Part 2, Chapter 20 Summary

Merivel's sexual relationship with Katherine continues nearly every night for five weeks. In the day, Merivel feels guilty about it and seeks forgiveness from God, but by night his lust gets the better of him. Once again, he makes the midnight visit to Margaret Fell. Katherine loves Merivel. Merivel doesn't love Katherine and is in it only for the sex, which he enjoys.

Pearce has a ladle he keeps with him and sleeps with at night. One night, after one of Merivel's escapades, Pearce tells Merivel he has lost his ladle. Merivel discovers that Pearce's physical condition has taken a turn for the worse. Merivel finds the ladle, and this begins a ten-day period of watching Pearce begin to fade away. After ten days, Pearce dies. A wake and funeral are held. At the funeral, Merivel is finally able to express...