# III: Agitations explained — The Great Roxhythe

> Chapter companion for The Great Roxhythe by Georgette Heyer.

## What happens

Monmouth returns from Scotland amid rumors of a secret marriage. King Charles falls ill, leading to political maneuvering. Shaftesbury pushes the Exclusion Bill and the Popish plot persecution. Roxhythe advises the King to let Shaftesbury overreach himself. The King prorogues Parliament. Shaftesbury plans to impeach Lord Stafford. Roxhythe and the Duke of York clash over strategy. Charles ultimately defends Roxhythe's loyalty.

## Themes in this chapter

### Political Intrigue and Espionage

Roxhythe manipulates factions, advises the King to let Shaftesbury overreach, and sows dissension in the Council.

### Power and Ambition

Shaftesbury's relentless pursuit of the Exclusion Bill and Monmouth's return reflect the struggle for control of the throne.

### Loyalty and Betrayal

Roxhythe's loyalty to the King is questioned by the Duke of York; Shaftesbury feels betrayed by Roxhythe's divided allegiance.

## Character check-ins

### Lord Roxhythe

Advises the King to let Shaftesbury run his course; warns against intervening in Stafford's trial; clashes with the Duke of York.

### King Charles II

Falls ill; prorogues Parliament; seeks advice from Roxhythe; defends Roxhythe against his brother's accusations.

### Duke of York

Returns from Scotland; furious at Monmouth's return; accuses Roxhythe of double-dealing; argues for military action.

### Monmouth

Returns to London secretly; deprived of generalship; used as a tool by Shaftesbury.

### Lord Ashley-Cooper

Pushes the Exclusion Bill and Popish plot; plans to impeach Lord Stafford; becomes more violent and desperate.

### Lord Sunderland

Informs the Duke of York of Roxhythe's stance; described as secret and waiting to see which party wins.

### Lord Essex

Joins Shaftesbury; reveals Roxhythe's divided loyalties.

### Lord Stafford

Elderly Catholic lord facing impeachment by Shaftesbury; his potential execution is debated.

## Key lines

> Give him rope, Sir. He'll hang himself yet.

Let Shaftesbury continue his actions unchecked; he will eventually ruin himself.

_Roxhythe advises the King to let Shaftesbury's extremism lead to his own downfall._

> It may mean Stafford or you, Sir.

The choice may be between allowing Stafford to be executed or risking the King's own position.

_Roxhythe warns Charles that intervening in Stafford's trial could endanger the throne._

> You are a fool, James.

You are being unwise, James.

_Charles dismisses his brother's accusations against Roxhythe, asserting his trust in the favorite._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_great_roxhythe_se/chapters/iii-agitations
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_great_roxhythe_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_great_roxhythe_se/chapters