The Great Roxhythe · Chapter
February, 1685 explained
Lady Frances Montgomery presses Roxhythe about his role in the downfall of Russell, Essex, and Monmouth, accusing him of sacrificing honor and truth for King Charles.
What happens
Lady Frances Montgomery presses Roxhythe about his role in the downfall of Russell, Essex, and Monmouth, accusing him of sacrificing honor and truth for King Charles. The chapter then shifts to Charles II's final illness and death, with Roxhythe remaining at his side until the end, after which he leaves Whitehall forever.
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 Falling 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
- Loyalty and Betrayal
Roxhythe's unwavering loyalty to Charles II is portrayed as both a strength and a weakness, leading him to betray others for the King's sake.
- Love and Obsession
Lady Frances argues that Roxhythe's love for Charles has become an obsession that caused him to sacrifice his honor and integrity.
- Power and Ambition
Roxhythe's manipulation of political figures like Shaftesbury and Monmouth demonstrates his use of power to serve the King's ambitions.
- Appearance vs. Reality
Roxhythe's cold exterior during the King's death masks deep grief, while his past intrigues hid his true motives from allies and enemies alike.
Characters to notice
- Lord Roxhythe
Defends his lifelong devotion to King Charles; remains at the King's bedside during his final illness and death.
- Lady Frances Montgomery
Confronts Roxhythe about his past intrigues and warns him of his vulnerability.
- King Charles II
Dies after a brief illness; receives last rites from a priest arranged by Roxhythe.
- Duke of York
Attends his brother's deathbed and becomes king after Charles's death.
- M. Barillon
Observes Roxhythe's reaction to the King's death and comments on his downfall.
- David
Addressed by Lady Frances as 'David' during their conversation.
Key passages
“You have sacrificed truth, honour, patriotism for man. You may look at it in what light you will, but always it will be a weakness—a shame!”
Lady Frances tells Roxhythe that his devotion to Charles has made him abandon honesty, honor, and country, which she sees as a flaw.
Lady Frances criticizes Roxhythe's moral compromises for the King.
“My whole life has been at the disposal of the King. Am I to regret that?”
Roxhythe defends his life's work as entirely dedicated to serving Charles, asking if he should feel remorse for that.
Roxhythe justifies his actions as loyal service.
“I think he feels it. ... As much as he feels anything. It means his downfall.”
Barillon suggests Roxhythe is affected by the King's death, but Feversham dismisses it as mere self-interest since Roxhythe's power will end.
Observers speculate on Roxhythe's emotional state and future.
