# III: Her Ladyship explained — The Great Roxhythe

> Chapter companion for The Great Roxhythe by Georgette Heyer.

## What happens

The negotiations between France and England stall, leading Roxhythe to amuse himself with Lady Crewe. The arrival of Lady Frances Montgomery, Roxhythe's cousin and former potential match, stirs London society. At her reception, Roxhythe presents his secretary Christopher Dart, who instantly falls in love with her. Roxhythe and Frances share a private, witty reunion, revealing their deep but platonic bond.

## Themes in this chapter

### Political Intrigue and Espionage

The stalled Franco-English negotiations and Roxhythe's secret visits to Paris highlight the clandestine diplomacy of the era.

### Love and Obsession

Christopher Dart's instant infatuation with Lady Frances and Roxhythe's witty but platonic bond with her explore different facets of love.

### Appearance vs. Reality

Roxhythe's public flirtation with Lady Crewe contrasts with his private, genuine friendship with Frances; Christopher's idealization of Frances clashes with Roxhythe's knowing 'minx' remark.

## Character check-ins

### Lord Roxhythe

Resumes negotiations with France, flirts with Lady Crewe, and reunites with his cousin Lady Frances Montgomery at her reception.

### Lady Frances Montgomery

Returns from Spain and hosts a reception where she reconnects with Roxhythe and captivates Christopher Dart.

### Christopher Dart

Accompanies Roxhythe to Lady Frances's reception and falls in love with her at first sight.

### Lady Crewe

A young bride who becomes Roxhythe's amusement during the lull in negotiations.

### Sir Jasper Montgomery

Lady Frances's husband, recalled from Spain, appears briefly at the reception.

## Key lines

> Thus began the negotiations between the Kings of France and England. They were necessarily slow, and they entailed many journeys for the favourite to and from Paris.

The secret talks between Charles II and Louis XIV started slowly, requiring Roxhythe to travel frequently to Paris.

_Sets the stage for the Treaty of Dover negotiations._

> She was young, beautiful and rather unsophisticated. She was very much in love with her husband, but she was flattered by Roxhythe’s attentions.

Lady Crewe, a new bride, was innocent and devoted to her husband yet enjoyed Roxhythe's flirtation.

_Highlights Roxhythe's charm and the social games of the court._

> Christopher fell in love with her on the spot.

Christopher instantly became infatuated with Lady Frances.

_Marks the beginning of Christopher's romantic obsession._

> You know, I am very glad I did not marry you. So am I, said my lord. We should have quarrelled. ’Tis ever the way when both have wit.

Frances and Roxhythe agree that their similar intelligence would have led to constant conflict, so they are better as friends.

_Reveals the nature of their deep, platonic relationship._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_great_roxhythe_se/chapters/iii-her-ladyship
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