# II: The King His Councillors explained — The Great Roxhythe

> Chapter companion for The Great Roxhythe by Georgette Heyer.

## 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.

## Themes 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

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