The Great Roxhythe · Chapter
IV: Progression explained
Christopher Dart learns from Lady Frances Montgomery about the strained relationship between Millicent Crewe and Lord Roxhythe, and the resulting rift with Sir Henry Crewe.
What happens
Christopher Dart learns from Lady Frances Montgomery about the strained relationship between Millicent Crewe and Lord Roxhythe, and the resulting rift with Sir Henry Crewe. He also discusses political tensions with Sydney Harcourt, who suspects the King of secret dealings with France. Lady Frances reveals that Lord Danby has been probing her husband's political loyalties, and Christopher defends Roxhythe against Harcourt's accusations of intrigue.
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
Harcourt's suspicions about the King's secret treaty with France and Danby's probing of political loyalties highlight the pervasive atmosphere of mistrust and hidden agendas.
- Love and Obsession
Millicent Crewe's unrequited love for Roxhythe, and the resulting unhappiness in her marriage, illustrate the destructive power of obsession.
- Appearance vs. Reality
Christopher's honest demeanor masks his knowledge of Roxhythe's affairs, while Harcourt's suspicions contrast with the King's public image of integrity.
Characters to notice
- Lord Roxhythe
Discussed as the object of Millicent Crewe's affections; described as fascinating and magnetic, but now avoiding her society.
- Lady Frances Montgomery
Confides in Christopher about the Crewe-Roxhythe affair and her concerns over Danby's inquiries into her husband's politics.
- Sydney Harcourt
Meets Christopher at Drury Lane and voices suspicions about the King's secret treaty with France and Roxhythe's involvement.
- Christopher Dart
Defends Roxhythe and the King against Harcourt's accusations; shows loyalty and discretion in his conversations.
- Lady Crewe
Seen crying at Lady Frances's house; still pining for Roxhythe despite the end of their association.
- Lord Danby
Visited Lady Frances to probe Sir Jasper Montgomery's political sentiments; viewed with suspicion by Harcourt and Frances.
Key passages
“He discovered that he felt fatherly towards her and I suppose that he saw that she was too much in earnest for peace and quiet. To do him justice, I believe he meant to be kind then.”
Roxhythe realized he had paternal feelings for Millicent and saw that her emotions were too intense for comfort; he likely intended to be gentle with her.
Lady Frances explains Roxhythe's motives during the incident with Millicent.
“I told Sir Henry he was a fool—yes, was it not brave of me?—and I told him to take Millicent away and be kind to her. Oh, he could have won her back! Instead he took her down into the country where she fretted herself to death.”
I dared to call Sir Henry a fool and advised him to be gentle with Millicent to win her back, but he took her to the country where she grew sick from unhappiness.
Lady Frances criticizes Sir Henry's handling of the situation.
“I mislike this Danby... Something concerning bribery, I think. He mistrusts everyone. Even the King is not above reproach.”
I distrust Danby; I recall something about bribery. He suspects everyone, including the King.
Christopher relays Harcourt's opinion of Danby to Lady Frances.
“Men say that it was for that reason that we went to war with Holland!”
People claim the secret treaty with France was the cause of the war with Holland.
Harcourt shares a common rumor with Christopher.
