Léonie de Bonnard

Lady Fanny Marling

Fanny becomes a warm and protective older sister figure to Léonie, guiding her through high society.

Monseigneur le Duc

Monseigneur le Duc is Léonie's long-lost father, and their reunion is fraught with emotional tension and eventual reconciliation.

Hugh Davenant

Hugh is a kind and protective friend to Léonie, treating her with gentle respect and admiration.

Madam Field

Madam Field is Léonie's former keeper and employer, who exploited her as a page boy before Avon rescued her.

Monseigneur le Duc

Monseigneur le Duc is Léonie's long-lost father, and their reunion is fraught with emotional tension and eventual reconciliation.

Lady Fanny Marling

Fanny becomes a warm and protective older sister figure to Léonie, guiding her through high society.

Madam Field

Madam Field is Léonie's former keeper and employer, who exploited her as a page boy before Avon rescued her.

Lady Fanny Marling

Fanny becomes a warm and protective older sister figure to Léonie, guiding her through high society.

Hugh Davenant

Hugh is a kind and protective friend to Léonie, treating her with gentle respect and admiration.

Hugh Davenant

Hugh is a kind and protective friend to Léonie, treating her with gentle respect and admiration.

Madam Field

Madam Field is Léonie's former keeper and employer, who exploited her as a page boy before Avon rescued her.

VII: Satan and Priest at One

The girl at the center of the discussion. Avon reveals she was raised as a boy by Jean Bonnard and is now his page. He suspects she is the legitimate daughter of the Comte de Saint-Vire.

IX: Léon and Léonie

Desperately resists being forced to become a girl, but ultimately submits to Avon's authority, agreeing to try to be Léonie.

Lady Fanny's Virtue Is Outraged

Struggles with the transition from being a page in boy's clothes to wearing women's attire. She is loyal to Avon but feels lonely and uncomfortable in her new role.

XI: Mr. Marling's Heart Is Won

Léonie is introduced to Mr. Marling, awkward in her new skirts but charming, and she expresses her discomfort with feminine attire.

XII: His Grace of Avon’s Ward

Practices curtsy, expresses desire to remain with Avon, negotiates for fencing lessons, shows disapproval of Avon's fan.

The Education of Léonie

Eagerly learns to become a lady, mastering curtsies, riding sidesaddle, and fencing; her lively spirit transforms Avon Court; she is warned to beware of Saint-Vire.

XIV: The Appearance on the Scene of Lord Rupert Alastair

Explores the countryside, meets Lady Merivale and her children, and visits Merivale Place, where she defends the Duke against criticism.

Lord Rupert Makes the Acquaintance of Léonie

Eagerly meets Rupert, asks him to teach her fencing, and fiercely defends the Duke of Avon against criticism.

XVI: The Coming of the Comte de Saint-Vire

Enjoys her time with Rupert, listens eagerly to stories of the Duke, and expresses a wish for the Duke's return. She is unaware of Saint-Vire's arrival.

Of a Capture, a Chase, and Confusion

Dresses as a boy to tease Rupert; is abducted by Saint-Vire.

XVIII: The Indignation of Mr. Manvers

Revealed to be Saint-Vire's daughter; has been taken to France by Saint-Vire.

Lord Rupert Wins the Second Trick

Awakens after being drugged, escapes the Comte, and is rescued by Rupert. She tends to Rupert's wound and shows resourcefulness and fear.

His Grace of Avon Takes Command of the Game

Overjoyed at Avon's arrival, recounts her escape, and is instructed to change into feminine attire.

XXI: The Discomfiture of the Comte de Saint-Vire

Presented as Avon's ward, receives a pearl necklace, and is coached in the game of pretense.

The Arrival of Another Player in the Game

Delights in the delay of Gaston and Madame Field, teases Avon, and demonstrates her loyalty and affection toward him.

Mr. Marling Allows Himself to Be Persuaded

In riding dress, asks Fanny's leave to ride with Avon; later charms Edward into staying by inviting him and Davenant.

XXIV: Hugh Davenant Is Agreeably Surprised

Feels overwhelmed by the preparations but displays wit and charm, calling herself a wit and teasing Avon.

XXV: Léonie Curtsies to the Polite World

The debutante at the center of the ball, presented as Avon's ward, charming guests with her naive and engaging manner.

XXVI: The Presentation of Léonie

Presented at Versailles, flirts with Condé, gives him her violets, and later recognizes the Vicomte de Valmé as resembling Jean Bonnard.

The Hand of Madame de Verchoureux

Learns from Madame de Verchoureux that she is the illegitimate daughter of Saint-Vire; struggles with the fear that her birth will prevent a future with Avon.

The Comte de Saint-Vire Discovers an Ace in His Hand

Confronts Saint-Vire, armed with a pistol, and defiantly rejects his paternal claims and threats.

The Disappearance of Léonie

Flees the household after discovering her true parentage, leaving farewell notes to protect Avon from scandal.

XXXI: His Grace of Avon Wins All

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.

His Grace of Avon Astonishes Everyone for the Last Time

Returns married to Avon, joyfully embraces her new role as Duchess.