These Old Shades · Chapter
XXVI: The Presentation of Léonie explained
Léonie is presented at Versailles, where she captivates the Prince de Condé, who fetches her refreshment and wears her violets.
What happens
Léonie is presented at Versailles, where she captivates the Prince de Condé, who fetches her refreshment and wears her violets. Lady Fanny presents her to Madame de Saint-Vire, who reacts with visible distress. Later, at a ball, Avon confronts the Comte and Comtesse de Saint-Vire and their son, the Vicomte de Valmé. Léonie suddenly recalls that the Vicomte resembles Jean Bonnard, but Avon silences her. The chapter ends with invitations flooding in and preparations for another court appearance.
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
Léonie's unconventional behavior at court—sending Condé for refreshment and giving him her violets—creates a stir, highlighting the tension between her origins and her new position.
- Identity and Disguise
Léonie's recognition of the Vicomte de Valmé's resemblance to Jean Bonnard hints at hidden connections and the ongoing theme of concealed identities.
- Power and Control
Avon orchestrates the meeting between Léonie and Madame de Saint-Vire, demonstrating his manipulation of social situations to advance his hidden agenda.
Characters to notice
- Léonie de Bonnard
Presented at Versailles, flirts with Condé, gives him her violets, and later recognizes the Vicomte de Valmé as resembling Jean Bonnard.
- Justin, Duke of Avon
Orchestrates Léonie's presentation to Madame de Saint-Vire, confronts the Saint-Vire family, and warns Léonie not to speak of the resemblance.
- Lady Fanny Marling
Acts as Léonie's chaperon, presents her to Madame de Saint-Vire, and later discusses the evening with Avon.
- Prince de Condé
Flirts with Léonie, fetches her ratafie, and wears her violets on his coat.
- Comte de Saint-Vire
Present at the ball, renews acquaintance with Léonie, and is confronted by Avon.
- Madame de Saint-Vire
Shows visible distress when presented to Léonie, breaks her fan, and is unable to speak.
- Vicomte de Valmé
Son of Saint-Vire, presented to Léonie; she notes his resemblance to Jean Bonnard.
- Lord Rupert Alastair
Accompanies the party to Versailles, complains of gambling losses, and teases Léonie.
Key passages
“Bon! said Léonie. Now I have spoken to the King.”
Léonie exclaims with satisfaction that she has finally spoken to the King.
Highlights Léonie's boldness and her casual attitude toward royal protocol.
“Condé made his way to her side, and Lady Fanny withdrew discreetly.”
Condé approaches Léonie, and Lady Fanny steps back to give them privacy.
Shows Condé's interest and Fanny's role as a discreet chaperon.
“Madame's hand clenched in her fan, and under all her paint she whitened.”
Madame de Saint-Vire's hand tightened on her fan, and her face went pale beneath her makeup.
Reveals Madame de Saint-Vire's intense emotional reaction to meeting Léonie.
“Monseigneur, I have remembered! It came to me in a flash!”
Léonie suddenly recalls something important and tells Avon.
Sets up the revelation of the Vicomte's resemblance to Jean Bonnard.
