# XXI: The Discomfiture of the Comte de Saint-Vire explained — These Old Shades

> Chapter companion for These Old Shades by Georgette Heyer.

## 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.

## Themes 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.'

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/these_old_shades_se/chapters/xxi-the-discomfiture-of-the-comte-de-saint-vire
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/these_old_shades_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/these_old_shades_se/chapters