As Starz’s Becoming Elizabeth episode four opens, Princess Elizabeth (Alicia von Rittberg) attempting to settle into life at Cheshunt Manor. Episode three ended with Catherine Parr sending Elizabeth away after discovering Elizabeth and Thomas Seymour in a compromising position. Elizabeth’s now paying the price for being naïve enough to fall for Catherine’s new husband.
Cheshunt Manor is the home of Elizabeth’s Lady in Waiting Kat Ashley’s sister Jane and her brother-in-law Anthony Denny. After a few weeks in residence, Kat (Alexandra Gilbreath) suggests Elizabeth should leave behind what upset her at Chelsea Manor, but Elizabeth’s in a sour mood and is fixated on Catherine as she sits down for dinner with the Denny family.
Anthony Denny believes he’s nearly family to Elizabeth, given that he was a good friend of her father’s and with the King when he died. Elizabeth thinks Anthony Denny’s withholding letters from Catherine Parr, but Anthony assures her Catherine hasn’t written.
Later, Elizabeth admits her period’s late and she’s worried. Kat reminds her she’s never been regular, but Elizabeth thinks she’s pregnant. Kat confesses she had no idea Elizabeth slept with Thomas, and Elizabeth confirms she had sex with Thomas more than once.
Elizabeth wants to get rid of the child but Kat commands her to stop talking about it. If Elizabeth doesn’t have her period soon, Kat will figure out what to do.
Elsewhere, King Edward VI’s men set about destroying Catholic Churches and stealing anything of value.
King Edward (Oliver Zetterström) is determined to bring the true faith to all of his people, with Catherine Parr (Jessica Raine) and Thomas Seymour (Tom Cullen) at his side as he announces this new campaign. Edward Seymour’s less enthusiastic than his brother about trying to rid England of Catholics and convert them to Protestantism. He’s only allowing King Edward to act on his desire to appease him.
Henry Grey whispers gossip about Princess Elizabeth’s absence while King Edward leads the court in prayer. Henry hints that there’s something nefarious going on and that tongues are wagging.
Once back at home, Catherine’s true disdain for her husband comes through as she speaks to Lady Jane (Bella Ramsey) about having to leave her behind while they went to court. If Jane accompanied them, then Elizabeth’s absence would have been even more noticeable.
Catherine reveals Elizabeth writes every week but she never replies. “This is what you’ve made me,” says Elizabeth, furious with Thomas. “I’ve lost all compassion for a child…a child, Thomas!”
Princess Mary (Romola Garai) shows up unexpectedly at Cheshunt Manor, accompanied by Sir Pedro. Mary and Elizabeth have a lengthy chat while strolling the grounds and Mary asks her sister if she realizes what people are saying about her. Elizabeth apologizes for the letter she wrote and Mary suggests Elizabeth should try listening to those with more experience next time.
Mary believes Elizabeth allowed what she told her would happen to happen. Mary thinks this is all Catherine Parr’s doing but Elizabeth confesses she didn’t consult Catherine before writing the letter.
They discuss why Elizabeth’s hiding out in the country and it’s obvious Mary doesn’t have any idea what’s going on. Mary wants Elizabeth to return to court, and Elizabeth claims she has no idea who decided to send her to Cheshunt Manor or if she’s free to leave.
Elizabeth wonders what Anthony Denny was told (or knows) and Mary’s confused. Elizabeth walks away in a huff and Mary catches up, demanding to know what there is to know. When Elizabeth doesn’t reply, Mary figures it out and tells her sister to confide only in God. She doesn’t want Elizabeth to say out loud what Mary has now deduced is the cause for her sister’s banishment.
Mary explains that everyone wants them to be at odds, and she doesn’t want Elizabeth to say anything that she’ll ultimately regret. “Don’t hand me the power to destroy you and then ask me not to use it,” says Mary.
Princess Mary’s next visit is to her brother. She informs him she doesn’t want a war and doesn’t want any ill feelings between herself, her brother, or her sister. King Edward claims Elizabeth abandoned them and Robert Dudley (Jamie Blackley) chimes in that she’s apparently unwell. Mary clears that up and says Elizabeth isn’t in hiding or ill.
Edward Seymour reminds King Edward he told him not to listen to court gossip. Mary, who has no patience for either Seymour, wonders why Edward allowed the gossip to spread in the first place.
Mary wants to do something fun with her brother and Edward seems excited by the idea.
A short while later they watch cocks fighting and cheer while Pedro and Edward Seymour stand apart from the crowd. It’s confirmed in a whispered conversation that Sir Pedro is spying on Princess Mary for Edward Seymour. Pedro reveals what he’s learned and Edward takes in the info and then asks if Mary’s inciting any more rebellions with the recently freed Bishop Gardiner. (Apparently, Pedro’s letter to Edward seemed to indicate they’re colluding.)
Princess Mary and her stepmother have a tense conversation, and Mary reveals she thinks Catherine is foolish for marrying Thomas Seymour. Mary used to respect and love Catherine, but that changed to hate and now pity.
Henry Grey and Robert Dudley exchange words and nearly come to blows after Henry insults Princess Elizabeth and calls her a sickly whore. John Dudley hustles his son away and warns him he could have lost his hand if he had hit Grey. Dudley suggests his son forget his feelings for Princess Elizabeth.
Robert Dudley heads to Cheshunt Manor and Elizabeth initially seems standoffish. Fortunately, she warms up to her friend and they catch up on what’s going on in court. It’s obvious how much Robert cares for Elizabeth, but it’s left unsaid as he rides off back to court.
Later, Elizabeth laughs in relief after her period finally arrives.
Sir Pedro takes Princess Mary to a church to see the damage done by King Edward’s men. A priest lost his eye defending the church, and Mary assures him the Lord sees everything he does for Him.
The audience is treated to a shot, from behind, of a naked Edward Seymour jumping in a lake. Later, fully clothed, he cradles his newborn daughter and says she’s more than he deserves. Catherine has forgiven him and Thomas promises he’s done with his philandering ways as they hold their child.
That evening Thomas goes out drinking and celebrating with his friends – and his brother. Edward Seymour even manages to smile as they get drunk and toast each other.
Thomas returns home, drunk, and learns he’s the last of the household to find out Catherine has died. She’s already wrapped for her funeral as their baby cries in the background.
Edward Seymour strides through the court and King Edward chides him for keeping him waiting. King Edward’s enraged he received an invitation to Mary, Queen of Scots, and the dauphin of France’s wedding. He’s upset that not only is Mary not going to be his wife, but that the war is still going on.
Edward Seymour doesn’t seem to care and finally explains that Catherine Parr has died.
Catherine’s will is read and her possessions will return to the Crown. However, Chelsea Place and other items will pass directly to Princess Elizabeth who hears the news from Anthony Denny. Anthony confirms Princess Elizabeth is now the second-richest woman in the country. (Princess Mary is the richest.)
Elizabeth’s confused about who she’ll live with now, and Anthony says no one. Of course, there will be useless advisors (his words) but Elizabeth will be in charge of herself. “I’m sure you’re quite capable of making your own decisions,” says Anthony.
Henry Grey packs up his daughter Jane and Thomas Seymour’s shocked they’re leaving. Without Catherine around, Henry has no intention of leaving Jane with Thomas.
Edward tells his brother he’ll be moved in with him and Thomas doesn’t argue. Thomas confesses he thought about Catherine’s death and wonders if he “brought it into being.” Edward admits he also thought about his wife’s death when his children were born and believes it’s natural to do so in order to ready oneself in case it happens during childbirth.
Anthony Denny accompanies Princess Elizabeth back to Chelsea Manor, along with Kat Ashley and other members of her household. Much of the furniture’s been removed and Elizabeth walks through the rooms, touching items that remain. She opens a desk drawer and inside are all the letters she wrote to Catherine. They’ve been opened, so now she knows Catherine did in fact receive them but chose not to reply.
Anthony suggests Princess Elizabeth consider what she really wants and not hide it from herself. If she cares about the rumors, then she should stop them. Her father never cared about rumors and she shouldn’t either.
Princess Elizabeth returns to court and asks for an audience with her brother. She apologizes to him for neglecting her duties, and then lies that she was taken ill but now she’s returned and pledges herself to him. She believes her appearance while put an end to all the hurtful rumors.
“I am yours and yours alone,” says Elizabeth.
King Edward approaches his sister and helps her to her feet. “The Crown forgives your absence and welcomes your return.”
Princess Mary is at the church that was stripped of its holy relics when Sir Pedro finally admits he was sent by the Lord Protector to spy on her. Mary is shocked Pedro betrayed her and he reveals he’s telling the truth now because he has come to learn she’s honest and pious, unlike the men he supported.
While King Edward calls for a celebration and music because of Princess Elizabeth, Princess Mary risks her brother’s ire by holding a Catholic mass.
The episode ends with Thomas Seymour whispering “marry me” in Elizabeth’s ear.
- Becoming Elizabeth Episode 1 “Keep Your Knife Bright” Recap
- Becoming Elizabeth Episode 2 “You Cannot Keep the Birds From Flying Over Your Head” Recap
- Becoming Elizabeth Episode 3 “Either Learn Or Be Silent” Recap
- Becoming Elizabeth Episode 5 “Necessity Compels Me to Plague You” Recap
- Becoming Elizabeth Episode 6 “What Cannot Be Cured” Recap
- Becoming Elizabeth Episode 7 “To Laugh, To Lie, To Flatter, To Face” Recap
- Becoming Elizabeth Episode 8 “To Death We Must Stoop” Recap
