# VI: The King His Will explained — The Great Roxhythe

> Chapter companion for The Great Roxhythe by Georgette Heyer.

## What happens

King Charles II visits the wounded Lord Roxhythe, who reveals he was shot by Sir Henry Crewe in a duel over Lady Crewe but chooses not to seek vengeance. The King then discusses his financial troubles and the need to negotiate with Louis XIV, leading to a tense exchange where Roxhythe objects to begging the French king. Their bond is reaffirmed before Charles departs, leaving Christopher Dart to guard Roxhythe.

## Themes in this chapter

### Loyalty and Betrayal

Roxhythe's unwavering loyalty to Charles is tested when he refuses to beg Louis for money, yet their bond is reaffirmed; Christopher's devotion to both men is also highlighted.

### Power and Ambition

Charles's desperation for funds to maintain his power against Parliament, and Roxhythe's subtle manipulation of the Crewe affair to maintain his own influence.

### Appearance vs. Reality

Roxhythe insists the shooting was an 'accident' to control public perception, while the King and Christopher know the truth; the King's public grace hides his financial and political vulnerability.

## Character check-ins

### Lord Roxhythe

Lying wounded after being shot by Sir Henry Crewe; refuses vengeance and manipulates the situation to rid himself of Lady Crewe; objects to King Charles begging Louis XIV for money.

### King Charles II

Visits Roxhythe, initially furious about the shooting but agrees to treat it as an accident; discusses his need for funds from Louis XIV and is hurt by Roxhythe's refusal to carry the letter.

### Christopher Dart

Attends Roxhythe, escorts the King, and expresses his deep loyalty to both Roxhythe and Charles.

### Sir Henry Crewe

Mentioned as the one who shot Roxhythe in a duel over Lady Crewe; Roxhythe spares him from punishment.

### Lady Crewe

Mentioned as the cause of the duel; Roxhyte sends her away to avoid her advances.

## Key lines

> I do not take that tone from any man alive, Roxhythe.

Charles warns Roxhythe that his blunt objection to begging Louis is unacceptable.

_Shows the tension between the King's need for obedience and Roxhythe's pride._

> I had forgot how nigh I was to losing you, Davy. I' faith, I cannot find it in my heart to punish your rudeness.

Charles softens, remembering Roxhythe's recent brush with death, and forgives his impertinence.

_Highlights the deep personal bond between the King and his favorite._

> You cannot kill talk.

Charles observes that gossip about the shooting will persist despite Roxhythe's cover story.

_Reflects the theme of appearance vs. reality in court life._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_great_roxhythe_se/chapters/vi-the-king-his-will
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_great_roxhythe_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_great_roxhythe_se/chapters