The Great Roxhythe · Chapter
II: The Schemers explained
Lord Holles successfully recruits Roxhythe to the cause of excluding the Duke of York from the succession.
What happens
Lord Holles successfully recruits Roxhythe to the cause of excluding the Duke of York from the succession. At a meeting with Shaftesbury, Holles, and Roberts, Roxhythe subtly steers the discussion toward promoting Monmouth's popularity by sending him to quell the Scottish rising. Later, Roxhythe reports to King Charles II, revealing Monmouth's involvement and outlining a strategy to isolate Shaftesbury by encouraging the move, which will alienate moderates like Halifax and Essex. Charles approves, seeing an opportunity to defeat Shaftesbury.
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 Falling action.
- 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
Roxhythe infiltrates the Exclusionist faction, feigning loyalty while secretly reporting to the King and manipulating their plans.
- Power and Ambition
Shaftesbury and his allies scheme to elevate Monmouth, while Charles and Roxhythe countermove to consolidate royal power.
- Appearance vs. Reality
Roxhythe presents himself as a committed Exclusionist while serving the King, and Monmouth is portrayed as a puppet rather than a true leader.
Characters to notice
- Lord Roxhythe
Feigns allegiance to the Exclusionist faction while secretly serving King Charles II, manipulating the schemers with ease.
- King Charles II
Consults with Roxhythe in his closet, approving the strategy to use Monmouth's promotion to isolate Shaftesbury.
- Lord Holles
Leads the effort to recruit Roxhythe and advocates for sending Monmouth to Scotland.
- Lord Ashley-Cooper
Hesitant but ultimately agrees to the scheme of promoting Monmouth, hosting the meeting of schemers.
- Monmouth
Discussed as a puppet of Shaftesbury; his potential generalship in Scotland is proposed to boost his popularity.
- Lord Roberts
Enthusiastically supports Roxhythe's inclusion and the plan to send Monmouth to Scotland.
Key passages
“Cautiously did my Lord Holles set about the business of snaring Roxhythe. It took some little time to win this trump card to his side, but he did it at length, marvelling at his own sagacity and cunning.”
Lord Holles carefully worked to recruit Roxhythe, eventually succeeding and feeling proud of his cleverness.
Describes Holles' successful effort to bring Roxhythe into the Exclusionist plot.
“I have attended a meeting of our dear friends Ashley, Holles and Roberts.”
Roxhythe tells the King he went to a meeting with Shaftesbury, Holles, and Roberts.
Roxhythe reports his infiltration to Charles.
“They are all so easy to trick,”
Roxhythe finds the schemers simple to deceive.
Roxhythe's contempt for the plotters' gullibility.
