These Old Shades

This Georgian romance launched Georgette Heyer's career as a New York Times–bestselling author. When the Duke of Avon encounters a mistreated young boy on the streets of Paris, he employs the child as his page. The precocious Léon, grateful after being saved from a brutal beating by his older brother, follows the duke loyally and becomes the talk of the aristocracy. The duke, known by the nickname Satanas and regarded by society as a devious scoundrel, finds Léon a constant source of amusement. When Avon discovers that Léon is actually a girl named Léonie, he acts honorably by taking her to his sister in London to learn the ways of society before adopting her. However, Avon sees an opportunity: if Léonie is who he suspects, she could serve as a weapon against his greatest nemesis. He pursues his quest for revenge, unaware of how Léonie's transformation will alter his plans.