These Old Shades · Chapter
XIV: The Appearance on the Scene of Lord Rupert Alastair explained
Léonie, left at Avon Court while the Duke is away, befriends Lady Merivale and her family after meeting them in the woods.
What happens
Léonie, left at Avon Court while the Duke is away, befriends Lady Merivale and her family after meeting them in the woods. She visits Merivale Place, charming Lord and Lady Merivale despite their distrust of the Duke. Later, Lord Rupert Alastair arrives at Merivale, curious about the Duke's ward.
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 reveals her past as a boy page and her transition to being a girl, highlighting themes of hidden identity and self-discovery.
- Social Class and Scandal
The Merivales' distrust of the Duke and their concern over Léonie's association with him underscore the tension between reputation and personal connection.
- Family and Belonging
Léonie finds a sense of belonging with the Merivale family, contrasting with her isolated position as the Duke's ward.
Characters to notice
- Léonie de Bonnard
Explores the countryside, meets Lady Merivale and her children, and visits Merivale Place, where she defends the Duke against criticism.
- Jennifer Merivale
Meets Léonie in the woods, invites her to visit, and discusses the Duke with her husband, expressing concern for Léonie.
- Anthony Merivale
Lord Merivale, initially wary of the Duke, is charmed by Léonie and allows her to visit regularly.
- Lord Rupert Alastair
Arrives at Merivale with much baggage, curious about the Duke's ward and the rumors surrounding her.
- Justin, Duke of Avon
Absent from Avon Court; his ward Léonie is the subject of gossip and curiosity.
- Madam Field
Léonie's governess at Avon Court, described as unexciting and anxious.
Key passages
“Since I was twelve I have always been a boy. Then Monseigneur found me, and I was his page. And—and then he discovered that I was not a boy at all, and he made me his daughter.”
Léonie explains to Jennifer that she lived as a boy from age twelve until the Duke discovered her true gender and adopted her as his daughter.
Reveals Léonie's past disguise and her current identity as the Duke's ward.
“He could never be that. I feel so sorry for this child—in his power.”
Jennifer expresses her fear that the Duke is incapable of reform and worries about Léonie being under his influence.
Highlights the theme of power and control and the social stigma surrounding the Duke.
“I wanted to meet you, milor’. I have heard much—oh, much—about you!”
Léonie tells Lord Merivale she has heard stories about his past exploits, including his wager to stop a coach.
Shows Léonie's playful nature and her knowledge of local gossip.
