# I: The New Master explained — The Great Roxhythe

> Chapter companion for The Great Roxhythe by Georgette Heyer.

## 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.

## Themes 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_great_roxhythe_se/chapters/i-the-new-master
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_great_roxhythe_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_great_roxhythe_se/chapters