All in all, this revisit to an old favorite was absolutely fabulous and I envy those who still have it to read/listen to for the first time. Clever with Leonie's personality and French accent as well as giving distinct vocal personality to the rest. I thought she did this cast of characters so well. I listened to the Blackstone edition with Sarah Nichols narration work. Sparkling plot and characters, fabulous and witty dialogue, and the lush setting come together amazingly. Later, she captivates Paris society even while the plot thickens around her secret past and the connection to the Saint Vire family.

She beguiles him and then beguiles his friends and family with her blend of innocence and earthy worldly wisdom. In fact, those who know him, even know him well, would agree, until Leonie enters her 'Monsigneur's' life. Vivacious Leon/Leonie captures everyone's heart even a tired, jaded man who in his middle years thinks his chances of his life taking an alternate path are impossible. Originally written as a sequel to The Black Moth for the duke and anti-hero of that piece to get his own story, These Old Shades flourished into a slightly different tale to fabulous results. It has been years since I read These Old Shades so it was a delightful reunion with Avon, Leonie, Rupert, Fanny and the rest- not forgetting the sinister Comte de Saint Vire. A devilish, haughty duke thinks he has found the key to revenge on his enemy, but turns out the impish young person he takes up out of the gutters of Paris is his redemption. The Duke is known for his coldness of manner, his remarkable omniscience, and his debauched lifestyle. Set during the height of the Georgian period in the glittering scenes of Paris, the French court, and French and English Countryside, this rascally historical romp captivates from start to finish. Considered the book that launched Gerogette Heyer's career, These Old Shades features two of Heyer's most memorable characters: Justin Alastair, the Duke of Avon, and Leonie, whom he rescues from a life of ignominy and comes to love and marry. A Jaded Duke and a Charming Young Lady Take Paris

These old shades book