# Lord Roxhythe — The Great Roxhythe character guide > Lord Roxhythe in The Great Roxhythe by Georgette Heyer. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Roxhythe, Christopher Dart, Christopher Dart Roxhythe, Dart, Chris, Chris Dart, Milor Roxhythe, Marquis of Roxhythe, le Marquis de Roxhythe, Roxhyt'e, Lord Roxhyt'e **First appearance:** 0002-the-great-roxhythe ## Snapshot Charles II's languid, rose-velveted favourite, who drifts through Whitehall like a bored courtier while quietly running the King's most dangerous secret business. ## Who they are To the court he is an idle, cynical darling of the King; to Christopher Dart, the raw young secretary he recruits at midnight, he is a spellbinding and unreadable master. Roxhythe's languor vanishes whenever intrigue calls, and the double life he leads — frivolous ornament and coldly efficient plotter — is the engine of the whole story. His charm, his ruthlessness, and his refusal to explain himself keep everyone around him guessing. ## Relationships ### [King Charles II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_great_roxhythe_se/characters/king_charles_ii) _professional_ King Charles II relies heavily on Lord Roxhythe as his most trusted and effective agent, handling sensitive political and espionage matters. ### [Lord Danby](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_great_roxhythe_se/characters/lord_danby) _rivalry_ Lord Danby and Lord Roxhythe are political rivals, often clashing over influence and strategy within the court. ### [Lady Frances Montgomery](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_great_roxhythe_se/characters/lady_frances_montgomery) _romantic_ Lady Frances Montgomery is deeply in love with Lord Roxhythe, though their relationship is complicated by his secretive and dangerous life. ### [William of Orange](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_great_roxhythe_se/characters/william_of_orange) _rivalry_ Lord Roxhythe and William of Orange are adversaries, with Roxhythe working to counter William's ambitions and influence in England. ### [Lord Ashley-Cooper](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_great_roxhythe_se/characters/lord_ashley_cooper) _rivalry_ Lord Ashley-Cooper is a political opponent of Lord Roxhythe, frequently opposing his schemes and aligning with rival factions. ### [David](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_great_roxhythe_se/characters/david) _friendship_ David is Lord Roxhythe's loyal friend and confidant, often assisting him in his dangerous missions with unwavering support. ### [Duke of York](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_great_roxhythe_se/characters/duke_of_york) _professional_ The Duke of York and Lord Roxhythe maintain a working relationship, with Roxhythe often acting as a liaison between the king and his brother. ### [Lady Crewe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_great_roxhythe_se/characters/lady_crewe) _social_ Lady Crewe is a society hostess who interacts with Lord Roxhythe at court functions, maintaining a polite but distant acquaintance. ### [Sydney Harcourt](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_great_roxhythe_se/characters/sydney_harcourt) _friendship_ Sydney Harcourt is a close friend and ally of Lord Roxhythe, often aiding him in his political and personal intrigues. ### [Monmouth](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_great_roxhythe_se/characters/monmouth) _professional_ Lord Roxhythe interacts with Monmouth as part of court politics, often managing the king's interests regarding his son. ### [King Charles II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_great_roxhythe_se/characters/king_charles_ii) _professional_ King Charles II relies heavily on Lord Roxhythe as his most trusted and effective agent, handling sensitive political and espionage matters. ### [King Charles II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_great_roxhythe_se/characters/king_charles_ii) _professional_ King Charles II relies heavily on Lord Roxhythe as his most trusted and effective agent, handling sensitive political and espionage matters. ## In the story ### [The Great Roxhythe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_great_roxhythe_se/chapters/the-great-roxhythe) Central figure; a master spy and manipulator navigating court politics. ### [Book I: The Ways Run Parallel](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_great_roxhythe_se/chapters/book-i-the-ways-run-parallel) Introduced as a key figure navigating court intrigue and espionage. ### [Book I: The Ways Run Parallel](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_great_roxhythe_se/chapters/book-i-the-ways-run-parallel) Introduced as the son of Roderick Dart, whose path will parallel and conflict with Roxhythe's. ### [I: The King and His Favourite](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_great_roxhythe_se/chapters/i-the-king-and-his-favourite) Summoned by the King, he is the trusted favourite who reluctantly agrees to undertake a secret mission to the Hague. ### [II: The King His Councillors](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_great_roxhythe_se/chapters/ii-the-king-his-councillors) Arrives at the meeting with Buckingham and Ashley-Cooper, agrees to the King's secret mission, and decides to recruit Christopher Dart. ### [II: The King His Councillors](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_great_roxhythe_se/chapters/ii-the-king-his-councillors) Recommended by Ashley-Cooper as a trustworthy young man; Roxhythe plans to visit him in Milford Lane. ### [III: Christopher Dart](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_great_roxhythe_se/chapters/iii-christopher-dart) Recruits Christopher Dart for a secret mission to Holland; displays a languid, foppish demeanor but reveals his keen intelligence and fascination. ### [III: Christopher Dart](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_great_roxhythe_se/chapters/iii-christopher-dart) Young and inexperienced, he is recruited by Roxhythe; feels both excitement and an inexplicable dislike for Roxhythe, but ultimately agrees to join the mission. ### [IV: Flushing](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_great_roxhythe_se/chapters/iv-flushing) Reveals his court disgrace as a deliberate blind; falls ill during the journey to Holland but refuses to rest. ### [Mynheer de Staal](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_great_roxhythe_se/chapters/v-mynheer-de-staal) Feigns illness to evade a spy, enlists de Staal's help, and escapes by night to The Hague. ### [Mynheer de Staal](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_great_roxhythe_se/chapters/v-mynheer-de-staal) Assists Roxhythe, writes to his brother Roderick, and struggles with suppressed excitement. ### [VI: Roderick Dart](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_great_roxhythe_se/chapters/vi-roderick-dart) Arrives in Delft and The Hague, meets Roderick Dart at The Three Fishers, uses charm and the King's ring to seek access to Prince William. ### [VII: William of Orange](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_great_roxhythe_se/chapters/vii-william-of-orange) Presents the secret proposition to Prince William, navigating the tense and suspicious atmosphere of the Dutch court. ### [IX: The King of England](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_great_roxhythe_se/chapters/ix-the-king-of-england) Returns to Whitehall and gives a detailed account of his failed mission to William of Orange, describing his humiliating treatment and the Prince's formidable character. ### [I: January, 1669](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_great_roxhythe_se/chapters/i-january-1669) Returns unexpectedly from Paris; maintains a languid, cynical facade but has shown astuteness in Holland; kind to Christopher but reticent about his deeper life. ### [II: The Offer](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_great_roxhythe_se/chapters/ii-the-offer) Observes the meeting silently, playing with his gloves; later discusses Prince William of Orange and is tasked with going to Paris to sound out Madame d'Orléans. ### [III: Her Ladyship](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_great_roxhythe_se/chapters/iii-her-ladyship) Resumes negotiations with France, flirts with Lady Crewe, and reunites with his cousin Lady Frances Montgomery at her reception. ### [III: Her Ladyship](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_great_roxhythe_se/chapters/iii-her-ladyship) Accompanies Roxhythe to Lady Frances's reception and falls in love with her at first sight. ### [IV: Her Ladyship's Perplexity](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_great_roxhythe_se/chapters/iv-her-ladyship-s-perplexity) Discussed at length; Lady Frances believes he is a cunning political operator feigning ignorance, while Sir Jasper sees him as a harmless gallant. ### [IV: Her Ladyship's Perplexity](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_great_roxhythe_se/chapters/iv-her-ladyship-s-perplexity) Mentioned as Roxhythe's secretary; Lady Frances notes his honesty and honor, finding it puzzling that he serves Roxhythe. ### [V: Lady Crewe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_great_roxhythe_se/chapters/v-lady-crewe) Returns from Paris and attends Lady Crewe's masquerade, where he flatters and reconciles with her after missing her ball. ### [V: Lady Crewe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_great_roxhythe_se/chapters/v-lady-crewe) Meets Harcourt, informs Roxhythe of Lady Crewe's visit, and accompanies Roxhythe to the masquerade. ### [VI: The Price](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_great_roxhythe_se/chapters/vi-the-price) Reports to the King on the treaty negotiations and advises on the price to demand from Louis XIV. ### [VII: The First Seed of Doubt](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_great_roxhythe_se/chapters/vii-the-first-seed-of-doubt) Christopher defends Roxhythe's character and loyalty, but others question his motives and frequent trips to Paris. ### [VIII: Madame](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_great_roxhythe_se/chapters/viii-madame) Arrives in Paris, attends the levée, and negotiates with Madame about the treaty. ### [IX: The Growth of the Seed](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_great_roxhythe_se/chapters/ix-the-growth-of-the-seed) Returns from Paris unexpectedly; reassures Christopher about his activities; sends Christopher to Bevan. ### [IX: The Growth of the Seed](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_great_roxhythe_se/chapters/ix-the-growth-of-the-seed) Defends Roxhythe against Ashley's suspicions; confronts Roxhythe about rumors; is sent to Bevan. ### [X: May, 1670](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_great_roxhythe_se/chapters/x-may-1670) Negotiates the treaty with France, counsels patience, and remains loyal to Charles. He is the subject of James's jealousy and distrust. ### [XI: Unrest](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_great_roxhythe_se/chapters/xi-unrest) Remains aloof from political unrest, continues his affair with Lady Crewe, and dismisses the news of the De Witt murders with boredom. ### [XI: Unrest](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_great_roxhythe_se/chapters/xi-unrest) Defends Roxhythe against his brother's warnings, is troubled by Roxhythe's treatment of Lady Crewe, and is shocked by the De Witt murders. ### [Book III: Quo Vadis?](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_great_roxhythe_se/chapters/book-iii-quo-vadis) Central figure grappling with his past and present loyalties. ### [I: Whitehall](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_great_roxhythe_se/chapters/i-whitehall) Expresses regret over his path of intrigue and a desire to return to soldiering, but reaffirms his loyalty to King Charles. Resolves a tavern quarrel involving his secretary. ### [I: Whitehall](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_great_roxhythe_se/chapters/i-whitehall) Roxhythe's secretary, who defended his master's honor in a tavern brawl against Fortescue, challenging him to a duel. ### [II: The Husband](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_great_roxhythe_se/chapters/ii-the-husband) Leads Millicent to a private room, kisses her, and later handles Sir Henry Crewe's challenge with cool authority. ### [II: The Husband](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_great_roxhythe_se/chapters/ii-the-husband) Observes Millicent's distress and attempts to engage her in conversation, but withdraws when Roxhythe approaches. ### [III: The Challenge](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_great_roxhythe_se/chapters/iii-the-challenge) Refuses to duel Sir Henry Crewe despite insults and a physical blow, citing the need to protect Lady Crewe's reputation. Later confides in Lady Frances about his regret and his esteem for her and Madame. ### [IV: Progression](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_great_roxhythe_se/chapters/iv-progression) Discussed as the object of Millicent Crewe's affections; described as fascinating and magnetic, but now avoiding her society. ### [IV: Progression](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_great_roxhythe_se/chapters/iv-progression) Defends Roxhythe and the King against Harcourt's accusations; shows loyalty and discretion in his conversations. ### [The Most Noble the Marquis](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_great_roxhythe_se/chapters/v-the-most-noble-the-marquis) Sent to Paris by King Charles to negotiate with Louis XIV; upon return, is shot by Sir Henry Crewe in a jealous rage but survives and dictates terms. ### [The Most Noble the Marquis](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_great_roxhythe_se/chapters/v-the-most-noble-the-marquis) Receives Lady Crewe's message and later witnesses the aftermath of the shooting, assisting in the situation. ### [VI: The King His Will](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_great_roxhythe_se/chapters/vi-the-king-his-will) Lying wounded after being shot by Sir Henry Crewe; refuses vengeance and manipulates the situation to rid himself of Lady Crewe; objects to King Charles begging Louis XIV for money. ### [VI: The King His Will](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_great_roxhythe_se/chapters/vi-the-king-his-will) Attends Roxhythe, escorts the King, and expresses his deep loyalty to both Roxhythe and Charles. ### [VII: The Hand of Fate](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_great_roxhythe_se/chapters/vii-the-hand-of-fate) Struggles between his loyalty to the King and his fondness for Christopher, ultimately choosing to deceive him for the King's cause. ### [VII: The Hand of Fate](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_great_roxhythe_se/chapters/vii-the-hand-of-fate) Eagerly accepts the mission, swearing loyalty to the King and Roxhythe, unaware of the true purpose of the letters. ### [VIII: The Amiable Mr. Milward Again](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_great_roxhythe_se/chapters/viii-the-amiable-mr-milward-again) Present in the library with the King when Christopher returns; shows no surprise at his arrival. ### [IX: Disillusionment](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_great_roxhythe_se/chapters/ix-disillusionment) Roxhythe is confronted by Christopher about his secret intrigues with France and the King. He defends his actions as part of the game of politics, showing a cynical and pragmatic worldview. ### [IX: Disillusionment](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_great_roxhythe_se/chapters/ix-disillusionment) Christopher is deeply disillusioned after reading his brother's letter and confronting Roxhythe. He struggles to reconcile his love for Roxhythe with the dishonorable actions revealed. ### [X: The Bitter Hour](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_great_roxhythe_se/chapters/x-the-bitter-hour) Roxhythe remains flippant and dismissive when Christopher confronts him, but later shows a rare moment of vulnerability, offering Christopher a standing invitation to return. ### [X: The Bitter Hour](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_great_roxhythe_se/chapters/x-the-bitter-hour) Christopher is tormented by the loss of trust in Roxhythe and the King, struggling between love for Roxhythe and his own sense of honor. He ultimately offers his resignation. ### [Book IV: The One Part](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_great_roxhythe_se/chapters/book-iv-the-one-part) Central figure in the secret negotiations, navigating between English and French interests. ### [I: The New Master](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_great_roxhythe_se/chapters/i-the-new-master) Appears at Whitehall, speaks with Lady Frances about Christopher's departure, admits to using Christopher, later writes a letter urging Christopher to visit. ### [I: The New Master](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_great_roxhythe_se/chapters/i-the-new-master) Has left Roxhythe's service, living in Cheapside in apathy, visits Lady Frances, applies for and accepts a secretary position with Sir Richard Worth, receives a letter from Roxhythe but resists visiting. ### [II: The Coming of William](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_great_roxhythe_se/chapters/ii-the-coming-of-william) Discusses the marriage scheme with the King, walks in the Privy Gardens, and later stands by the Queen during William's arrival. ### [II: The Coming of William](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_great_roxhythe_se/chapters/ii-the-coming-of-william) Dines with Roderick, defends his loyalty to Roxhythe, and deflects questions about his activities in Flanders. ### [III: La Kéroualle](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_great_roxhythe_se/chapters/iii-la-k-roualle) Escorts Prince William, discusses the marriage alliance, and later parries questions from La Kéroualle about Charles's loyalty to France. ### [IV: The Meeting](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_great_roxhythe_se/chapters/iv-the-meeting) Arrives uninvited at Lady Frances's home, seeking to see Christopher and reassert his influence. ### [IV: The Meeting](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_great_roxhythe_se/chapters/iv-the-meeting) Struggles with his emotions upon seeing Roxhythe, maintaining a composed exterior while internally conflicted. ### [V: Discord](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_great_roxhythe_se/chapters/v-discord) Sent to Paris to placate Louis XIV after the royal marriage; fails in his mission and is discredited with the French king. ### [V: Discord](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_great_roxhythe_se/chapters/v-discord) Deeply unhappy after breaking with Roxhythe; serves Shaftesbury and then Worth, but resigns from both due to moral conflicts; yearns to return to Roxhythe. ### [VI: The Decision](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_great_roxhythe_se/chapters/vi-the-decision) Christopher's former master and beloved, whose betrayal has driven Christopher to leave England. ### [VII: The Revenge](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_great_roxhythe_se/chapters/vii-the-revenge) Gazing out into the rain; advises the King, reveals Louis has warned the Country Party against him. ### [VIII: The Haven](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_great_roxhythe_se/chapters/viii-the-haven) Referenced in conversation; Christopher admits his devotion to Roxhythe remains despite past hurts. ### [Book V: The Other Part](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_great_roxhythe_se/chapters/book-v-the-other-part) Central figure whose actions and schemes are viewed from a different angle. ### [I: The Triple Game](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_great_roxhythe_se/chapters/i-the-triple-game) Plays a double game, feigning opposition to the Duke of York to infiltrate Shaftesbury's faction while secretly serving King Charles II. ### [II: The Schemers](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_great_roxhythe_se/chapters/ii-the-schemers) Feigns allegiance to the Exclusionist faction while secretly serving King Charles II, manipulating the schemers with ease. ### [III: Agitations](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_great_roxhythe_se/chapters/iii-agitations) Advises the King to let Shaftesbury run his course; warns against intervening in Stafford's trial; clashes with the Duke of York. ### [IV: The King His Triumph](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_great_roxhythe_se/chapters/iv-the-king-his-triumph) Advises the King to prorogue Parliament, sows doubt in Monmouth, and maneuvers to bring down Shaftesbury. ### [Plots](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_great_roxhythe_se/chapters/v-plots) Orchestrates the foiling of Rumbald's plot and manipulates Monmouth's conspirators, coercing Rumsey into betrayal. ### [VI: Monmouth](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_great_roxhythe_se/chapters/vi-monmouth) Reveals the plot to the King and later advises Monmouth to go into hiding. ### [February, 1685](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_great_roxhythe_se/chapters/vii-february-1685) Defends his lifelong devotion to King Charles; remains at the King's bedside during his final illness and death. ### [VIII: The Losing Game](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_great_roxhythe_se/chapters/viii-the-losing-game) Grieving the King's death, Roxhythe refuses to leave England despite threats, and rejects Lady Sunderland's invitation, contemplating his future with weary defiance. ### [IX: The Sunderlands](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_great_roxhythe_se/chapters/ix-the-sunderlands) Roxhythe is approached by Trenchard on behalf of Monmouth but refuses the offer. He later mourns King Charles II while holding a comfit-box given by him. ### [X: The Shot](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_great_roxhythe_se/chapters/x-the-shot) Receives Christopher's message, discusses William of Orange and Monmouth, and is shot by an assassin as he leaves the ball. ### [XI: The Great Roxhythe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_great_roxhythe_se/chapters/xi-the-great-roxhythe) Mortally wounded by Trenchard, he dies with dignity, reflecting on his past and his loyalty to the King. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_great_roxhythe_se/characters/lord_roxhythe - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_great_roxhythe_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_great_roxhythe_se/characters