The Great Roxhythe · Chapter
I: The New Master explained
In April 1677, Christopher Dart leaves Lord Roxhythe's service after nine years and takes rooms in Cheapside, sinking into apathy.
What happens
In April 1677, Christopher Dart leaves Lord Roxhythe's service after nine years and takes rooms in Cheapside, sinking into apathy. Lady Frances Montgomery returns from Scotland and learns from Roxhythe that Christopher left due to a difference of opinion and that Roxhythe used him. She sends a note to Christopher, who visits her. She persuades him to apply for a secretary position with Sir Richard Worth, a Puritan. Christopher interviews with Worth, who is suspicious of his association with Roxhythe. Christopher defends Roxhythe but accepts the position. Later, Roxhythe writes a letter urging Christopher to visit, but Christopher resists, knowing he would be drawn back under Roxhythe's spell.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Rising action.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This excerpt marks the dramatic climax because Christopher experiences a profound emotional and psychological…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Loyalty and Betrayal
Christopher leaves Roxhythe after discovering he was used, yet still feels deep affection. Roxhythe admits to using Christopher, highlighting a breach of trust.
- Appearance vs. Reality
Roxhythe's idle pose is seen through by Lady Frances, who knows he is the King's man. Christopher's outward calm masks inner turmoil.
- Honor and Reputation
Christopher's name and service to Roxhythe are weighed by Sir Richard Worth, who questions his association with a man of questionable reputation.
Characters to notice
- Lord Roxhythe
Appears at Whitehall, speaks with Lady Frances about Christopher's departure, admits to using Christopher, later writes a letter urging Christopher to visit.
- Lady Frances Montgomery
Returns from Scotland, speaks with Roxhythe at Whitehall, sends a note to Christopher, persuades him to apply for a secretary position with Sir Richard Worth.
- Christopher Dart
Has left Roxhythe's service, living in Cheapside in apathy, visits Lady Frances, applies for and accepts a secretary position with Sir Richard Worth, receives a letter from Roxhythe but resists visiting.
- King Charles II
Present at Whitehall, converses with Lady Frances and Roxhythe.
- Lord Buckhurst
Exchanges frivolities with Lady Frances at Whitehall.
- Sir Richard Worth
Interviews Christopher for a secretary position, expresses suspicion of Roxhythe, offers a week's trial.
- Sir Jasper Montgomery
Mentioned as providing a recommendation for Christopher.
- Roderick Dart
Mentioned as Christopher's elder brother, serving with the Prince of Orange.
Key passages
“We had a difference of opinion and he decided that our ways lay apart.”
We disagreed, and he chose to go his own way.
Roxhythe explains to Lady Frances why Christopher left.
“You are the King his man.”
You are the King's agent.
Lady Frances reveals she knows Roxhythe's true role.
“I did use him.”
I exploited him.
Roxhythe admits to using Christopher.
“I spoke of you Very Highly, though I was minded to Malign you when I saw who your Future Master was to be.”
I praised you, though I wanted to speak ill of you when I saw who your new employer would be.
Roxhythe's letter to Christopher shows his disdain for Sir Richard Worth.
“Once in my lord's presence the spell would be cast over him again, and all the old agony would return.”
If he saw Roxhythe again, he would be enchanted and suffer as before.
Christopher's internal struggle to resist visiting Roxhythe.
