# VIII: Madame explained — The Great Roxhythe

> Chapter companion for The Great Roxhythe by Georgette Heyer.

## What happens

Roxhythe arrives in Paris and stays with the Comte de Saint-Aignan. He attends the King's levée, where he flirts with various ladies and avoids Monsieur. Later, he has a private audience with Madame (Henrietta Stuart, Duchesse d'Orléans), who reveals that Louis XIV seeks a treaty with England to ensure neutrality in his wars against Holland and Spain, violating the Triple Bond. Roxhythe presses for plain speaking about France's demands.

## Themes in this chapter

### Political Intrigue and Espionage

Roxhythe's mission to Paris involves secret negotiations for a treaty that would shift England's allegiance.

### Appearance vs. Reality

Roxhythe presents himself as a frivolous glove-maker while engaging in serious diplomacy.

## Character check-ins

### Lord Roxhythe

Arrives in Paris, attends the levée, and negotiates with Madame about the treaty.

### Madame d'Orléans

Receives Roxhythe privately and discusses the proposed treaty with France.

### M. Colbert de Croissy

Mentioned as having presented the treaty proposal to King Charles.

### King Charles II

Referenced as the English king who must decide on the treaty.

### La Kéroualle

Identified as Mademoiselle de Kéroualle, who wishes to join the English court.

### Marquis de Dangeau

Accompanies Roxhythe from the levée to the gardens.

## Key lines

> Roxhythe, it is only in France that you are appreciated.

Saint-Aignan tells Roxhythe that his talents are truly valued in France, not England.

_Highlights the theme of appearance vs. reality, as Roxhythe is seen as a dandy but is a skilled diplomat._

> I want plain speaking; that is why I recall it. Till now you have refused to speak plainly.

Roxhythe insists that Madame be direct about France's intentions, as previous explanations have been vague.

_Shows Roxhythe's determination to uncover the truth in the negotiations._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_great_roxhythe_se/chapters/viii-madame
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_great_roxhythe_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_great_roxhythe_se/chapters