# Of a Capture, a Chase, and Confusion explained — These Old Shades

> Chapter companion for These Old Shades by Georgette Heyer.

## 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.

## Themes 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/these_old_shades_se/chapters/xvii-of-a-capture-a-chase-and-confusion
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/these_old_shades_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/these_old_shades_se/chapters