These Old Shades

'These Old Shades' is a classic work of historical fiction and romance set in the opulent and dangerous world of the 18th century. The story follows the enigmatic and cynical Justin Alastair, the Duke of Avon, a man known for his cold demeanor and scandalous reputation. While wandering through the streets of Paris, the Duke encounters a mistreated young waif named Leonie. Sensing a perfect opportunity for revenge against his long-standing rival, the Comte de Saint-Vire, Avon takes the child under his protection, only to discover that Leonie is actually a young woman of noble birth hidden in disguise.As Leonie is transformed into a sophisticated member of high society, a complex game of intrigue and passion unfolds between the French and English courts. Georgette Heyer expertly balances wit, historical detail, and emotional depth, creating a vivid tapestry of Georgian-era manners and morals. 'These Old Shades' remains a definitive example of the historical romance genre, celebrated for its sparkling dialogue and the magnetic presence of its protagonist. This captivating tale of vengeance and unexpected love continues to enchant readers with its blend of high-stakes drama and sophisticated humor.This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you may see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.