In the parlor, Hester apologizes to Cordelia for being unable to help. Lord Evermore returns, dusty and exhausted, and reports on his visit to Mr. Parker, the axe-murderer. Parker is sane but cannot speak about why he killed his family or about Lady Evangeline; he chokes and blacks out when pressed. He could, however, mention his stolen cabriolet and 'her, with the white horse,' confirming Cordelia's account. Cordelia learns with relief that Parker's two youngest daughters, including Ellen, survived because their governess pushed them onto the roof.

Hester explains the full situation to Richard, including how Cordelia is made 'obedient' by her mother. They agree that confronting Evangeline before the wedding is too dangerous, especially since they have no proof that anyone in love with Evangeline would believe. Hester proposes a plan: Richard must offer marriage to Cordelia. Richard initially misunderstands and tenderly tells Hester his offer to her has always been open, embarrassing Hester, who clarifies she means a sham engagement to Cordelia.

Hester reasons that Evangeline's goal has always been to marry Cordelia to a rich man for money, though her ultimate purpose is unknown. By engaging Cordelia to Richard, they buy time to investigate, and Evangeline is unlikely to kill Richard before Cordelia bears an heir, since his estate is entailed. The honeymoon will give Hester cover to chaperone Cordelia and research sorcery, possibly using Richard's grandfather's uncatalogued rare-book library. Cordelia agrees and retreats, overwhelmed, to study etiquette before Richard's formal offer.

Alone with Hester, Richard reveals hurt anger at being asked to marry someone else after Hester rejected him years ago. Hester apologizes, insisting it was never him she didn't want. Richard confirms he believes the sorcery story after witnessing Parker's torment, and describes how horrific it was. He kisses Hester's hand, hinting he'd marry again 'if it was the right woman,' and departs to congratulate Samuel, leaving Hester shaken by lingering feelings.