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The Great Roxhythe · Chapter

V: Lady Crewe explained

Christopher Dart meets his old friend Sydney Harcourt in the Strand, who is now secretary to Lord Russell.

What happens

Christopher Dart meets his old friend Sydney Harcourt in the Strand, who is now secretary to Lord Russell. Harcourt expresses surprise at Christopher's service with Lord Roxhythe but offers congratulations. Later, Roxhythe returns unexpectedly from Paris and Christopher informs him of Lady Crewe's anger over a missed ball. They attend her masquerade, where Roxhythe skillfully charms and reconciles with Lady Crewe, though she remains jealous of his absences.

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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.

SetupEscalationAftermathClimax
  • 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.

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Themes in this chapter

  • Love and Obsession

    Lady Crewe's intense jealousy and emotional dependence on Roxhythe, despite his neglect, highlight obsessive love.

  • Appearance vs. Reality

    Roxhythe's flattery and charm mask his true indifference, while Lady Crewe's anger gives way to forgiveness under his manipulation.

  • Political Intrigue and Espionage

    Roxhythe's negotiations in Paris and the mention of the Country Party hint at the political machinations of the era.

Characters to notice

  • Lord Roxhythe

    Returns from Paris and attends Lady Crewe's masquerade, where he flatters and reconciles with her after missing her ball.

  • Roderick Dart

    Mentioned as being abroad with the Prince of Orange and angry at Christopher's service with Roxhythe.

  • Sydney Harcourt

    Old friend of Christopher, now secretary to Lord Russell; expresses surprise at Christopher's position with Roxhythe.

  • Lady Crewe

    Hosts a masquerade; initially angry at Roxhythe for missing her ball and ignoring her letter, but is won over by his charm.

  • Christopher Dart

    Meets Harcourt, informs Roxhythe of Lady Crewe's visit, and accompanies Roxhythe to the masquerade.

Key passages

  • “I am indeed honoured,' went on that trembling voice. The lady's control broke down. 'Oh, how dared you slight me so? How dared you?'”

    Lady Crewe confronts Roxhythe with trembling anger, accusing him of slighting her.

    Lady Crewe's emotional outburst reveals her deep hurt and Roxhythe's power over her.

  • “I confess, I, too, am—surprised. You are with a strange man, Chris.'”

    Harcourt admits he is surprised that Christopher serves Roxhythe, implying Roxhythe is a questionable figure.

    Harcourt's warning reflects the controversial reputation of Roxhythe.

  • “A woman's letter,' he remarked at the end, 'is at all times a thing to marvel at. An angry woman's letter is a thing to ignore. Remember that, Chris!'”

    Roxhythe dismisses Lady Crewe's angry letter as unworthy of attention.

    Roxhythe's cynical view of women's emotions underscores his manipulative nature.

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