# II: The Schemers explained — The Great Roxhythe

> Chapter companion for The Great Roxhythe by Georgette Heyer.

## 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.

## Themes 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

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