# II: The Husband explained — The Great Roxhythe

> Chapter companion for The Great Roxhythe by Georgette Heyer.

## What happens

At a ball, Lord Roxhythe escorts a distressed Lady Crewe to a private room, where she confesses her love for him and her unhappiness in her marriage. Sir Henry Crewe discovers them and challenges Roxhythe to a duel. Lady Frances Montgomery comforts Millicent, advising her to forget Roxhythe and warning her of his heartless nature. Christopher Dart observes the tension and tries to cheer Millicent.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love and Obsession

Millicent's obsessive love for Roxhythe drives her to risk her reputation and marriage, while Roxhythe treats the affair as a game.

### Honor and Reputation

Sir Henry Crewe's challenge to a duel is framed as a matter of honor, while Roxhythe and Lady Frances work to prevent public scandal.

### Appearance vs. Reality

Millicent's outward composure masks her inner turmoil, and Roxhythe's charming demeanor conceals his emotional detachment.

## Character check-ins

### Lord Roxhythe

Leads Millicent to a private room, kisses her, and later handles Sir Henry Crewe's challenge with cool authority.

### Lady Frances Montgomery

Hostess who comforts Millicent after the confrontation, offering practical advice and reassurance.

### Roderick Dart

Mentioned as Roxhythe's cousin, but not directly present in the chapter.

### Christopher Dart

Observes Millicent's distress and attempts to engage her in conversation, but withdraws when Roxhythe approaches.

### Sir Henry Crewe

Finds his wife with Roxhythe and angrily challenges Roxhythe to a duel.

## Key lines

> I love him. And it's all over—all over.

Millicent confesses her love for Roxhythe and acknowledges that the affair is finished.

_Millicent's despair after Roxhythe's rejection._

> I have known Roxhythe for—I won't say how many years—and I know how much heart he hath. That is none.

Lady Frances warns Millicent that Roxhythe is emotionally incapable of genuine love.

_Lady Frances's blunt assessment of Roxhythe's character._

> You make a very fine melodramatic hero. But you forget with whom you have to deal.

Roxhythe dismisses Sir Henry's challenge as theatrical and reminds him of his own superior position.

_Roxhythe's condescending response to Crewe's anger._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_great_roxhythe_se/chapters/ii-the-husband
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_great_roxhythe_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_great_roxhythe_se/chapters