These Old Shades · Chapter
Mr. Marling Allows Himself to Be Persuaded explained
Lady Fanny and Rupert discuss the Duke of Avon's potential marriage to Léonie, speculating about her mysterious origins and possible relation to Saint-Vire.
What happens
Lady Fanny and Rupert discuss the Duke of Avon's potential marriage to Léonie, speculating about her mysterious origins and possible relation to Saint-Vire. Edward Marling arrives in a rage to bring Fanny back to England, but after a tense confrontation and Léonie's charming intervention, he is persuaded to join the party traveling to Paris instead.
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 Falling 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
- Social Class and Scandal
Rupert and Fanny debate whether Avon would marry a 'nobody' or a possible baseborn child of Saint-Vire, highlighting the importance of lineage and scandal.
- Love and Sacrifice
Fanny argues that love overrides family duty, using her own marriage to Edward as an example; Avon's affection for Léonie is evident.
- Family and Belonging
The Marling family dynamics are central: Edward's authority, Fanny's defiance, and Rupert's mediating role; Léonie is treated as part of the circle.
Characters to notice
- Lady Fanny Marling
Determined that Justin shall marry Léonie; coaxes and teases her husband Edward into staying in Paris.
- Lord Rupert Alastair
Debates with Fanny about Avon's intentions; jokes with Edward and supports the plan to travel to Paris.
- Edward Marling
Arrives angry and travel-worn, intending to bring Fanny back to England, but is persuaded to join the Paris party.
- Léonie de Bonnard
In riding dress, asks Fanny's leave to ride with Avon; later charms Edward into staying by inviting him and Davenant.
- Justin, Duke of Avon
Calmly orchestrates the persuasion of Marling; shows affection for Léonie, calling her 'ma belle' and 'my infant'.
Key passages
“If he loves her he’ll not trouble his head over the family. Why, what did I care for the family when I married Edward?”
Love matters more than family approval, as Fanny herself proved by marrying Edward despite his lower status.
Fanny defends the idea of Avon marrying Léonie regardless of her unknown origins.
“I have made up my mind to it Justin shall marry that child.”
Fanny is determined that Avon will wed Léonie.
Fanny declares her intention to see Avon and Léonie married.
“You do not think he is enough respectable. But indeed he is very respectable now, je vous assure!”
Léonie assures Edward that Avon has reformed and is now respectable.
Léonie defends Avon's character to the skeptical Edward Marling.
