The Great Roxhythe · Chapter
II: The King His Councillors explained
Roxhythe meets with Buckingham and Ashley-Cooper in the King's apartments to discuss a secret mission.
What happens
Roxhythe meets with Buckingham and Ashley-Cooper in the King's apartments to discuss a secret mission. They propose a public rebuff from the King to deceive French spies. Roxhythe agrees to undertake the task without payment, but requests a trustworthy companion. Ashley recommends Christopher Dart, whose brother serves Prince William in Holland, and Roxhythe decides to visit him personally.
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 Exposition.
- 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
- Political Intrigue and Espionage
The entire chapter revolves around a secret mission to deceive French spies, with Roxhythe agreeing to a public rebuff to maintain cover.
- Loyalty and Betrayal
Ashley expresses distrust of Roxhythe's secrecy, while Roxhythe's loyalty to the King is questioned by Buckingham, who calls him a 'fond fool' for serving without payment.
- Power and Ambition
Buckingham and Ashley jockey for influence in the King's councils, and Roxhythe's role as the King's secret agent demonstrates his ambition and power.
Characters to notice
- Lord Roxhythe
Arrives at the meeting with Buckingham and Ashley-Cooper, agrees to the King's secret mission, and decides to recruit Christopher Dart.
- Buckingham
Present at the meeting, lounges and eats comfits, mocks Roxhythe's willingness to serve without payment.
- Lord Ashley-Cooper
Leads the meeting, recommends Christopher Dart as a suitable companion for Roxhythe's mission.
- King Charles II
Referenced as having spoken with Roxhythe and being the orchestrator of the secret mission.
- Christopher Dart
Recommended by Ashley-Cooper as a trustworthy young man; Roxhythe plans to visit him in Milford Lane.
- Roderick Dart
Christopher's brother, serves Prince William in Holland and is not suspected by the Prince's governors.
Key passages
“I think he loves the King very dearly, slowly remarked my lord. Or else he feigns well. Yet I do not trust him, for I think him selfish, and I do not think he cares overmuch for the country.”
Ashley-Cooper suggests that Roxhythe may genuinely love the King, but he remains suspicious of his motives, believing him to be selfish and indifferent to England's welfare.
Ashley's ambivalence toward Roxhythe highlights the theme of loyalty and betrayal.
“I require a gentleman to go with me. ... one who is trustworthy and discreet.”
Roxhythe insists on having a loyal and discreet companion for his mission, leading Ashley to recommend Christopher Dart.
This request sets up the recruitment of Christopher Dart, a key plot point.
