# Mr. Marling Allows Himself to Be Persuaded explained — These Old Shades

> Chapter companion for These Old Shades by Georgette Heyer.

## 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.

## Themes 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/these_old_shades_se/chapters/xxiii-mr-marling-allows-himself-to-be-persuaded
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/these_old_shades_se
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