Person

Book/Story

Nicknames

Family

Description

ABEL

These Old Shades

Fictitious characters used by Avon in a story. He likened the character to the original Abel.

ALISTAIR, Hugo

These Old Shades

Avon's ancestor who came to England with the Conqueror and established Avon Court.

ALISTAIR, Lord (Rupert)

These Old Shades

Brother: Duc of Avon

Sister: Lady Fanny Marling

Rupert is an engaging young man who comes to his brother whenever he needs to escape from the moneylenders. He comes to Avon to find out the mystery of the his brother'sn ward. He acts as an elder brother to Léonie and is instrumental in protecting her from the Comte de Saint Vire.

ALISTAIR, Sir (Roderick)

These Old Shades

Avon's ancestor who rebuilt Avon Court after it was destroyed during the English Civil War.

AVON, Duc of (Justin Alistair)

These Old Shades

a.k.a.: Satanas, Monsiegneur

Brother: Lord Rupert Alistair

Sister: Lady Fanny Marling

While walking through Paris Avon prevents the beating of an young man, Léon, by his older brother. On an impulse, Avon purchases the young man; recognizing immediately that the young man is a young woman. Avon is not well liked because of his supercilious attitude and sarcastic wit. It is known that he gained his fortune through gambling. The young man who lost the money to Avon was later killed in a duel. He once thought himself in love with a young lady whom he attempted to kidnap after she rejected his proposal. He allows Léon to call him Monsiegneur since Léon has trouble with the title Your Grace. Léon acts as his page for a period of time while Avon investigates the origins of this young woman. After he has learned as much as possible, he takes Léon to London for his sister to dress her in the current style. Then he removes Léonie to Avon Court with his cousin, Harriet Field as chaperone, to teach her society manners. With Fanny's help, Léonie is launched in Paris society.

AVON, Duchesse of, Léonie (née: Léonie St. Vire)

These Old Shades

a.k.a.: Léon Bonnard

The only child of the Comte and Comtesse de Saint-Vire. She was raised as the daughter of the Bonnards after her father traded her for the Bonnards' newborn son so that he could have an heir. The Bonnards already have a son, who is jealous of the new child. He is forced to work the farm while she is educated by the local priest. After the death of their parents, Léonie is taken to Paris. She is forced to live as a boy by Jean and his wife. She is then bought by the Duc of Avon to whom she acts as a page. The Duc takes her to England to educate her in the ways of quality before she is presented in Paris as his ward. She is kidnapped by the Comte de Saint-Vire to prevent the exposure of her real heritage.

AVON, Duke (Rudolph Alistair)

These Old Shades

Son: Justin Alistair

Daughter : Fanny Marling

Son: Rupert Alistair

He led a dissipated life leaving his children without financial resources.

AVON, Earl of (Henry Alistair)

These Old Shades

Held Avon Court against Cromwell. At the restoration of the House of Stuart, he received the Dukedom

BALLENTOR

THESE OLD SHADES

A famous duellist.

BEAUPRÉ, Marquis de

THESE OLD SHADES

The nephew of the priest who educated Léonie.

BELCOUR, Duchesse de

THESE OLD SHADES

The sister of the Comte de Saint Vire. Avon sought permission to marry her when he was young.

BLACKWATER, Lord

THESE OLD SHADES

A former suitor of Lady Fanny Marling's.

BONNARD, Charlotte

THESE OLD SHADES

Husband: Jean Bonnard

Sister in law: Léon Bonnard.

Charlotte hates Léonie since Léonie attacked her with a knife.

BONNARD, Jean

THESE OLD SHADES

Wife: M. Bonnard

Son: Jean Bonnard

Foster daughter: Léonie Bonnard

He was a farmer who died of the plague.

BONNARD, Jean

THESE OLD SHADES

Wife: Charlotte Bonnard.

Brother: Léonie Bonnard

Father: Jean Bonnard

Mother: M. Bonnard

Elder brother to Léonie who forces her to dress as a boy after the move to Paris. He sold Léon to Avon because he has always been jealous of the attention Léonie received from their parents.

BONNARD, Léon

THESE OLD SHADES

See: AVON, Duchess of

Brother: Jean Bonnard

Mother: M. Bonnard

Father: Jean Bonnnard

Sister-in-law: Charlotte Bonnard

From the age of twelve, Léonie is forced to dress as a boy by his brother so that Jean won't have to worry about the child getting into trouble

BONNARD, Madame

THESE OLD SHADES

Husband: Jean Bonnard

Son: Jean Bonnard

Foster daughter: Léonie Bonnard

Took over the care of the infant daughter of the Comte de Saint Vire. She and her husband died of the plague.

CAIN

THESE OLD SHADES

A fictitious character in Avon's story.

CARSBY, Mistress

THESE OLD SHADES

A former lover of Rupert Alistair.

CHALMER

THESE OLD SHADES

A possibly fictitious friend of the Comte de Saint-Vire.

CHATEAU-Mornay, Louis

THESE OLD SHADES

He plays dice with Avon at Vassaud's gaming house.

COGGIN

THESE OLD SHADES

Blacksmith in the village at Avon.

COLEHATCH, Lord ( Frederick Davenant)

THESE OLD SHADES

Brother: Hugh Davenant

He wrote a letter to Avon asking to marry Fanny in which he said he was willing to overlook her levity and extravagance.

CORNALLE

THESE OLD SHADES

He plays dice with Avon at Vassaud's

COTTON, Sir John

THESE OLD SHADES

He was to meet Edward Marling at Cocoa Tree on the evening that Edward and Fanny departed for Paris.

CUMMING, His Grace

THESE OLD SHADES

Former suitor of Lady Fanny Marling. He fought a duel with John Drew over Fanny.

d' EU, Comte

THESE OLD SHADES

Father: Duc of Maine

He is at Versailles when Léonie is presented there. He predicts she will be a great success.

d'AIGUILLON

THESE OLD SHADES

A friend of Avon's.

d'ANVAU, Chevalier

THESE OLD SHADES

An acquaintance of Avon's seen at Vassaud's. He and Hugh go riding together. He loves scandal.

d'ARMAGNAC, Comte (Louis de Lorraine)

THESE OLD SHADES

Son: De Brionne

DAVENANT, Hugh

THESE OLD SHADES

The best friend of Avon. He protests the treatment of the boy by Avon. He offers to take Léonie away to raise her in a more conservative envirmonment. His fear is that Léon will be corrupted as Avon's page. Hugh appreciates all that Avon has done for him; but he doesn't always like or understand his behavior.

de BEAUCOUR, Mademoiselle

THESE OLD SHADES

She attended the soirée at which Avon tells the story of his ward.

de BEAUPRÉ, Curé

THESE OLD SHADES

a.k.a.: Vicomte de Marrillon

The local priest who educated Léonie during her stay in Bassincourt. He shelters Léonie when she runs away from Paris.

de BELCOUR, Duchesse

THESE OLD SHADEs

Brother: Henri Saint-Vire.

Avon once aspired to win the hand of this red-haired lady. Referred to as a shrew by Hugh.

de BELLE-Isle,

THESE OLD SHADEs

Grandfather: Fouquet

Described as an old man.

de BRIONNE, Comte

THESE OLD SHADES

Father: Comte d'Armagnac (Louis de Lorraine)

He danced the second dance with Léonie at the ball held in her honour. He is somewhat insulted later that Léonie can't remember his name but decides that he can't take offense when the Prince de Condé didn't.

de CACHERON, Madame

THESE OLD SHADES

Léonie attended a party at her house.

de CHANTOURELLE

THESE OLD SHADES

A friend of Avon's.

de CHANTOURELLE, Vicomte (Florimond)

THESE OLD SHADES

A friend of Avon's who discusses the Vicomte de Valmé with Avon and Saint-Vire at the Comtesse de Marguéry's ball. He favours clothing in bright colours and irritates people.

de CHÂTELAT

THESE OLD SHADES

A friend of Lord Merivale's whom he stays with during his visit to Paris.

de CHAVIGNY, Comte de (Chavignard)

THESE OLD SHADES

A friend of Avon's.

de CHOURVANNE, Marquis

THESE OLD SHADES

Wife: Marquise de Chourvanne

Avon passes their coach on the way to Versailles

de CHOURVANNE, Marquise

THESE OLD SHADES

Husband: Marquis de Chourvanne

Avon passes their coach on the way to Versailles

de CLOUÉ, Mademoiselle

THESE OLD SHADES

The lady in puce at M. du Deffand's soirée.

de COURNALLE, Julie

THESE OLD SHADES

She is visiting with Marie de Saint-Vire at the levée at Versailles.

de FAUGENAC

THESE OLD SHADES

A friend of Saint-Vire's wants to buy Léon allegedly for his wife

de FOLLEMARTIN, Madame

THESE OLD SHADES

She invited Léonie to a function at her home.

de FONTANGES, Rauol

THESE OLD SHADES

He attended ball Léonie's ball.

de FOQUEMALLE

THESE OLD SHADES

A poet who reads his work at M. du Deffend's soirée.

de la DOUYE

THESE OLD SHADES

He read several poems at M. du Deffand's soirée.

de la LAVAYE

THESE OLD SHADES

He is in attendance at the levée atVersailles.

de la ROQUE, Duc

THESE OLD SHADES

He attended the soirée at M. du Deffend's.

de la ROQUE, Duchesse

THESE OLD SHADES

She is introduced to Léonie at Versailles. She also attends the soirée at M. du Deffend's.

de la VALAYE

THESE OLD SHADES

Talks with Léonie and Fanny at Versailles.

de LACHÉRE, Mademoiselle

THESE OLD SHADES

He held a conversation with the Vicomte de Valmé at Versailles

de LONGCHAMPS, Madame

THESE OLD SHADES

She holds a rout at which the Prince de Condé hopes to see Léonie.

de MARCHÉRAND, Madame

THESE OLD SHADES

Avon read a poem at her party

de MARGUÉRY, Comtesse

THESE OLD SHADES

She is famous for her salons. She hosts a ball where Avon confronts Saint-Vire.

de MARRILLON Vicomte, de Beaupré

THESE OLD SHADES

The title renounced by the priest.

de MEUILLY, Comtesse

THESE OLD SHADES

Sends Léonie an invitation to a ball.

de RICHELIEU, Duc (Armand)

THESE OLD SHADES

A friend of Avon's who is a model of true courtesy. He spoke with Léonie at the ball.

de SALLY,

THESE OLD SHADES

A friend of de Stainville who informs of him of Léonie's identity at Versailles.

de SALMY

THESE OLD SHADES

An acquaintance of Avon met at Vassaud's. He is tall and indolent but has a reputation for swordplay.

de SONNEBRUNE, Madamoiselle

These Old Shades

A reigning beauty in Paris society.

de STAINVILLE, Comte (Etienne)

THESE OLD SHADES

He visits with La Pompador which allows Avon to circulate at the levée at Versailles . Upon seeing her red hair, he asks de Sally her name.

de TANQUEVILLE

THESE OLD SHADES

He flirted with Léonie atVersailles.

de TOURONNE

These Old Shades

He ran a gambling den.

de VAUVALLON, Clothilde

THESE OLD SHADES

A friend of Fanny's at Versailles.

de VAUVALLON, Madamoiselle

THESE OLD SHADES

Rupert danced with her at Léonie's ball.

de VENTOUR, Theodore

THESE OLD SHADES

An acquaintance mentioned by the Marquess de Chourvanne.

de VERCHOUREUX, Henriette

THESE OLD SHADES

Avon's former mistress. She confronts Léonie at Madame de Vauvallon's party.

DESTOURVILLE

THESE OLD SHADES

He was talked about in relation to a scandal at Vassaud's

d'ORLAY

THESE OLD SHADES

He is in attendance at M. du Deffend's soirée.

DREW, John

THESE OLD SHADES

He fought a duel over Fanny.

du DEFFAND, Madame

THESE OLD SHADES

She danced with Avon at Versailles. An invitation to her soirée is sent to Léonie.

DUBOIS, Madame

THESE OLD SHADES

Avon's housekeeper

DUPRÉ, Father

THESE OLD SHADES

The Comtesse Saint-Vire's confessor

Farmer Giles

THESE OLD SHADES

He owns a cob which it suggested Rupert borrow when he is looking for a horse to foll Saint-Vire.

FAULKNER, Julia

THESE OLD SHADES

A lady romanced by Rupert Alistair.

FIELD, Harriet

THESE OLD SHADES

A widowed cousin of Avon who chaperones Léonie at Avon Court. She married beneath her station but was very happy with her husband. Léonie doesn't like her much because she tends to get hysterical and fuss about things that she considers improper.

FLETCHER

THESE OLD SHADES

The landlord at Avon Arms.

FONTEROY

THESE OLD SHADES

A former suitor of Fanny's who asked for her hand while pointing a pistol at Avon's head.

FOUNTAIN, Lady

THESE OLD SHADES

She held a rout which Fanny was invited to.

FOUQUET

THESE OLD SHADES

Grandson: de Belle-Isle

GASTON

THESE OLD SHADES

Avon's valet who warns Léon it is outrageous to respect Avon. ...he tried to convince the page that it was the duty of any self-respecting menial to loathe the Duke.

GOGNARD, La Mere

THESE OLD SHADES

The vegetable seller in Bassincourt.

GREGORY

THESE OLD SHADES

A footman of Avon's who spends time with Léon, the page.

HARDING, Lord

THESE OLD SHADES

His coach was stopped once by Lord Merivale as part of a wager.

HECTOR

THESE OLD SHADES

One of the men who helps take Rupert into the inn after being shot.

HIGHWAYMAN, The

THESE OLD SHADES

See: MERIVALE, Lord Anthony

A nickname given to Lord Anthony Merivale for his part in stopping a coach as part of a bet.

JEAN

THESE OLD SHADES

Wife: Marthe

Landlord of the Black Bull at Le Dennier.

JIM

THESE OLD SHADES

A deck hand at Portsmouth.

JOHNSON

THESE OLD SHADES

The butler at Avon Court.

La FOURNOISE

THESE OLD SHADES

An actress that Avon plans to visit but is convinced by Hugh to play cards instead.

LAVOULERE

THESE OLD SHADES

A foppish gentleman that plays piquet with Davenant at Vassaud's.

LOURDONNE

THESE OLD SHADES

He hosts a card party Avon chooses not to attend so that he may go to Versailles.

MANVERS

THESE OLD SHADES

Rupert borrowed his horse to follow the abducted Léonie.

MARCHÉRAND

THESE OLD SHADES

Attends the party given by the Earl of March. His wife squints.

MARIE

THESE OLD SHADES

Léonie's maid

MARLING, Edward

THESE OLD SHADES

Wife: Lady Fanny Marling

Son: John Marling

Edward Marling loves his wife but dislikes his brother-in-law, Avon. He is fond of Rupert and Léonie. He becomes part of the group in Paris reluctantly, knowing that he can't prevent his wife from going.

MARLING, John

THESE OLD SHADES

Father: Edward Marling

Mother:Lady Fanny Marling

The Marling's oldest son

MARLING, Lady Fanny

THESE OLD SHADES

Husband: Edward Marling

Mother: John Marling

Brother: Justin Alistair

Brother: Rupert Alistair

Son: John Marling

Lady Fanny is a spoiled, self centered woman. Avon asks her to take Léonie until he can convince a cousin to become her chaperone. Lady Fanny accompanies Avon and Léonie to Paris to introduce her to society. Lady Fanny and Léonie get along very well despite Fanny's initial

coldness when Fanny believes that Léonie is Avon's mistress.

MARTHE

THESE OLD SHADES

Husband: Jean

Landlady of the Black Bull at Le Dennier.

MAUVOISIN

THESE OLD SHADES

A farmer trying to sell three pigs in Bassincourt.

MEEKIN

THESE OLD SHADES

Avon's groom.

MERIVALE Geoffrey Molyneux

THESE OLD SHADES

Father: Lord Anthony Merivale

Mother: Lady Jennifer

Brother: John Merivale

Geoffrey is laying on a blanket with his mother, while John is fishing.

MERIVALE, John

THESE OLD SHADES

Father: Lord Anthonoy Merivale

Mother: Lady Jennifer Merivale

Brother: Geoffrey Molyneux Merivale

John is fishing in a stream when he first meets Léonie as she is out riding.

MERIVALE, Lady (née Jennifer Beauchamp)

THESE OLD SHADES

A former love of Avon whom he kidnapped after her refusal to marry him.

MERIVALE, Lord Anthony

THESE OLD SHADES

a.k.a.: The Highwayman

Wife: Jennifer Merivale

Son: John Merivale

Son: Geoffrey Molyneux Merivale

He won the hand of Jennifer from Avon and then had to rescue her after Avon abducted her.

He is leery of his wife's friendship with Leonie but is enchanted after meeting her. He wishes to protect her from Avon.

PARKER

THESE OLD SHADES

Lady Marling's butler.

POMPEY

THESE OLD SHADES

Lady Marling's black page

RACHEL

THESE OLD SHADES

Lady Marling's dresser. She alters some of Lady Fanny's clothes to fit Léonie.

SAINT-VIRE, Armand de

THESE OLD SHADES

Father: Comte Saint-Vire

Brother: Henri Saint-Vire

Sister: Duchesse de Belcour

Armand passionately hates his brother. He wants to inherit the estate.

SAINT-VIRE, Comte de

THESE OLD SHADES

Son: Henri Saint-Vire

Daughter: Duchesse de Belcour

Son: Armand Saint-Vire

He had a rivalry with the Avon's father over a woman. He refused Avon the right to court his daughter.

SAINT-VIRE, Comte de (Henri )

THESE OLD SHADES

Father: Comte Saint-Vire

Sister: Duchesse de Belcour

Brother: Armand Saint-Vire

An enemy of Avon. He once threatened to whip Avon for attempting to court Saint-Vire's sister. During the argument with Avon, a duel was started and Avon pinked him. He hates his brother and would do anything to prevent his brother from inheriting the family estates.

SAINT-VIRE, Comtesse de (née: Marie de Lespinasse)

THESE OLD SHADES

Husband: Comte Henri Saint-Vire

Son: Vicomte Saint-Vire

She is a nervous woman in ill-health.

SATANAS

THESE OLD SHADES

See: AVON, the Duc of

A nickname given the Duc of Avon.

SEYMOUR

THESE OLD SHADES

VANILOV, Prince

THE MASQUERADERS

An alias of Robert Tremaine.

WILLIAMS

THE MASQUERADERS

Butler of Lady Lowestoft at her house in Richmond.

*ABEL

THESE OLD SHADES

Fictitious characters used by Avon in a story. He likened the character to the original Abel.

*BATH, Lord of

THESE OLD SHADES

A public figure

*BENTINCK

THESE OLD SHADES

He is mentioned as a leading figure in English society.

*CHARLES III (Charles Edward Louis Philip Casimir Stuart )

THESE OLD SHADES

a.k.a.: Bonnie Prince Charlie

Father: King James III

He attempted to claim the throne of England in 1745. His French support didn't materialize and he was finally defeated in 1746 at Culloden. He died in exile still trying to get support for his claims.

*CHESTERFIELD, Lord

THESE OLD SHADES

A man known to both Hugh and Avon. He is well known for his wit and dark eyebrows.

He was involved in politics and acted as Secretary of State.

*CIBBER, Colley

THESE OLD SHADES

A poet named Poet Laureate. He rewrote parts of Shakespeare's Richard III.

*COVENTRY

THESE OLD SHADES

Wife: Maria Gunning

He was a famous personality of the day.

*CROMWELL, Oliver

THESE OLD SHADES

He led the revolt against King James' excesses. He later had himself declared Lord Protector of England.

*d'ARMAGNAC, Prince of

THESE OLD SHADES

A leading dignitary in France

*DAUPHIN Louis

THESE OLD SHADES

Father: Louis XV

Mother: Maria Leczkinska of Poland

He is present the first time Léon attends Versailles as a page.

*de CONDÉ, Prince (Louis)

THESE OLD SHADES

Father: Henri II de Condé

He danced the first dance with Léonie at her ball. He attends any function where he can see Léonie.

*de MAINE, Duc

THESE OLD SHADES

Son: Comte d'Eu

One of the illegitimate sons of Louis XIV.

*de NOAILLES, Duc of

THESE OLD SHADES

He was famous for losing the battle of Dettingen

*de NOAILLES, Duchesse of

THESE OLD SHADES

Son: Duc de Penthiévre

*de PENTHIÉVRE, Duc

THESE OLD SHADES

Mother: Duchesse of de Noailles

Son of an illegitimate son of the King Louis XIV of France

*de TOULOUSE, Comte

THESE OLD SHADES

He is alleged to be the son of King Louis XIV.

*DEVONSHIRE, Duke of (William Cavendish)

THESE OLD SHADES

Father: 3rd Duke of Devonshire (William Cavendish)

Mother: Baroness Clifford (Catherine Elizabeth Boyle)

Leading figure in English society

*du POMPADOUR, Marquise (Jeanne-Antoinette Poisson)

THESE OLD SHADES

a.k.a.: La Pompadour

The mistress of King LouisXV for 5 years. Léonie expresses a wish to meet her but Avon refuses. Jeanne Antoinette acted as the arbiter of fashion during Louis' reign.

*GARRICK, David

THESE OLD SHADES

A famous actor of the London theater.

*GUNNING, Elizabeth and Maria (fl. 1750s)

THESE OLD SHADES

*GUNNING, Miss

THESE OLD SHADES

Husband: Hamilton

One of three sisters famed for their beauty

*HAMILTON

THESE OLD SHADES

Married one of the famous Gunning sisters who were renowned for the their beauty.

*JAMES III

THESE OLD SHADES

Son: Charles Edward Louis Philip Casimir Stuart

He attempted to claim the throne of England in 1744. His son was to lead the French invasion force. The expedition was cancelled due to bad weather and the buildup of the British navy.

*JOHNSON, Dr. Samuel

THESE OLD SHADES

*KING Stephen

THESE OLD SHADES

He claimed the crown against the claims of Empress Maude. These claims led to Civil War in England.

*LORRAINE-BRIONNE, brothers

THESE OLD SHADES

Mentioned as famous members of the French court.

*LOUIS XV

THESE OLD SHADES

Wife: Queen Maria

Louis became king at the age of five. His reign was known for its prosperity, technical progress and domestic peace. He was present at Versailles when Avon and Léon visit. Louis was a shy man who disliked pageantry. He often escaped to his private apartments at Versailles with his mistresses.

*MAINE, Duc of

THESE OLD SHADES

Son: Comte d'Eu

One of the illegitimate sons of Louis XV of France.

*MARCH, Earl of

THESE OLD SHADES

He sent a gold fan to Avon. He is the heir to the Duke of Queensberry.

*NASH, Richard "Beau"

THESE OLD SHADES

The Master of Ceremony in Bath. His reforms in manners, his influence in improving the streets and buildings, and his leadership in fashion helped to transform Bath into a fashionable holiday centre. He lived by gambling until it was made illegal in 1745. He died a pauper but was buried in Bath Abbey.

*NEWCASTLE, His Grace of (Henry Cavendish)

THESE OLD SHADES

A Leading dignitary.

*QUEEN Maria (née: Maria Leszczinska)

THESE OLD SHADES

Maria was the daughter of the King of Poland. She bore six daughters to Louis. Her benevolence and dignity made her a great Queen.

*REYNOLDS, Sir Joshua

THESE OLD SHADES

A famous painter.

*SELWYN

THESE OLD SHADES

A famous personality.

*SHERIDAN, Richard

THESE OLD SHADES

A famous playwright.

*WALPOLE Horace (1717--1797)

THESE OLD SHADES

TOURDEVILLE

THESE OLD SHADES

He is seen at the levée at Versailles in conversation with Armand de Saint Vire.

TOURNADE, Madame

THESE OLD SHADES

Madame is visited by Curé.

TOURNOISE, Madame

THESE OLD SHADES

She helped at the Black Bull in cooking for the English Duke.

VALMÉ, Vicomte de (Henri)

THESE OLD SHADES

Father: Henri Saint-Vire

Mother: Marie Saint-Vire

This young man prefers a life in the country to that at Versailles. He is tall, cloddish and doesn't look like either parent.

VANE

THESE OLD SHADES

A former suitor of Fanny's who wanted to elope with her.

VICTOR

THESE OLD SHADES

Saint-Vire's servant.

WALKER

THESE OLD SHADES

The maître de hôtel to Avon.