# I: The Triple Game explained — The Great Roxhythe

> Chapter companion for The Great Roxhythe by Georgette Heyer.

## What happens

Roxhythe dines with Lord Holles and Lord Shaftesbury, who probe his political leanings regarding the Exclusion Bill and the succession. Roxhythe feigns disinterest but subtly indicates opposition to the Duke of York. Later, he reveals to King Charles II his plan to infiltrate Shaftesbury's faction as a double agent, working secretly to undermine the exclusion movement while appearing to support it. The King consents, and Roxhythe begins his dangerous game of deception.

## Themes in this chapter

### Political Intrigue and Espionage

Roxhythe's elaborate scheme to infiltrate Shaftesbury's faction as a double agent, reporting to the King, exemplifies the chapter's focus on deception and political manipulation.

### Loyalty and Betrayal

Roxhythe's feigned betrayal of the King to gain Shaftesbury's trust, while remaining loyal to Charles, highlights the tension between appearance and true allegiance.

### Power and Ambition

Shaftesbury and Holles seek to recruit Roxhythe for his influence, while Roxhythe and the King maneuver to control the succession and maintain power.

## Character check-ins

### Lord Roxhythe

Plays a double game, feigning opposition to the Duke of York to infiltrate Shaftesbury's faction while secretly serving King Charles II.

### King Charles II

Conspires with Roxhythe, agreeing to his plan to act as a secret agent against Shaftesbury and the exclusion movement.

### Lord Ashley-Cooper

Suspicious of Roxhythe but persuaded by Holles to consider recruiting him for the anti-York cause.

### Lord Holles

Hosts the dinner and advocates for bringing Roxhythe into the exclusionist camp, believing Roxhythe is uneasy about James's succession.

### Duke of York

Discussed as the target of exclusion; Roxhythe and the King plan to send him to Brussels to reduce agitation.

### Halifax

Mentioned as a potential ally who blows cold when the greater party blows hot; Roxhythe notes he may oppose Shaftesbury.

### Monmouth

Considered as a possible successor by Shaftesbury's faction; Roxhythe feigns support for him as part of his cover.

### William of Orange

Mentioned as a Protestant heir favored by Temple; Roxhythe secretly supports this option but hides it from Shaftesbury.

## Key lines

> I am advocate for Mary, I am advocate for Monmouth.

Roxhythe tells the King that he is pretending to support both Mary and Monmouth as potential heirs to deceive Shaftesbury.

_Roxhythe reveals his double game to the King, showing how he manipulates perceptions of his allegiance._

> Very secretly I am with Temple—say Halifax. Not wholly. They are still in doubt about me. Shortly I shall be one of Shaftesbury's band. Then we shall see.

Roxhythe explains that he is covertly aligned with Temple and Halifax but plans to join Shaftesbury's faction to gather intelligence.

_This quote outlines Roxhythe's strategy of infiltration and his current ambiguous position._

> I shall throw myself into the cause against His Grace of York. Secretly.

Roxhythe declares his intention to publicly oppose the Duke of York while secretly working for the King.

_Roxhythe's plan to feign opposition to James as a cover for his true loyalty to Charles._

## Links

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