These Old Shades · Chapter
Of a Capture, a Chase, and Confusion explained
Léonie, bored and waiting for Rupert and Avon, dons her boy's clothes and teases Rupert in the garden.
What happens
Léonie, bored and waiting for Rupert and Avon, dons her boy's clothes and teases Rupert in the garden. During their chase, she stumbles upon the Comte de Saint-Vire, who abducts her into a coach. Rupert pursues on foot, learns the coach stopped at the Avon Arms, borrows a horse, and rides to Portsmouth only to discover Saint-Vire's schooner has already sailed.
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
Léonie deliberately adopts her boy's disguise to provoke Rupert, and Saint-Vire addresses her as 'Léon the Page,' highlighting the theme of hidden identity.
- Power and Control
Saint-Vire's sudden abduction of Léonie demonstrates his exertion of power and control over her, overriding her will and freedom.
Characters to notice
- Léonie de Bonnard
Dresses as a boy to tease Rupert; is abducted by Saint-Vire.
- Lord Rupert Alastair
Chases Léonie, then pursues the coach to Portsmouth but arrives too late.
- Comte de Saint-Vire
Abducts Léonie from the wood and escapes by coach to a waiting schooner.
- Madam Field
Reproves Léonie for her language and behavior before Léonie changes clothes.
- Mr. Fletcher
Landlord of the Avon Arms; provides information and a pistol to Rupert.
- Coggin
Blacksmith who reluctantly helps Rupert borrow Mr. Manvers' horse.
Key passages
“Oh, parbleu! This Rupert he is always late, the vaurien!”
Léonie expresses irritation at Rupert's habitual tardiness.
Shows Léonie's impatience and her use of French exclamations.
“I will have a game with Rupert.”
Léonie decides to play a trick on Rupert.
Motivates her to change into boy's clothes and sets the chase in motion.
“I give you good morrow, Léon the Page. I had hardly hoped that I should find you thus soon. The luck is with me this round, I think.”
Saint-Vire greets Léonie in her disguise, surprised and pleased at his good fortune in finding her.
Reveals Saint-Vire's predatory intent and his recognition of her disguise.
“Rupert, Rupert, à moi!”
Léonie cries out for Rupert's help in French.
Highlights her panic and reliance on Rupert in the moment of danger.
“Blister me, I'm too late!”
Rupert exclaims in frustration upon learning the schooner has already sailed.
Conveys his failure to rescue Léonie in time.
