# His Grace of Avon Takes Command of the Game explained — These Old Shades

> Chapter companion for These Old Shades by Georgette Heyer.

## 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.

## Themes 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

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