King Charles II

Lord Roxhythe

King Charles II relies heavily on Lord Roxhythe as his most trusted and effective agent, handling sensitive political and espionage matters.

Duke of York

The Duke of York is King Charles II's younger brother and heir, with a relationship marked by loyalty but also religious and political tension.

Lord Danby

King Charles II employs Lord Danby as a key minister, valuing his administrative skills but often distrusting his ambitions.

William of Orange

King Charles II and William of Orange are wary rivals, with Charles seeking to maintain English independence from Dutch influence.

David

David serves King Charles II as a loyal agent, carrying out orders with discretion and efficiency.

Louise

Louise is King Charles II's mistress, enjoying his favor and affection while wielding considerable influence at court.

Monmouth

Monmouth is King Charles II's illegitimate son, whom the king loves but keeps at a political distance due to succession concerns.

Lord Ashley-Cooper

King Charles II employs Lord Ashley-Cooper as a minister, but their relationship is strained by Ashley-Cooper's shifting loyalties and ambitions.

Lord Roxhythe

King Charles II relies heavily on Lord Roxhythe as his most trusted and effective agent, handling sensitive political and espionage matters.

Lord Roxhythe

King Charles II relies heavily on Lord Roxhythe as his most trusted and effective agent, handling sensitive political and espionage matters.

David

David serves King Charles II as a loyal agent, carrying out orders with discretion and efficiency.

Duke of York

The Duke of York is King Charles II's younger brother and heir, with a relationship marked by loyalty but also religious and political tension.

The Great Roxhythe

Monarch who relies on Roxhythe's cunning and service.

Book I: The Ways Run Parallel

Mentioned as the monarch whose policies and secrets drive much of the plot.

I: The King and His Favourite

Reveals his financial desperation and his plan to use William of Orange to gain independence from Louis XIV, showing his manipulative and cynical side.

II: The King His Councillors

Referenced as having spoken with Roxhythe and being the orchestrator of the secret mission.

III: Christopher Dart

Appears at court with la belle Stewart; later grants a short audience to Roxhythe, approving the plan and laughing at the description of the interview with Christopher.

IV: Flushing

Mentioned as the target of Roxhythe's staged disgrace; Roxhythe took a liberty with him.

VI: Roderick Dart

Referenced via his signet ring, which Roxhythe uses as proof of his mission.

VII: William of Orange

Referenced as the instigator of the proposition to William, seeking financial support through an alliance.

IX: The King of England

Receives Roxhythe warmly, listens to his report with amusement and concern, and decides to turn to France after the failure with William.

I: January, 1669

Appears at Whitehall, jesting with Roxhythe and the court; shows some concern for the Queen's unhappiness but is easily wearied by her.

II: The Offer

Presides over the meeting with Colbert, appears unperturbed by Clifford's outburst, and later discusses strategy with Roxhythe, showing his political acumen.

VI: The Price

Welcomes Roxhythe, discusses the treaty's progress, and defends his secret approach against his brother's objections.

VII: The First Seed of Doubt

Christopher reflects on his father's distrust of the King, but maintains his own trust in Charles' integrity.

VIII: Madame

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

X: May, 1670

In high spirits as the treaty nears completion. He prioritizes war with Holland over declaring Catholicism, securing French funds, and shows a relaxed attitude toward James's concerns.

XI: Unrest

Visits Bevan Court with his mistress, the Duchess of Portsmouth; continues to amuse himself amid political unrest.

Book III: Quo Vadis?

Roxhythe's sovereign, whose trust and favor are pivotal.

I: Whitehall

Complains of political pressures, discusses removing Lord Ashley from the Cabinet, and considers proroguing Parliament. Shows affection and concern for Roxhythe.

The Most Noble the Marquis

Dissatisfied with negotiations through Barillon, he sends Roxhythe to France to discover Louis's maximum terms for a second treaty.

VI: The King His Will

Visits Roxhythe, initially furious about the shooting but agrees to treat it as an accident; discusses his need for funds from Louis XIV and is hurt by Roxhythe's refusal to carry the letter.

VII: The Hand of Fate

Visits Roxhythe to secure a courier for secret dispatches, approving the plan to use Christopher while keeping him ignorant.

VIII: The Amiable Mr. Milward Again

Receives Christopher's report and thanks him for the successful mission; offers to grant a favor.

IX: Disillusionment

The King is implicated in secret treaties with France and manipulation of Parliament, as revealed in Roderick's letter and Roxhythe's confession.

X: The Bitter Hour

Christopher's ideal of the King is shattered; he now sees Charles as complicit in the schemes that have betrayed his trust.

Book IV: The One Part

The monarch whose policies and secret dealings drive the plot, balancing power and religion.

I: The New Master

Present at Whitehall, converses with Lady Frances and Roxhythe.

II: The Coming of William

Walks with Roxhythe, discusses the marriage and political concerns, and formally welcomes William of Orange.

III: La Kéroualle

Appears with the Duchess of Portsmouth, shows off his gardens to William, and is the subject of political speculation regarding the French alliance.

V: Discord

Busy managing foreign relations; sends Roxhythe to France, negotiates secretly with Louis, and withdraws troops from Holland, amused by the diplomatic chaos.

VII: The Revenge

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

Book V: The Other Part

Monarch involved in the political machinations that define the chapter.

I: The Triple Game

Conspires with Roxhythe, agreeing to his plan to act as a secret agent against Shaftesbury and the exclusion movement.

II: The Schemers

Consults with Roxhythe in his closet, approving the strategy to use Monmouth's promotion to isolate Shaftesbury.

III: Agitations

Falls ill; prorogues Parliament; seeks advice from Roxhythe; defends Roxhythe against his brother's accusations.

IV: The King His Triumph

Refuses to intervene in Stafford's execution, issues a declaration to appeal to the nation, and placates Louis XIV.

Plots

Agrees to Roxhythe's advice to return to London early, narrowly escaping assassination.

VI: Monmouth

Listens to Roxhythe's account of the conspiracy and expresses concern for Monmouth.

February, 1685

Dies after a brief illness; receives last rites from a priest arranged by Roxhythe.

IX: The Sunderlands

Though deceased, Charles II is remembered by Roxhythe, who mourns him while holding a comfit-box inscribed with their initials.