The Great Roxhythe · Character

Lady Frances Montgomery

A spirited noblewoman whose wit and warmth draw Roxhythe's attention — and whose heart is caught in the tangle of his dangerous double life.

supporting

Also known as Frances, Fanny, Fan, Lady Fanny, Montgomery

First appearance: III: Her Ladyship

As a supporting figure in The Great Roxhythe, Lady Frances Montgomery is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Woman caught in Roxhythe's orbit, representing personal cost of his ambitions.

In the storyThe Great RoxhytheOpen this moment free

Lady Frances moves easily in the glittering, morally loose world of Whitehall, where flirtation is a game and the devil is never idle. She is drawn to Roxhythe's charm and daring, yet the rival she cannot name — his secret work abroad — costs her bitter tears. Her presence humanizes the intrigue, showing what Roxhythe's devotion to the King's business actually costs the people who love him.

See Lady Frances Montgomery in The Great Roxhythe Book page

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Character Web

42 connections

A slice of how Lady Frances Montgomery sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Court and Conspirators
Minor Courtiers and Agents
Extended Cast of Intrigue

+37 more in the full Character Web

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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.

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Relationships

Lord Roxhythe
romantic · ambivalent
Lady Frances Montgomery is deeply in love with Lord Roxhythe, though their relationship… How this plays out →
Lord Danby
social · ambivalent
Lord Roxhythe
romantic · ambivalent
Lady Frances Montgomery is deeply in love with Lord Roxhythe, though their relationship… How this plays out →
Lord Roxhythe
romantic · ambivalent
Lady Frances Montgomery is deeply in love with Lord Roxhythe, though their relationship… How this plays out →
Lord Danby
social · ambivalent
Lord Danby
social · ambivalent

Lord Roxhythe
Lady Frances Montgomery is deeply in love with Lord Roxhythe, though their relationship is complicated by his secretive and dangerous life.
Lord Danby
Lady Frances Montgomery and Lord Danby are acquaintances at court, with Danby occasionally using her connection to Roxhythe for his own ends.
Lord Roxhythe
Lady Frances Montgomery is deeply in love with Lord Roxhythe, though their relationship is complicated by his secretive and dangerous life.
Lord Roxhythe
Lady Frances Montgomery is deeply in love with Lord Roxhythe, though their relationship is complicated by his secretive and dangerous life.
Lord Danby
Lady Frances Montgomery and Lord Danby are acquaintances at court, with Danby occasionally using her connection to Roxhythe for his own ends.
Lord Danby
Lady Frances Montgomery and Lord Danby are acquaintances at court, with Danby occasionally using her connection to Roxhythe for his own ends.

Relationship notes

How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.

See Lady Frances Montgomery in III: Her Ladyship

In the story

Lady Frances Montgomery appears across 19 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

The Great Roxhythe
Woman caught in Roxhythe's orbit, representing personal cost of his ambitions.
III: Her Ladyship
Returns from Spain and hosts a reception where she reconnects with Roxhythe and captivates Christopher Dart.
IV: Her Ladyship's Perplexity
Expresses her perplexity about Christopher Dart's loyalty to Roxhythe and her conviction that Roxhythe is a clever plotter hiding behind a mask of frivolity.
VII: The First Seed of Doubt
She warns Christopher against trusting Roxhythe, expressing concern that he will be hurt.
IX: The Growth of the Seed
Mentioned as having questioned Christopher about Roxhythe's movements.
XI: Unrest
Acts as hostess at Bevan Court, discusses the De Witt murders with Christopher, and shows a pragmatic, hardened view of politics.
Book III: Quo Vadis?
Roxhythe's love interest, representing personal stakes amidst political intrigue.
II: The Husband
Hostess who comforts Millicent after the confrontation, offering practical advice and reassurance.
III: The Challenge
Confronts Roxhythe about his involvement with Lady Crewe, expresses relief that no serious harm was done, and receives his confession of esteem and affection.
IV: Progression
Confides in Christopher about the Crewe-Roxhythe affair and her concerns over Danby's inquiries into her husband's politics.
I: The New Master
Returns from Scotland, speaks with Roxhythe at Whitehall, sends a note to Christopher, persuades him to apply for a secretary position with Sir Richard Worth.
IV: The Meeting
Hosts the Darts and later confronts Roxhythe about his manipulation of Christopher.
VI: The Decision
Christopher's confidante and friend, who listens to his sorrow and offers comfort before his departure.
IV: The King His Triumph
Grieves over Stafford's sentence and reads a cheerful letter from Christopher.
February, 1685
Confronts Roxhythe about his past intrigues and warns him of his vulnerability.
VIII: The Losing Game
Visits Roxhythe to offer comfort and warn him of danger from King James, but is unable to penetrate his emotional defenses.
IX: The Sunderlands
Lady Sunderland meets Roxhythe at a soirée and later reports to her husband about her conversations with Trenchard and Roxhythe.
X: The Shot
Reads Christopher's letter to Roxhythe, relays his message, and discusses politics and Roxhythe's schemes with him.
XI: The Great Roxhythe
Summoned to Roxhythe's deathbed, she comforts him and promises to care for John.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Lady Frances Montgomery unlock in the free preview.

See Lady Frances Montgomery in III: Her Ladyship

See Lady Frances Montgomery in The Great Roxhythe