These Old Shades · Chapter
XXIV: Hugh Davenant Is Agreeably Surprised explained
The Duke of Avon returns to Paris with Léonie and Lady Fanny.
What happens
The Duke of Avon returns to Paris with Léonie and Lady Fanny. Preparations for a grand ball begin, with Fanny organizing the household and sending invitations to high society. Léonie feels overwhelmed by the attention but charms everyone with her wit. Hugh Davenant arrives and is surprised by the changes in Avon, noting his tenderness toward Léonie. The chapter reveals Léonie's abduction by Saint-Vire and hints at Avon's deeper plans.
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
- Power and Control
Avon orchestrates the ball and his public appearances to manipulate social perception and advance his plans against Saint-Vire.
- Family and Belonging
Léonie finds a sense of home and protection with Avon, while Hugh observes the familial bond forming between them.
- Love and Sacrifice
Avon's tender care for Léonie hints at a deeper affection, and Hugh sees this as a path to Avon's salvation.
Characters to notice
- Justin, Duke of Avon
Plans a grand ball and shows unusual tenderness toward Léonie, surprising Hugh Davenant.
- Léonie de Bonnard
Feels overwhelmed by the preparations but displays wit and charm, calling herself a wit and teasing Avon.
- Hugh Davenant
Arrives in Paris and observes the changes in Avon, noting his affection for Léonie and questioning Saint-Vire's involvement.
- Lady Fanny Marling
Takes charge of the household and eagerly organizes the ball, sending invitations to all of Paris.
- Lord Rupert Alastair
Spreads rumors about Léonie's beauty and hints at mystery; later goes out gambling with Marling.
- Comte de Saint-Vire
Revealed as the one who abducted Léonie; Avon has sent him an invitation to the ball.
- Edward Marling
Accompanies Rupert to gambling houses and expresses concern about Rupert's gambling fever.
Key passages
“I am becoming something of a patriarch, my dear.”
Avon jokingly remarks to Hugh that he is taking on a fatherly role.
Reflects Avon's evolving relationship with Léonie.
“Monseigneur, you must do this, and Monseigneur, I want that! She twists him round her little finger, and, by Gad, he likes it!”
Hugh observes that Léonie now confidently makes demands of Avon, and Avon enjoys her assertiveness.
Highlights the shift in their dynamic from formal obedience to affectionate familiarity.
“I would not give Justin a bride his own age. I’d give him this babe who must be cherished and guarded. And I’ll swear he’d guard her well!”
Hugh expresses that Avon needs a young, vulnerable partner like Léonie, whom he can protect and cherish.
Foreshadows a potential romantic future between Avon and Léonie.
