The Great Roxhythe · Chapter
III: Christopher Dart explained
Lord Roxhythe recruits Christopher Dart for a secret mission to Holland, revealing the King's plan to form a secret treaty with Prince William of Orange.
What happens
Lord Roxhythe recruits Christopher Dart for a secret mission to Holland, revealing the King's plan to form a secret treaty with Prince William of Orange. Christopher hesitates, feeling an inexplicable dislike for the foppish Roxhythe, but after consulting Lord Ashley-Cooper, he agrees to go. The chapter also shows Roxhythe's interactions at court, including a tense exchange with Lady Castlemaine and a brief audience with King Charles II.
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 centers on Roxhythe's recruitment of Christopher for a secret mission to Holland, involving behind-the-scenes diplomacy and deception.
- Appearance vs. Reality
Roxhythe's foppish, languid exterior contrasts with his sharp intelligence and the serious nature of his mission, causing Christopher to question his judgment.
- Friendship and Mentorship
Christopher seeks counsel from Lord Ashley-Cooper, an old friend of his father, and struggles with his feelings toward Roxhythe as a potential mentor.
Characters to notice
- Lord Roxhythe
Recruits Christopher Dart for a secret mission to Holland; displays a languid, foppish demeanor but reveals his keen intelligence and fascination.
- King Charles II
Appears at court with la belle Stewart; later grants a short audience to Roxhythe, approving the plan and laughing at the description of the interview with Christopher.
- Lady Castlemaine
Confronts Roxhythe at court, expressing jealousy over la belle Stewart and displaying a black mood.
- Lord Ashley-Cooper
Christopher seeks his advice; Ashley expresses mistrust of Roxhythe but confirms the venture is genuine and advises Christopher to keep a clear head.
- Christopher Dart
Young and inexperienced, he is recruited by Roxhythe; feels both excitement and an inexplicable dislike for Roxhythe, but ultimately agrees to join the mission.
Key passages
“He explained the whole affair in a rather bored manner, and as if it were the most usual thing in the world for a King and his minister to go behind the backs of other ministers to form secret treaties with prisoner princes.”
Roxhythe described the secret plan casually, as if it were perfectly ordinary for a king and his minister to negotiate secretly with a captive prince.
Highlights the nonchalant attitude of Roxhythe toward political intrigue.
“Without knowing why, Christopher felt that he disliked him. He questioned whether such a nonchalant flâneur was the man for this task.”
Christopher felt an unexplained aversion to Roxhythe, doubting that such a carefree idler was suitable for the mission.
Illustrates Christopher's internal conflict and the theme of appearance vs. reality.
“If it were any other man! he said. But the King is blinded by his love for Roxhythe. To send that man on State business! Why, it is madness!”
Ashley exclaimed that sending Roxhythe on state business was madness, implying the King's judgment was clouded by affection.
Reveals the political mistrust surrounding Roxhythe and the King's favoritism.
