The Great Roxhythe · Chapter
II: The Offer explained
In a tense meeting with King Charles II, the Duke of York, Sir Thomas Clifford, and M.
What happens
In a tense meeting with King Charles II, the Duke of York, Sir Thomas Clifford, and M. Colbert de Croissy, the French envoy presents King Louis XIV's proposal for a secret treaty and a private allowance for Charles. Clifford objects that the money offer smacks of bribery, but Colbert skillfully deflects the accusation, arguing the gift is a personal gesture of friendship. The discussion reveals plans to bypass Protestant ministers and keep the treaty secret. Later, Charles and Roxhythe discuss Roxhythe's past mission to care for Prince William of Orange and the need to sound out Madame d'Orléans. Charles sends Roxhythe to Paris to advance the negotiations.
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 chapter revolves around secret treaty negotiations, private allowances, and plans to deceive Protestant ministers, highlighting the clandestine nature of statecraft.
- Appearance vs. Reality
Colbert insists Louis XIV's offer is a generous gift, not a bribe, while Clifford sees it as bribery; the debate centers on how actions are perceived versus their true intent.
- Honor and Reputation
Clifford's accusation of bribery is treated as an insult to both kings, and Colbert appeals to Clifford's honor to retract his words, showing the importance of public reputation.
Characters to notice
- King Charles II
Presides over the meeting with Colbert, appears unperturbed by Clifford's outburst, and later discusses strategy with Roxhythe, showing his political acumen.
- Duke of York
Stiffens at Clifford's criticism of the French offer, supports Colbert, and later withdraws to let Charles and Roxhythe arrange matters privately.
- Sir Thomas Clifford
Bluntly objects to the secret money offer as bribery, but is outmaneuvered by Colbert's rhetoric and left stammering.
- M. Colbert de Croissy
French envoy who eloquently defends Louis XIV's proposal, arguing for secrecy and dismissing Clifford's suspicions as base-minded.
- Lord Roxhythe
Observes the meeting silently, playing with his gloves; later discusses Prince William of Orange and is tasked with going to Paris to sound out Madame d'Orléans.
- William of Orange
Mentioned as a child Roxhythe once cared for; Charles believes he will become a future power and wants to placate him.
- Madame d'Orléans
Referenced as a potential intermediary; Roxhythe describes her as fair-minded and neutral, and Charles wants to discover her attitude.
Key passages
“offer of money to His Majesty savours too much of bribery for my liking.”
Clifford bluntly states that the French king's private allowance to Charles seems like a bribe.
Clifford's direct objection triggers a defensive response from James and Colbert.
“I believe it were politic to placate my nephew. I desire to stand well with him.”
Charles explains to James that he wants to maintain good relations with William of Orange, anticipating his future importance.
Reveals Charles's long-term strategic thinking about the young Prince of Orange.
“Secret only for the moment, promptly replied Colbert. Think on what I have said, monsieur, and tell me if this great thing for England is to be quenched by a party of dogged Protestants.”
Colbert argues that the treaty need only be secret temporarily, and asks whether Protestant opposition should be allowed to block a beneficial alliance.
Highlights the religious and political divisions in the English government.
