Dorothea is having an uneasy honeymoon in Rome, when Casaubon's restless young cousin Will Ladislaw calls on them. Dr Lydgate discovers he has enemies.

Fred Vincy is anxious to know to whom Featherstone will leave his fortune. Casaubon is furious when Ladislaw visits Dorothea. Lydgate and Rosamond's wedding goes ahead.

Dorothea is now a widow, but she vows never to finish Casaubon's book because of the vindictive codicil to his will. Will Ladislaw is out of a job.