Voyons! We’re full of admiration for These Old Shades - it balances to perfection a riotous adventure and a genuinely touching love story.

Avon - the man with a dark past, red high heels and determination to prove worthy of his love. Leonie - wise beyond her years, haunted by loneliness, but with an indomitable spirit and ability to get herself out of scrapes. And Rupert, ah Rupert! Horse thief, enemy of poetry, and prince of our hearts.

We talk about how the Duke and his siblings grow closer, and why the age gap between Avon and Leonie doesn’t seem so disturbing in this story. We also cover Heyer’s take on nature vs nuture, and Avon’s ability to make a dramatic entrance.

And to anyone who doesn’t like These Old Shades we say “Bah!”

“I believe I have several times requested you not to call Rupert 'imbecile', infant.""But Monseigheur, he is an imbecile!" she protested. "You know he is!""Undoubtedly, ma fille, but I do not tell the whole world so.""Then I do not know what I am to call him," said Leonie.”

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