# XXIV: Hugh Davenant Is Agreeably Surprised explained — These Old Shades > Chapter companion for These Old Shades by Georgette Heyer. ## 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. ## Themes 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. ## Character check-ins ### 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 lines > 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._ ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/these_old_shades_se/chapters/xxiv-hugh-davenant-is-agreeably-surprised - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/these_old_shades_se - All chapters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/these_old_shades_se/chapters