# XIV: The Appearance on the Scene of Lord Rupert Alastair explained — These Old Shades

> Chapter companion for These Old Shades by Georgette Heyer.

## 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.

## Themes 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/these_old_shades_se/chapters/xiv-the-appearance-on-the-scene-of-lord-rupert-alastair
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/these_old_shades_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/these_old_shades_se/chapters