After Nicholas Montfort's riding accident, the household is in turmoil. Marguerite and Claire return to their tower while the Montfort daughters, Suzanne and Ysabeau, eventually rejoin them for lessons, recounting how Nicholas was thrown by his horse and how the physicians' bleedings and poultices cannot stem the putrefaction in his leg. For days Nicholas weakens, and his family keeps vigil.

While walking with Claire, Marguerite is approached by Madame D'Artois, who reports that Nicholas still lives, and more shockingly, that Roberval's servant Henri has arrived. Henri orders Marguerite to depart the next morning for La Rochelle with only Damienne—not Claire or Madame D'Artois. He brings sea trunks rather than ordinary luggage, and tells her she will not need furniture, suggesting she will not return.

Stunned, Marguerite directs the maids to pack while Damienne collapses in grief. Claire and Madame D'Artois purchase Marguerite's instrument, portrait of the Virgin, and linen chest from their own wages. Marguerite learns that Madame D'Artois and Claire had already arranged to remain at the château teaching the Montfort daughters, having anticipated Marguerite's removal but kept their plans secret. Marguerite feels betrayed, realizing she was Claire's employer rather than her sister.

That night, Claire comes to tell Marguerite that Nicholas has died. The two argue over Claire's secrecy; Claire insists she loves Marguerite and would come if she could, then presses her own ring onto Marguerite's finger as a token. Marguerite gives Claire her mother's ruby ring for safekeeping, refusing to let Roberval take it, and warns Claire not to make promises she cannot keep.

At dawn, Marguerite and Damienne mount their horses. Damienne grieves leaving the only home she has ever known, while Marguerite, hardened by anger, rides off with Henri into the cold autumn morning, leaving Claire and Madame D'Artois behind to teach in her place.