The Great Roxhythe · Chapter
XI: Unrest explained
In the summer of 1672, Christopher Dart is at Bevan Court preparing for a royal visit.
What happens
In the summer of 1672, Christopher Dart is at Bevan Court preparing for a royal visit. He receives a letter from his brother Roderick detailing the murder of the De Witt brothers by a mob in The Hague, and Roderick urges Christopher to leave Roxhythe's service and join the Prince of Orange. Christopher defends Roxhythe and rejects the warnings. Meanwhile, political unrest grows in England: war with Holland is imminent, the Declaration of Indulgence is unpopular, and the Duke of York has converted to Catholicism. Roxhythe remains indifferent to the turmoil, continuing his amorous pursuit of Lady Crewe and his visits to France.
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 Exposition.
- 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
Christopher's unwavering loyalty to Roxhythe is contrasted with Roderick's accusations of betrayal and the political betrayals surrounding the De Witt murders.
- Political Intrigue and Espionage
The chapter is steeped in political maneuvering: the war with Holland, the rise of William of Orange, and the unrest in England over the Declaration of Indulgence and the Duke of York's conversion.
- Appearance vs. Reality
Roxhythe appears indifferent to politics, yet his visits to France and his actions suggest hidden depths; Christopher trusts him despite warnings.
Characters to notice
- Lord Roxhythe
Remains aloof from political unrest, continues his affair with Lady Crewe, and dismisses the news of the De Witt murders with boredom.
- Christopher Dart
Defends Roxhythe against his brother's warnings, is troubled by Roxhythe's treatment of Lady Crewe, and is shocked by the De Witt murders.
- Lady Frances Montgomery
Acts as hostess at Bevan Court, discusses the De Witt murders with Christopher, and shows a pragmatic, hardened view of politics.
- Roderick Dart
Writes to Christopher from Holland, reporting the De Witt murders and urging Christopher to leave Roxhythe's service for the Prince of Orange.
- Lady Crewe
Is the object of Roxhythe's sporadic and waning affections; Christopher worries that she is taking the affair too seriously.
- King Charles II
Visits Bevan Court with his mistress, the Duchess of Portsmouth; continues to amuse himself amid political unrest.
- Monmouth
In high spirits at Bevan Court, talks of leading English troops to Holland the next year.
- William of Orange
Rises to power in Holland, becomes Captain-General, and is suspected by Christopher of involvement in the De Witt murders.
Key passages
“The De Witts have been murdered!”
Christopher reads that Jan and Cornelius De Witt have been killed by a mob in The Hague.
Key event reported in Roderick's letter, shocking Christopher and Lady Frances.
“I wonder what part the Prince played in this dastardly deed.”
Christopher suspects William of Orange may have been involved in the De Witt murders.
Shows Christopher's distrust of William's rise to power.
“I do Counsel You, my Brother, to Leave thatt Libertine His Service, and to Join me Here, under the Prince His Glorious Standard.”
Roderick urges Christopher to abandon Roxhythe and serve William of Orange instead.
Highlights the conflict between loyalty to Roxhythe and Roderick's moral appeal.
“What of it? ... You disturb me.”
Roxhythe dismisses the news of the De Witt murders as unimportant and returns to his writing.
Illustrates Roxhythe's detachment from the political turmoil.
