These Old Shades · Chapter
His Grace of Avon Takes Command of the Game explained
The Duke of Avon arrives at Le Dennier, finding Léonie and Rupert after their escape from Saint-Vire.
What happens
The Duke of Avon arrives at Le Dennier, finding Léonie and Rupert after their escape from Saint-Vire. He calms Léonie, tends to Rupert's wound, and reveals that he deduced their location through a series of inquiries. He instructs Léonie to change into proper clothes and sends for a chaperon, while preparing to confront Saint-Vire.
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
- Power and Control
Avon takes command of the situation, orchestrating the next steps and asserting his authority over both Léonie and Rupert.
- Family and Belonging
Léonie's relief and affection for Avon highlight their familial bond, while Avon's protective actions reinforce his role as her guardian.
- Redemption and Moral Complexity
Avon's long-standing grudge against Saint-Vire and his calculated patience suggest a complex moral landscape of revenge and justice.
Characters to notice
- Justin, Duke of Avon
Arrives to take command, comforts Léonie, tends to Rupert's wound, and explains his investigation.
- Léonie de Bonnard
Overjoyed at Avon's arrival, recounts her escape, and is instructed to change into feminine attire.
- Lord Rupert Alastair
Injured in the shoulder, recounts the rescue, and is ordered to rest by Avon.
- Comte de Saint-Vire
Mentioned as the abductor; Avon expects his arrival and plans to confront him.
- Hugh Davenant
Not directly present but referenced as part of the household; Avon mentions sending for Harriet.
Key passages
“The colour came flooding back to Léonie’s cheeks. “Monseigneur!” she gasped, and flew across the room towards him, laughing and crying at once. “Oh, Monseigneur, you have come, you have come!””
Léonie's face brightened as she rushed to Avon, overcome with joy and relief.
Shows Léonie's emotional dependence on Avon and her relief at his arrival.
““I understand that my bloodthirsty ward would have shot the so dear Comte—er—dead.” “Yes, I would,” Léonie averred. “ That would have taught him a lesson!””
Avon remarks that Léonie would have killed Saint-Vire, and she confirms it, believing it would teach him a lesson.
Highlights Léonie's fierce and impulsive nature.
““I am before you, my dear, by some twenty years, but I bide my time.””
Avon tells Rupert that he has been nursing a grudge against Saint-Vire for twenty years and is waiting for the right moment.
Reveals Avon's long-standing enmity and patient strategy.
