These Old Shades · Chapter
XXI: The Discomfiture of the Comte de Saint-Vire explained
The Duke of Avon confronts the Comte de Saint-Vire at the Black Bull inn, where he presents Léonie as his ward.
What happens
The Duke of Avon confronts the Comte de Saint-Vire at the Black Bull inn, where he presents Léonie as his ward. Through a tense verbal duel, Avon subtly threatens Saint-Vire, hinting at knowledge of his secret and his son's safety, while Saint-Vire blusters and retreats. Avon later writes to his cousin, gifts Léonie a pearl necklace, and prepares her for the game of pretense.
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 Climax.
- 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 exerts psychological dominance over Saint-Vire through veiled threats and superior composure, demonstrating control in a tense confrontation.
- Identity and Disguise
Léonie is presented as Avon's ward, hiding her true identity as the page Léon, and Avon and Saint-Vire engage in a game of pretense about their true purposes.
- Revenge and Forgiveness
Avon hints at future punishment for Saint-Vire, stating 'the day comes when I shall punish him' and 'there will be no mercy for him at my hands.'
Characters to notice
- Justin, Duke of Avon
Confronts Saint-Vire with cool menace, presents Léonie as his ward, and writes to his cousin.
- Léonie de Bonnard
Presented as Avon's ward, receives a pearl necklace, and is coached in the game of pretense.
- Comte de Saint-Vire
Discomfited by Avon's arrival and veiled threats; leaves in anger.
- Lord Rupert Alastair
Mentioned as being above-stairs with an indisposition.
- Lady Fanny Marling
Mentioned as having sent Léonie a pretty dress.
Key passages
“The game is up, my dear. You will do better to submit quietly. I shall not hurt you if you do as I say.”
Saint-Vire tells Léonie that her resistance is futile and she should surrender peacefully.
Saint-Vire's attempt to intimidate Léonie before Avon intervenes.
“You mistake, m'sieur. Have the goodness to unhand my ward.”
Avon commands Saint-Vire to release Léonie, asserting his authority as her guardian.
Avon's dramatic entrance and assertion of control.
“I have quite a happy—shall we say, knack?—of finding lost—er—property.”
Avon hints that he is skilled at discovering hidden things, referring to Saint-Vire's secret.
Avon's veiled threat about uncovering Saint-Vire's schemes.
“Curse you, you've no proof!”
Saint-Vire angrily denies that Avon has evidence against him.
Saint-Vire's loss of composure under Avon's pressure.
“Monseigneur, you did not do anything to him! I thought that you would punish him!”
Léonie expresses surprise that Avon did not directly punish Saint-Vire.
Léonie's expectation of immediate retribution versus Avon's long-term strategy.
