The Great Roxhythe · Chapter
VIII: The Amiable Mr. Milward Again explained
Christopher Dart travels to Flanders and Holland, observing the country and hearing praise for the Stadtholder.
What happens
Christopher Dart travels to Flanders and Holland, observing the country and hearing praise for the Stadtholder. He arrives at a town near Monmouth's army, where he unexpectedly encounters Mr. Milward, who mistakenly believes Christopher is involved in intrigue. Christopher delivers secret dispatches from the King to Mr. Cherrywood, warning him about Milward. After a tense dinner with Milward, Christopher returns to London and presents the successful mission to King Charles II and Lord Roxhythe, receiving the King's gratitude.
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 Rising 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
- Political Intrigue and Espionage
Christopher's secret mission to deliver dispatches, Milward's suspicions and mistaken beliefs about Christopher's involvement with Barillon, and the atmosphere of mistrust and hidden agendas.
- Appearance vs. Reality
Christopher pretends to be on holiday while on a secret mission; Milward's friendly manner masks his spying; the town's open acceptance of Frenchmen hides underlying tensions.
- Loyalty and Betrayal
Christopher's loyalty to Roxhythe and the King is contrasted with Milward's role as a spy for Barillon; Cherrywood warns about Church and Justin not being trustworthy.
Characters to notice
- Lord Roxhythe
Present in the library with the King when Christopher returns; shows no surprise at his arrival.
- King Charles II
Receives Christopher's report and thanks him for the successful mission; offers to grant a favor.
- Mr. Milward
Encountered by Christopher in the town; mistakenly believes Christopher is involved in intrigue and mentions Barillon.
- Monmouth
Seen riding out to the chase; stays in a house in the town with his household.
- Mr. Cherrywood
Receives the King's dispatches from Christopher; compliments Christopher's envoy skills.
- M. Barillon
Mentioned by Milward as having warned about something; Milward thinks Christopher might be in his pay.
Key passages
“I am sightseeing. On my holiday, you understand.”
Christopher claims he is on a holiday trip to avoid revealing his secret mission.
Christopher uses a cover story to deflect Milward's questions.
“I serve Roxhythe. I am no intriguer.”
Christopher asserts his loyalty to Roxhythe and denies being involved in intrigue.
Christopher distances himself from the political scheming despite his role in the secret mission.
“I have the honour to inform Your Majesty that my mission has been successful.”
Christopher reports to the King that he has completed his task.
Christopher delivers the dispatches and receives the King's gratitude.
