# Mynheer de Staal explained — The Great Roxhythe

> Chapter companion for The Great Roxhythe by Georgette Heyer.

## What happens

Roxhythe and Christopher Dart arrive in Rotterdam, where Roxhythe feigns illness to evade a spy. He enlists the help of an old friend, Mynheer de Staal, to maintain the ruse while he secretly travels to The Hague on a mission for the King. Christopher is tasked with writing to his brother Roderick and keeping the spy occupied.

## Themes in this chapter

### Political Intrigue and Espionage

Roxhythe orchestrates a secret escape to The Hague, using deception and an old ally to shake off a spy.

### Friendship and Mentorship

Roxhythe's bond with de Staal is evident in their warm reunion, and he guides Christopher through the intrigue.

## Character check-ins

### Lord Roxhythe

Feigns illness to evade a spy, enlists de Staal's help, and escapes by night to The Hague.

### Christopher Dart

Assists Roxhythe, writes to his brother Roderick, and struggles with suppressed excitement.

### Mynheer de Staal

Old friend of Roxhythe, agrees to help maintain the deception and procure a horse.

### Roderick Dart

Christopher's brother, to be contacted at The Hague under the alias Curtis.

### Mynheer Dagvelt

A fat tradesman Christopher meets in Rotterdam, more concerned with meat prices than politics.

## Key lines

> I could not have accomplished this without you, child.

Roxhythe acknowledges Christopher's crucial role in the plan.

_Shows Roxhythe's appreciation and mentorship._

> You almost make me wish I was a wanderer once more.

Roxhythe expresses nostalgia for his past life as a soldier and wanderer.

_Reveals Roxhythe's inner conflict between his current courtly life and former adventures._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_great_roxhythe_se/chapters/v-mynheer-de-staal
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_great_roxhythe_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_great_roxhythe_se/chapters