THESE OLD SHADES

First published in 1926, in this new set of beautifully reprinted paperbacks. Set in 18th century Versailles and England, the novel tells the story of a street urchin who was brought up by a Duke to act as a page. Leonie Bonnard is hot tempered and one of Heyer's best female leads. She is being drawn into a 21 year old feud. Justin Alastair, the Duke of Avon, is a reprehensible rake with an axe to grind. Decades ago the Comte de Saint-Vire did something unforgivable and ever since, Justin has been lying in wait to settle the score. When Justin meets Leon, a street urchin with a striking resemblance to his nemesis, he aims to use him as a pawn in his plans for revenge on the Comte, except Leon is in fact Leonie, a beautiful young ingénue who may just steal Justin's heart. Can Leonie win the Duke's affection, or will his need for revenge overcome them both? Immersive escapism brimming with elegance, wit and historical accuracy. 347pp, paperback.