Chapter Four Summary

Bess's father is grieved and anguished over Harry's betrothal to Bess. When John Winthrop arrives in London, Thomas Fones is on his deathbed, and asks John to forgive Bess and Harry, as he has. Winthrop grudgingly pays for the special license required for cousins to marry, and instructs the two to go to Groton after the wedding until he can figure out Harry's finances. In the meantime, the elderly Anne Winthrop has passed on, as well.

Although the entire family is in mourning, the Downing family hosts a wedding feast for Bess and Harry. Bess realizes that she actually has always loved Harry's brother, Jack, and never intended to marry Harry, and soon recognizes that Harry will not be a great husband due to his alcoholism.

Wanting to spend one crown on a wedding gift for Bess, the two stop to...