The Great Roxhythe · Chapter
III: La Kéroualle explained
Roxhythe escorts Prince William of Orange through the Privy Gardens, where they discuss the proposed marriage between William and Lady Mary.
What happens
Roxhythe escorts Prince William of Orange through the Privy Gardens, where they discuss the proposed marriage between William and Lady Mary. William confronts Roxhythe about his past dishonesty and lack of integrity. Later, Roxhythe speaks with the Duchess of Portsmouth (La Kéroualle), who probes him about King Charles's intentions toward France and the marriage, revealing the political tensions between the French and Dutch alliances.
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 Rising 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 navigates the delicate negotiations between the Dutch marriage and French alliance, while La Kéroualle probes his true loyalties.
- Honor and Reputation
William challenges Roxhythe's honor, accusing him of destroying faith in himself through past dishonest dealings.
- Appearance vs. Reality
Roxhythe presents a smooth, loyal front to both William and La Kéroualle, but his true allegiances remain ambiguous.
Characters to notice
- Lord Roxhythe
Escorts Prince William, discusses the marriage alliance, and later parries questions from La Kéroualle about Charles's loyalty to France.
- William of Orange
Walks with Roxhythe in the gardens, expresses distrust of Roxhythe's past actions, and discusses the proposed marriage to Lady Mary.
- King Charles II
Appears with the Duchess of Portsmouth, shows off his gardens to William, and is the subject of political speculation regarding the French alliance.
- Madame d'Orléans
Referred to as La Kéroualle; engages Roxhythe in a conversation about King Louis's reaction to the marriage and Roxhythe's influence.
- M. Barillon
Mentioned as having spoken with La Kéroualle; he is uneasy about William's visit and suspects the marriage plot.
- Lord Danby
Mentioned as the one for whom Roxhythe is paving the way in the marriage negotiations.
- Lady Mary
Referenced as the proposed bride for William of Orange.
Key passages
“You do not stand alone. You have the King behind you. But there will come a time when you will wish that you had not destroyed all men’s faith in you.”
William warns Roxhythe that although he currently has the King's support, he will eventually regret losing everyone's trust.
William critiques Roxhythe's moral isolation.
“You count no cost. You ruined Falmouth for your pleasure; you thwarted Cavendish the same. You tricked the Country Party some years ago. You have sacrificed all for one man.”
William lists Roxhythe's past ruthless actions, accusing him of sacrificing honor, friendship, and loyalty for the King.
William's indictment of Roxhythe's character.
“Will Charles break faith with Louis?”
La Kéroualle asks Roxhythe whether King Charles will betray his alliance with Louis XIV.
Central question about Charles's foreign policy.
“I work for Charles. If another French alliance is possible it has my support.”
Roxhythe claims his loyalty is solely to Charles, but leaves open the possibility of supporting France again.
Roxhythe's evasive answer to La Kéroualle.
