1648 - the Fletchers take over the Castle, flying their family crest, to the chagrin of Lucinda. Fletcher Senior returns safe from Massachusetts to see his grandson. Lucinda meets her husband and Tom in France. They plot to save the King.
1649 - General Cromwell and Colonel Ireton tell John Fletcher of putting King Charles on Trial. Ultimately, His Majesty is executed Tuesday 30th of January, 1649 (O.S.). Monarchy is abolished in England, but Prince Charles yet lives on.
Having dispatched the one consistent Authority in England since Saxon times, Parliament has problems with Levellers and the New Model Army, with Cromwell as Supreme Commander. He visits Arnescote for dinner, and debates with his hosts.
1650 - There is word King Charles II intends to invade England to restore the Monarchy. Visitors also come to Arnescote to preach the Gospel, but then Witchfinder Snelling appears, who arrests Minty and puts her on trial. Can she be saved?
Charles II, defeated at Worcester, Wednesday 3rd September, 1651 (Old Style), flees to France, which becomes the stuff of Legend. Some survived the Battle, and may be ransomed. There is an offer to Cromwell of a Crown. He wisely refuses.
No longer a singing boy but a man without vocation, Hugh's feelings for Anne have grown into love. He confesses such to Margaret, threatening to reveal his secret, but is blissfully unaware of far more momentous truths that will also out.
1655 - Henry Wilmot, 1st Earl of Rochester, plots against Cromwell, as part of John Penruddock's Uprising by the Royalist Sealed Knot Society. Lucinda is pregnant, but this is in jeopardy when she goes out to warn Sir Tom Lacey of a trap.
Anne's son Martin is grown, mentored by General Horton. Anne distances herself from him, who sees her as a Lacey at heart. She visits John. The Crown is offered to Cromwell, who ends military government. Thurloe accuses Austin of treason.
1658 - Cromwell is ill in bed, his followers concerned about the Succession, but he passes away, Friday, 3rd of September (O.S.). Thomas returns to England to kill General Horton, who is invited to dine. Tom insults him, leading to a duel.
Charles II is restored, but no mercy to those who condemned his father. John Fletcher refuses Austin's plan to flee to Massachusetts. In the Tower he must pay for lodging. A feast is planned to welcome Tom Lacey home. John is put on trial.