These Old Shades

First published in 1926, 'These Old Shades' is a Georgian romance novel by Georgette Heyer, an English novelist and short-story writer, in both the regency romance and detective fiction genres. It is considered to be the work that established Georgette Heyer's career and helped direct her into becoming the Queen of Regency Romance. The Duke of Avon is known for his indifference, extraordinary omniscience, and his passionate lifestyle. Late one evening, he is accosted by a young person clothed in a tattered boy's apparel flying away from a ruthless rural caretaker. The Duke makes 'Leon' his messenger. 'Leon' is in fact Leonie, and she serves the Duke with deep faithfulness. When he unveils the true story of her birth, he wreaks an amazing vengeance on her demonic father in a chilling scene of public disgrace.