# Justin, Duke of Avon — These Old Shades character guide > Justin, Duke of Avon in These Old Shades by Georgette Heyer. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Avon, Alastair, His Grace, Lord Rupert Alastair, Alastair of Avon **First appearance:** 0001-these-old-shades ## Snapshot A cold, brilliant Duke who buys a page on a whim and finds his calculated world undone by a red-haired child with a secret. ## Who they are Avon moves through Parisian society as a master of irony and manipulation, his motives as opaque to his friends as to his enemies. He acquires the boy Léon with suspicious ease, installs him as a ward, and watches with amusement as the page becomes the toast of Paris — while refusing to explain why he cares. His friends whisper that he has never looked at anyone the way he looks at Léonie, and the mystery of what he knows about her origins drives the plot's central engine. ## In the story ### [These Old Shades](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/these_old_shades_se/chapters/these-old-shades) Introduced as a cold, cynical, and powerful figure who takes an interest in Léon Bonnard. ### [I: His Grace of Avon Buys a Soul](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/these_old_shades_se/chapters/i-his-grace-of-avon-buys-a-soul) Buys Léon on a whim, displaying foppish elegance and hidden strength. ### [Introducing the Comte de Saint-Vire](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/these_old_shades_se/chapters/ii-introducing-the-comte-de-saint-vire) Interrogates Léon about his past and later uses him to provoke Saint-Vire at the gaming tables. ### [Introducing the Comte de Saint-Vire](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/these_old_shades_se/chapters/ii-introducing-the-comte-de-saint-vire) Mentioned as Avon's mad brother, possibly in a sponging house or living on Edward Marling's bounty. ### [III: Which Tells of a Debt Unpaid](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/these_old_shades_se/chapters/iii-which-tells-of-a-debt-unpaid) Reveals the old quarrel with Saint-Vire, his desire for justice, and his patient wait for vengeance. ### [His Grace of Avon Becomes Further Acquainted with His Page](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/these_old_shades_se/chapters/iv-his-grace-of-avon-becomes-further-acquainted-with-his-page) Avon observes Léon's loyalty, questions him about Saint-Vire's interrogation, and shows an unusual interest in the boy's past. ### [His Grace of Avon Visits Versailles](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/these_old_shades_se/chapters/v-his-grace-of-avon-visits-versailles) Dressed in cloth-of-gold with the Garter and orders, he gives Léon a sapphire chain and clasp, converses with the Comtesse de Saint-Vire and her son at Versailles, and displays his characteristic wit and condescension. ### [His Grace of Avon Refuses to Sell His Page](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/these_old_shades_se/chapters/vi-his-grace-of-avon-refuses-to-sell-his-page) In excellent spirits at breakfast; confronts Jean Bonnard about Léon's true identity; refuses to sell Léon to De Faugenac; decides to go into the country and leaves Léon in Hugh's care. ### [VII: Satan and Priest at One](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/these_old_shades_se/chapters/vii-satan-and-priest-at-one) Visits the Curé to discuss Léonie's past and his theory about her being the legitimate daughter of the Comte de Saint-Vire. He reveals he bought Léonie from Jean Bonnard and plans to take her to England. ### [VIII: Hugh Davenant Is Amazed](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/these_old_shades_se/chapters/viii-hugh-davenant-is-amazed) Reveals he has known Léon's true identity from the start and plans to adopt Léonie as his ward. ### [IX: Léon and Léonie](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/these_old_shades_se/chapters/ix-l-on-and-l-onie) Reveals he has known Léon is a girl from the start, insists she become his ward Léonie, and plans to send her to his sister for instruction. ### [Lady Fanny's Virtue Is Outraged](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/these_old_shades_se/chapters/x-lady-fanny-s-virtue-is-outraged) Brings Léonie to his sister Fanny, explaining that she is now his ward and needs a duenna. He leaves Léonie in Fanny's care after a brief, emotional farewell. ### [XI: Mr. Marling's Heart Is Won](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/these_old_shades_se/chapters/xi-mr-marling-s-heart-is-won) Avon is discussed as having brought Léonie from Paris, made her his page, and now seeks to establish her as his ward, entrusting her to Fanny's care. ### [XII: His Grace of Avon’s Ward](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/these_old_shades_se/chapters/xii-his-grace-of-avon-s-ward) Arrives to fetch Léonie, approves of her appearance, agrees to teach her fencing, warns her about Madam Field. ### [The Education of Léonie](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/these_old_shades_se/chapters/xiii-the-education-of-l-onie) Devotes a month to educating Léonie in deportment, dancing, riding, and fencing; also instructs her on family history and contemporary nobility; warns her against Saint-Vire. ### [XIV: The Appearance on the Scene of Lord Rupert Alastair](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/these_old_shades_se/chapters/xiv-the-appearance-on-the-scene-of-lord-rupert-alastair) Arrives at Merivale with much baggage, curious about the Duke's ward and the rumors surrounding her. ### [XIV: The Appearance on the Scene of Lord Rupert Alastair](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/these_old_shades_se/chapters/xiv-the-appearance-on-the-scene-of-lord-rupert-alastair) Absent from Avon Court; his ward Léonie is the subject of gossip and curiosity. ### [Lord Rupert Makes the Acquaintance of Léonie](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/these_old_shades_se/chapters/xv-lord-rupert-makes-the-acquaintance-of-l-onie) Visits the Court to meet Léonie, charms Madam Field, and becomes Léonie's fencing partner and friend. ### [Lord Rupert Makes the Acquaintance of Léonie](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/these_old_shades_se/chapters/xv-lord-rupert-makes-the-acquaintance-of-l-onie) Mentioned as Rupert's brother and Léonie's guardian; his past with Jennifer Merivale is discussed. ### [XVI: The Coming of the Comte de Saint-Vire](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/these_old_shades_se/chapters/xvi-the-coming-of-the-comte-de-saint-vire) Spends his days with Léonie, teaching her to fish and quarreling with her like a child. He is suspicious of Saint-Vire's presence and notes the resemblance between Saint-Vire and Léonie. ### [XVI: The Coming of the Comte de Saint-Vire](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/these_old_shades_se/chapters/xvi-the-coming-of-the-comte-de-saint-vire) Absent from Avon Court, believed to be in London. His past quarrel with Saint-Vire is recalled, and Rupert suspects he is playing a deep game. ### [Of a Capture, a Chase, and Confusion](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/these_old_shades_se/chapters/xvii-of-a-capture-a-chase-and-confusion) Chases Léonie, then pursues the coach to Portsmouth but arrives too late. ### [XVIII: The Indignation of Mr. Manvers](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/these_old_shades_se/chapters/xviii-the-indignation-of-mr-manvers) Reveals Léonie's true parentage and Saint-Vire's abduction; prepares to pursue to France. ### [XVIII: The Indignation of Mr. Manvers](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/these_old_shades_se/chapters/xviii-the-indignation-of-mr-manvers) Has been staying with the Merivales; is in pursuit of Saint-Vire and Léonie. ### [Lord Rupert Wins the Second Trick](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/these_old_shades_se/chapters/xix-lord-rupert-wins-the-second-trick) Follows Léonie to France, is wounded by Saint-Vire, but manages to rescue her. He is weak but determined, and they hide together. ### [His Grace of Avon Takes Command of the Game](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/these_old_shades_se/chapters/xx-his-grace-of-avon-takes-command-of-the-game) Arrives to take command, comforts Léonie, tends to Rupert's wound, and explains his investigation. ### [His Grace of Avon Takes Command of the Game](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/these_old_shades_se/chapters/xx-his-grace-of-avon-takes-command-of-the-game) Injured in the shoulder, recounts the rescue, and is ordered to rest by Avon. ### [XXI: The Discomfiture of the Comte de Saint-Vire](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/these_old_shades_se/chapters/xxi-the-discomfiture-of-the-comte-de-saint-vire) Confronts Saint-Vire with cool menace, presents Léonie as his ward, and writes to his cousin. ### [XXI: The Discomfiture of the Comte de Saint-Vire](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/these_old_shades_se/chapters/xxi-the-discomfiture-of-the-comte-de-saint-vire) Mentioned as being above-stairs with an indisposition. ### [The Arrival of Another Player in the Game](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/these_old_shades_se/chapters/xxii-the-arrival-of-another-player-in-the-game) Shows unusual kindness to Rupert, reveals his hatred for Saint-Vire, and is suspected by Rupert of being in love with Léonie. ### [The Arrival of Another Player in the Game](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/these_old_shades_se/chapters/xxii-the-arrival-of-another-player-in-the-game) Recovering from his wound, observes the change in Avon's behavior and deduces his brother's feelings for Léonie. ### [Mr. Marling Allows Himself to Be Persuaded](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/these_old_shades_se/chapters/xxiii-mr-marling-allows-himself-to-be-persuaded) Debates with Fanny about Avon's intentions; jokes with Edward and supports the plan to travel to Paris. ### [Mr. Marling Allows Himself to Be Persuaded](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/these_old_shades_se/chapters/xxiii-mr-marling-allows-himself-to-be-persuaded) Calmly orchestrates the persuasion of Marling; shows affection for Léonie, calling her 'ma belle' and 'my infant'. ### [XXIV: Hugh Davenant Is Agreeably Surprised](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/these_old_shades_se/chapters/xxiv-hugh-davenant-is-agreeably-surprised) Plans a grand ball and shows unusual tenderness toward Léonie, surprising Hugh Davenant. ### [XXIV: Hugh Davenant Is Agreeably Surprised](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/these_old_shades_se/chapters/xxiv-hugh-davenant-is-agreeably-surprised) Spreads rumors about Léonie's beauty and hints at mystery; later goes out gambling with Marling. ### [XXV: Léonie Curtsies to the Polite World](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/these_old_shades_se/chapters/xxv-l-onie-curtsies-to-the-polite-world) Léonie's guardian, orchestrates her introduction to high society and ensures her success at the ball. ### [XXV: Léonie Curtsies to the Polite World](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/these_old_shades_se/chapters/xxv-l-onie-curtsies-to-the-polite-world) Avon's rakish brother, dances with Léonie and is tasked by Avon to lead out Mademoiselle de Vauvallon. ### [XXVI: The Presentation of Léonie](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/these_old_shades_se/chapters/xxvi-the-presentation-of-l-onie) Orchestrates Léonie's presentation to Madame de Saint-Vire, confronts the Saint-Vire family, and warns Léonie not to speak of the resemblance. ### [XXVI: The Presentation of Léonie](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/these_old_shades_se/chapters/xxvi-the-presentation-of-l-onie) Accompanies the party to Versailles, complains of gambling losses, and teases Léonie. ### [The Hand of Madame de Verchoureux](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/these_old_shades_se/chapters/xxvii-the-hand-of-madame-de-verchoureux) Observes Léonie's distress but remains composed; discusses Saint-Vire's reaction and his own plans with Merivale. ### [The Hand of Madame de Verchoureux](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/these_old_shades_se/chapters/xxvii-the-hand-of-madame-de-verchoureux) Offers to escort Léonie home; greets Merivale warmly. ### [The Comte de Saint-Vire Discovers an Ace in His Hand](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/these_old_shades_se/chapters/xxviii-the-comte-de-saint-vire-discovers-an-ace-in-his-hand) Referenced as the target of Saint-Vire's schemes; Léonie is fiercely loyal to him. ### [The Disappearance of Léonie](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/these_old_shades_se/chapters/xxix-the-disappearance-of-l-onie) Dines alone with Léonie, receives her farewell note, and deduces she has gone to Anjou; admits he loves her too well to marry her. ### [The Disappearance of Léonie](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/these_old_shades_se/chapters/xxix-the-disappearance-of-l-onie) Mentions plans to visit a new gaming-house in the Rue Chambéry; leaves with Fanny earlier in the evening. ### [His Grace of Avon Trumps the Comte's Ace](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/these_old_shades_se/chapters/xxx-his-grace-of-avon-trumps-the-comte-s-ace) Arrives in cloth of gold with emeralds, dominates the salon with his allegorical story, and produces the written confession. ### [His Grace of Avon Trumps the Comte's Ace](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/these_old_shades_se/chapters/xxx-his-grace-of-avon-trumps-the-comte-s-ace) Arrives with d'Anvau and Lavoulère, is teased by Madame du Deffand, and admires Avon's regal appearance. ### [XXXI: His Grace of Avon Wins All](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/these_old_shades_se/chapters/xxxi-his-grace-of-avon-wins-all) 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. ### [XXXI: His Grace of Avon Wins All](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/these_old_shades_se/chapters/xxxi-his-grace-of-avon-wins-all) Mentioned as being present at the soirée and helping to guard the doors. ### [His Grace of Avon Astonishes Everyone for the Last Time](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/these_old_shades_se/chapters/xxxii-his-grace-of-avon-astonishes-everyone-for-the-last-time) Returns with Léonie as his wife, presenting her as his Duchess. ### [His Grace of Avon Astonishes Everyone for the Last Time](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/these_old_shades_se/chapters/xxxii-his-grace-of-avon-astonishes-everyone-for-the-last-time) Optimistic about Avon's success, toasts the new Duchess. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/these_old_shades_se/characters/justin_alastair_duke_of_avon - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/these_old_shades_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/these_old_shades_se/characters