The next morning, Lady Hunstanton and Mrs. Allonby drop by to visit Mrs. Arbuthnot at her house. Gerald tells them that his mother is unavailable and has a headache. Lady Hunstanton remarks on how charming the house is and how unlike it is compared to the modern fashions of the upper classes. Thinking it a good representation of pure English home life, she imagines Lord Illingworth in such a place. Gerald reveals that he no longer intends to become Lord Illingworth’s secretary. The two women urge him to reconsider, telling him that he is being foolish, but he does not relent.

After the guests leave, Mrs. Arbuthnot comes down to find her son writing a letter to Lord Illingworth. Gerald reveals his plan to demand that his father marry his mother, thus helping them both to atone. Mrs. Arbuthnot refuses, saying that she would never marry Lord Illingworth now. Gerald is confused, telling her that this is her only chance for redemption. However, Mrs. Arbuthnot says that she cannot truly regret her sin because it gave her the son that she so dearly loves. While she hates Lord Illingworth, her love for Gerald is so great that she does not feel true contrition for having a child.