These Old Shades by Georgette Heyer

 (This includes SPOILERS) Aristocratic, cold-hearted and sarcastic, with a dash of dry humour, Justin Alastair, Duke of Avon, is known as a fun-loving rake. However, he doesn't know what fate has in store for him, when he rescues Leon from his abusive brother on the streets of Paris. His good friend Hugh is extremely surprised by this seemingly altruistic action, asking: 'What do you want with that child?' Justin really wants to use 'the child' to ruin his villianous enemy, the nasty Comte de Saint-Vire.

When it turns out that Leon is really a girl, Justin enveigles his flighty, but loyal sister to teach her how to become an aristocratic 'lady' in a Pygmalion-style way. Leonie takes to this easily, learning to dance, hold a fan, curtsey and learn about titles. Leonie brings a happy air to the household which Justin soon appreciates. She won't have any of the 'stern neatness' that reigns in his stately home, run by his cousin Miss Field. 'She tumbled prim cushions, pushed chairs out of place, and left books lying on odd tables, caring nothing for Madam Field's shocked protests'. Unfortunately, Leonie prefers to fence with Justin, and go on adventures with his brother Lord Rupert than act like a lady! Justin doesn't realise that he is falling for Leonie, but his sister watches with delight as the young girl starts to transform his flinty heart.

But Justin wants to overcome his enemy, and he will need every ounce of his courage to do this. Can he manage to find a happy ending with Leonie, as well?

I tried to read this years and years ago without success, for a reason which would probably annoy some people, so I  am keeping it private! However, I loved it this time. Many reviewers don't like the age-gap between Leonie and Justin - she is 19 and he is about 40. However, I am going to admit to usually liking love stories between older men and younger women, such as Jane Eyre, and it certainly didn't upset me in this book. Leonie has been through a lot, and she arguably knows what she wants. In fact, Justin gives her a choice, and Leonie insists that she knows what she is doing. Personally, I don't think that age-gaps matter, usually, but I don't want to argue about it!.

I read this for Rose City Reader's 22 for '22 Challenge and Becky's Georgian Challenge.