# VII: The Revenge explained — The Great Roxhythe

> Chapter companion for The Great Roxhythe by Georgette Heyer.

## What happens

In a tense meeting, Charles and Roxhythe discuss Danby's impending impeachment due to incriminating letters to Louis XIV via Montague. Roxhythe suspects Shaftesbury's hand and warns Danby may turn on the King. Charles rejects bloodshed. Roxhythe reveals Louis has warned the Country Party against him as revenge for the Lady Mary's marriage to William of Orange. Danby's attack on Montague fails; Montague produces damaging letters, leading to Danby's impeachment. Charles prorogues and dissolves Parliament.

## Themes in this chapter

### Political Intrigue and Espionage

The chapter revolves around secret letters, impeachment plots, and Louis XIV's revenge, highlighting the espionage and political maneuvering at court.

### Loyalty and Betrayal

Roxhythe reaffirms his loyalty to Charles, while Danby's potential betrayal and Louis's revenge underscore the fragility of trust.

### Power and Ambition

Danby's ambition to strike at Montague, Montague's counterattack, and Shaftesbury's machinations reflect the struggle for power.

## Character check-ins

### King Charles II

Brooding by the fire, nursing a spaniel; anxious about Danby's impeachment and Louis's revenge.

### Lord Roxhythe

Gazing out into the rain; advises the King, reveals Louis has warned the Country Party against him.

### Lord Danby

Plans to strike at Montague by seizing his papers; later impeached after Montague produces incriminating letters.

### Montague

Elected member for Northamptonshire; holds incriminating letters and brings charges against Danby.

### Lord Ashley-Cooper

Suspected by Roxhythe as the hand behind Montague's attack on Danby.

### Sir Henry Crewe

Returns to Whitehall after two years' absence; Roxhythe had previously fallen afoul of him.

### Lady Crewe

Present at Whitehall with her husband; noted as becoming most devoted.

## Key lines

> If you had not fallen out of favour with Louis those letters need never have gone through Montague. Now we shall have Danby impeached.

Roxhythe suggests that Charles's loss of favor with Louis led to the incriminating letters being sent via Montague, resulting in Danby's impending impeachment.

_Roxhythe critiques the King's diplomatic misstep._

> King Louis hath his revenge on me, Sir.

Roxhythe tells Charles that Louis XIV is taking revenge on him by warning the Country Party against him.

_Roxhythe reveals the personal cost of the King's marriage policy._

> Always you are my dearest friend!

Charles reassures Roxhythe of his unwavering friendship despite the political troubles.

_A moment of personal loyalty between the King and his confidant._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_great_roxhythe_se/chapters/vii-the-revenge
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_great_roxhythe_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_great_roxhythe_se/chapters