Loyalty and Betrayal
The narrative explores complex layers of loyalty, from Roxhythe's unwavering devotion to King Charles to the political betrayals and personal disloyalties among courtiers, lovers, and conspirators.
Where it surfaces
Epigraph
The epigraph's question directly invokes the central dilemma of choosing allegiance in a time of political upheaval.
Book I: The Ways Run Parallel
The parallel paths of father and son explore themes of loyalty to crown, family, and personal conscience.
I: The King and His Favourite
Roxhythe's unwavering loyalty to Charles is contrasted with the King's distrust of Buckingham and Ashley, and the potential betrayal of William of Orange's trust.
II: The King His Councillors
Ashley expresses distrust of Roxhythe's secrecy, while Roxhythe's loyalty to the King is questioned by Buckingham, who calls him a 'fond fool' for serving without payment.
IV: Flushing
Christopher's growing loyalty to Roxhythe is tested by his master's illness and dismissive behavior.
VII: The First Seed of Doubt
Christopher's unwavering loyalty to Roxhythe is contrasted with the suspicions and warnings from Harcourt and Lady Frances.
Political Intrigue and Espionage
The book is steeped in secret negotiations, double agents, and plots against the crown, with Roxhythe acting as a master spy and manipulator in the courts of England, France, and Holland.
Where it surfaces
Epigraph
The query 'Under which King?' hints at the clandestine maneuvering and shifting loyalties characteristic of espionage.
The Great Roxhythe
Roxhythe's entire existence is built on secrets, manipulation, and covert operations.
Book I: The Ways Run Parallel
The chapter establishes the world of court secrets, spies, and diplomatic maneuvering that defines Roxhythe's role.
I: The King and His Favourite
The King's secret plan to use William of Orange as a pawn against De Witt and Louis XIV, and Roxhythe's role as a covert envoy, highlight the intricate political maneuvering at court.
II: The King His Councillors
The entire chapter revolves around a secret mission to deceive French spies, with Roxhythe agreeing to a public rebuff to maintain cover.
III: Christopher Dart
The chapter centers on Roxhythe's recruitment of Christopher for a secret mission to Holland, involving behind-the-scenes diplomacy and deception.
Love and Obsession
Romantic and platonic attachments drive much of the action, including Christopher's consuming love for Roxhythe, the jealousies of Lady Castlemaine and Lady Crewe, and the fraught relationships between spouses.
Where it surfaces
I: January, 1669
Christopher's intense, one-sided devotion to Roxhythe dominates his thoughts; he loves without expectation of return, and Roxhythe holds his whole heart.
III: Her Ladyship
Christopher Dart's instant infatuation with Lady Frances and Roxhythe's witty but platonic bond with her explore different facets of love.
V: Lady Crewe
Lady Crewe's intense jealousy and emotional dependence on Roxhythe, despite his neglect, highlight obsessive love.
II: The Husband
Millicent's obsessive love for Roxhythe drives her to risk her reputation and marriage, while Roxhythe treats the affair as a game.
III: The Challenge
Crewe's jealous rage and Roxhythe's detached flirtation highlight the destructive potential of obsessive love versus controlled affection.
IV: Progression
Millicent Crewe's unrequited love for Roxhythe, and the resulting unhappiness in her marriage, illustrate the destructive power of obsession.
Power and Ambition
Characters vie for influence, money, and position through alliances, marriages, and political maneuvering, with Roxhythe's own ambiguous motives and the King's need for funds highlighting the pursuit of power.
Where it surfaces
I: The King and His Favourite
Charles's ambition to secure his throne and financial independence, and his willingness to manipulate his nephew for power, drive the chapter's conflict.
II: The King His Councillors
Buckingham and Ashley jockey for influence in the King's councils, and Roxhythe's role as the King's secret agent demonstrates his ambition and power.
VII: William of Orange
William's ambition to become Stadtholder and King Charles's desire for financial independence drive the negotiations, showcasing the pursuit of power.
IX: The King of England
William of Orange is portrayed as an ambitious young leader who refuses to be used as a pawn, while Charles II seeks to expand his influence through strategic alliances.
VI: The Price
Charles II's ambition to secure French funds and strengthen his crown is contrasted with the Duke of York's desire for honorable, open governance.
X: May, 1670
Charles's ambition to secure French funds and pursue war with Holland, Roxhythe's skillful diplomacy, and James's desire for a more open and honorable alliance reflect the power struggles and ambitions driving the treaty.
Appearance vs. Reality
Roxhythe's languid, frivolous exterior masks a shrewd and ruthless operator; the book repeatedly shows how characters hide their true intentions behind masks of fashion, wit, or piety.
Where it surfaces
The Great Roxhythe
Roxhythe's public image as a loyal servant contrasts with his private, often ruthless, actions.
III: Christopher Dart
Roxhythe's foppish, languid exterior contrasts with his sharp intelligence and the serious nature of his mission, causing Christopher to question his judgment.
IV: Flushing
Roxhythe's court disgrace is a deliberate performance to deceive spies.
VI: Roderick Dart
Roxhythe's leisurely demeanor masks his urgent purpose; Roderick's apparent loyalty to De Witt is revealed to be devotion to William.
VII: William of Orange
Roxhythe and Roderick maintain a facade of hostility while collaborating; William feigns illness to deceive De Witt's spies, underscoring the theme of deception.
I: January, 1669
Roxhythe presents a cynical, frivolous exterior to the world, but Christopher glimpses a capable, astute plotter beneath; the chapter explores the duality of his nature.
Honor and Reputation
Concepts of personal and familial honor are central, seen in duels, public snubs, and the constant concern over scandal, as well as in the characters' struggles to maintain their reputations in a gossip-ridden court.
Where it surfaces
VI: Roderick Dart
Roderick's pride in his service to the Prince and his disdain for the corruption of Whitehall and the Louvre.
IX: The King of England
William's refusal to barter his country and honor for personal advancement contrasts with the intrigue of the English court, highlighting the theme of integrity.
I: January, 1669
Christopher defends Roxhythe's honor against Roderick's accusations, insisting that Roxhythe serves the King and country, and that his rakishness does not negate his integrity.
II: The Offer
Clifford's accusation of bribery is treated as an insult to both kings, and Colbert appeals to Clifford's honor to retract his words, showing the importance of public reputation.
VI: The Price
The Duke of York argues that secret dealings are degrading and un-Kinglike, while Charles prioritizes practical power over public honor.
I: Whitehall
Roxhythe's honor is defended by his secretary in a tavern brawl, and Roxhythe resolves the quarrel diplomatically to protect his name. Charles worries about the King's honor regarding the Treaty of Dover.
Religion and State
The tension between Catholicism and Protestantism underpins the political conflicts, with the King's secret Catholic sympathies, the Duke of York's faith, and the use of religion as a tool for diplomacy and rebellion.
Friendship and Mentorship
The bond between Roxhythe and Christopher Dart is a central relationship, mixing mentorship, deep affection, and unequal power, while other friendships are tested by suspicion and political necessity.
Where it surfaces
III: Christopher Dart
Christopher seeks counsel from Lord Ashley-Cooper, an old friend of his father, and struggles with his feelings toward Roxhythe as a potential mentor.
Mynheer de Staal
Roxhythe's bond with de Staal is evident in their warm reunion, and he guides Christopher through the intrigue.
VII: The First Seed of Doubt
Christopher's relationship with Roxhythe is tested as friends and acquaintances warn him against his master.
X: The Bitter Hour
The bond between Roxhythe and Christopher, once like father and son, is shattered by deceit, yet Roxhythe's final offer suggests a lingering care.
VI: The Decision
The tender farewell between Christopher and Lady Frances highlights the importance of friendship as a source of solace and support.
