These Old Shades · Chapter
XVI: The Coming of the Comte de Saint-Vire explained
The Duke of Avon remains absent, while Rupert and Léonie spend their days riding, fencing, and fishing at Avon Court.
What happens
The Duke of Avon remains absent, while Rupert and Léonie spend their days riding, fencing, and fishing at Avon Court. The Merivales observe the pair with amusement, and Anthony Merivale is struck by a vague familiarity in Léonie's appearance. While on an errand, Merivale unexpectedly encounters the Comte de Saint-Vire at the Avon Arms. Saint-Vire claims to be traveling north to visit a friend, but his story seems evasive. He accepts an invitation to dine at Merivale, where he learns that the Duke is away and that Léonie de Bonnard is staying at Avon Court. After Saint-Vire leaves, Rupert reveals the old enmity between Saint-Vire and his brother, and points out the striking resemblance between Saint-Vire and Léonie, hinting at a deeper mystery.
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
- Identity and Disguise
The physical resemblance between Léonie and Saint-Vire is noted by Rupert and Merivale, hinting at hidden connections and the mystery of Léonie's true identity.
- Family and Belonging
Léonie's longing for the Duke's return and her pride in him reflect her desire for family ties, while the old enmity between Saint-Vire and the Alastairs underscores fractured familial bonds.
- Revenge and Forgiveness
Rupert suspects that the Duke has not forgotten his quarrel with Saint-Vire and may be plotting something, suggesting unresolved conflict and potential revenge.
Characters to notice
- Lord Rupert Alastair
Spends his days with Léonie, teaching her to fish and quarreling with her like a child. He is suspicious of Saint-Vire's presence and notes the resemblance between Saint-Vire and Léonie.
- Léonie de Bonnard
Enjoys her time with Rupert, listens eagerly to stories of the Duke, and expresses a wish for the Duke's return. She is unaware of Saint-Vire's arrival.
- Anthony Merivale
Meets Saint-Vire by chance at the Avon Arms and invites him to dinner. He is puzzled by Saint-Vire's story and later realizes that Léonie resembles the Comte.
- Jennifer Merivale
Hosts Saint-Vire at dinner, finds him unsettling, and expresses her distrust of him.
- Comte de Saint-Vire
Arrives unexpectedly in the area, claiming to be traveling north. He dines with the Merivales and inquires about the Duke and Léonie, but his manner is evasive and his presence raises suspicion.
- Justin, Duke of Avon
Absent from Avon Court, believed to be in London. His past quarrel with Saint-Vire is recalled, and Rupert suspects he is playing a deep game.
Key passages
““What puzzles me,” said Rupert, “is why he should be the living spit of Léonie.””
Rupert is baffled by the strong physical resemblance between Saint-Vire and Léonie.
This observation deepens the mystery surrounding Léonie's origins and Saint-Vire's sudden appearance.
““I don’t like him,” Jennifer said, troubled. “His eyes make me shiver. I think he is not a good man.””
Jennifer feels uneasy about Saint-Vire and senses that he is untrustworthy.
Jennifer's instinctive distrust foreshadows Saint-Vire's villainous role in the story.
““It’s like Justin to play a deep game, stap me if it isn’t!””
Rupert believes that the Duke is likely orchestrating a secret scheme.
Rupert's comment reinforces the Duke's reputation for cunning and strategic manipulation.
