# III: La Kéroualle explained — The Great Roxhythe

> Chapter companion for The Great Roxhythe by Georgette Heyer.

## 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.

## Themes 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_great_roxhythe_se/chapters/iii-la-k-roualle
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_great_roxhythe_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_great_roxhythe_se/chapters