These Old Shades · Chapter
Lord Rupert Makes the Acquaintance of Léonie explained
Lord Rupert Alastair visits the Court to meet his brother's ward, Léonie.
What happens
Lord Rupert Alastair visits the Court to meet his brother's ward, Léonie. He charms Madam Field and quickly befriends Léonie, who asks him to teach her fencing. During their conversation, Rupert reveals family secrets about Justin's past with Jennifer Merivale. Léonie fiercely defends the Duke when Rupert calls him a devil, chasing him with a foil before they reconcile. Rupert becomes her devoted companion.
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 Rising action.
- 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
- Family and Belonging
Rupert's visit and his candid discussion of family feuds (e.g., Justin vs. Merivale) highlight the fractured Alastair family dynamics.
- Gender Roles and Performance
Léonie's request to fence and her wearing of breeches challenge contemporary gender norms, while Rupert's amusement reflects a tolerant view.
- Identity and Disguise
Léonie's past as Justin's page is hinted at, and her dual nature as a girl who acts like a boy is central to her character.
Characters to notice
- Lord Rupert Alastair
Visits the Court to meet Léonie, charms Madam Field, and becomes Léonie's fencing partner and friend.
- Léonie de Bonnard
Eagerly meets Rupert, asks him to teach her fencing, and fiercely defends the Duke of Avon against criticism.
- Madam Field
Receives Rupert cautiously, extracts a promise of decorum, and worries about Léonie's unladylike behavior.
- Justin, Duke of Avon
Mentioned as Rupert's brother and Léonie's guardian; his past with Jennifer Merivale is discussed.
- Jennifer Merivale
Mentioned as the woman Justin wanted to marry, causing a rift with Anthony Merivale.
- Julia Falkner
Mentioned as Rupert's former romantic interest, now abandoned.
Key passages
“I am come to make the acquaintance of my brother's ward, cousin, as is fitting.”
Rupert explains that his visit is a proper family duty to meet his brother's ward.
Rupert uses this formal excuse to gain Madam Field's approval.
“Will you please fight me with a sword?”
Léonie asks Rupert to fence with her.
This request shows Léonie's adventurous and unconventional nature.
“I wanted to kill you. I will if you say things to me like that of Monseigneur.”
Léonie threatens Rupert for insulting the Duke of Avon.
Her fierce loyalty to Justin is demonstrated through this outburst.
