsy.
- Lady Fanny Marling
Her haughtiness is used as a model for Léonie's bearing; her maid Rachel is mentioned as a source of vulgar language.
- Comte de Saint-Vire
Avon warns Léonie to beware of him, promising to explain why another day.
- Charles Edward Stuart
Referred to as the true King, for whom Avon worked in the '15 and '45 attempts.
Key passages
“I am sorry, Monseigneur. I—I will ride as you wish.”
Léonie apologizes and agrees to ride sidesaddle after a two-day rebellion against Avon's wishes.
Demonstrates Léonie's submission to Avon's authority and her growing acceptance of societal norms.
“Touché. That was rather better, infant.”
Avon acknowledges Léonie's fencing skill after she lands a hit on him.
Shows Léonie's aptitude for swordplay and Avon's grudging approval.
“I will say instead— tiens , what is it?—Tare an' ouns!”
Léonie considers using a different exclamation after being told not to say 'lawks.'
Illustrates Léonie's playful resistance to Avon's lessons in propriety.
“My very dear friend Saint-Vire. Of course. One day, infant, I will tell you all about the so dear Comte. But not today. I say only this, my child—you will beware of Saint-Vire. It is understood?”
Avon warns Léonie to be cautious of Saint-Vire but postpones explaining why.
Foreshadows Saint-Vire's role as a threat and Avon's protective stance.
