Arden is talking with his friend Franklin, who works for Edward Seymour, the Lord Protector for King Edward VI. Franklin is trying to cheer Arden up by relaying the news that Seymour and King Edward recently signed over ownership of the Abbey of Faversham to Arden. Arden is not comforted: He is distressed about his wife Alice’s apparent infidelity with Mosby, a former tailor who has recently bettered his station by befriending a nobleman. Arden is particularly bothered by Mosby’s low social status, as opposed to Arden who was born a gentleman. He and Franklin concoct a plan for Arden to stay with Franklin in London, hoping that Alice will realize what she is missing when he is gone.

When Alice enters, Arden confronts her about calling Mosby’s name in her sleep. After several deflections, he drops the accusation and says he will be spending a month in London with Franklin. Alice pines over his absence to his face, but when Arden excuses himself, she reveals she desires to be with Mosby. Her marriage to Arden prevents it, however.

A worker from the nearby inn arrives with a message for Alice from Mosby, saying that he doesn’t want to see her.