These Old Shades · Chapter
XXXI: His Grace of Avon Wins All explained
The Duke of Avon arrives at Bassincourt to retrieve Léonie from the Curé's house.
What happens
The Duke of Avon arrives at Bassincourt to retrieve Léonie from the Curé's house. He reveals her true identity as Léonie de Saint-Vire, legitimate daughter of the Comte and Marie de Lespinasse, and informs her that Saint-Vire is dead by his own hand after Avon exposed the truth at Madame du Deffand's soirée. Léonie rejoices but is devastated when Avon insists she must go to her new family and cannot remain his ward, leading to a poignant exchange where she offers herself as his mistress and he refuses, declaring he cares too much to marry her.
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
- Identity and Disguise
Léonie's true identity as Léonie de Saint-Vire is revealed, transforming her from a peasant girl to a noblewoman.
- Love and Sacrifice
Avon refuses to marry Léonie or take her as mistress, sacrificing his own desires for her future happiness.
- Redemption and Moral Complexity
Avon admits he initially bought Léonie as a weapon for revenge, but his actions now show genuine care and moral growth.
Characters to notice
- Justin, Duke of Avon
Arrives at Bassincourt to fetch Léonie, reveals her true parentage and Saint-Vire's death, then struggles with his feelings for her, ultimately refusing to marry or take her as mistress.
- Léonie de Bonnard
Revealed as Léonie de Saint-Vire; rejoices at her noble birth and Saint-Vire's death, but is heartbroken when Avon insists she must go to her family and rejects her offer to be his mistress.
- M. le Curé
Has sheltered Léonie; welcomes Avon and expresses relief, acknowledging his alliance with 'Satanas' was justified.
- Comte de Saint-Vire
Reported dead by his own hand at Madame du Deffand's soirée after Avon exposed his crimes.
- Lord Rupert Alastair
Mentioned as being present at the soirée and helping to guard the doors.
- Hugh Davenant
Mentioned as standing by the doors with Rupert during the confrontation.
Key passages
“Dead, mon père, by his own hand.”
The Comte de Saint-Vire is dead, having killed himself.
Avon informs the Curé of Saint-Vire's suicide.
“You are, as I have known from the first, Léonie de Saint-Vire, daughter of the Comte and his wife, Marie de Lespinasse.”
You are actually Léonie de Saint-Vire, the legitimate daughter of the Comte and his wife.
Avon reveals Léonie's true parentage.
“Too—well to marry you.”
I care for you too deeply to marry you.
Avon explains why he cannot marry Léonie despite his feelings.
