Elizabeth's advisors try to select the perfect suitor to secure England's stability. When she learns that her cousin, Mary Queen of Scots, has been widowed and may now return to try and take the throne, Elizabeth starts to see the seriousness of the situation. However she is adamant that she can rule alone. She continues to flirt with Dudley, but his wife dies and rumours fly around that she was murdered so Dudley and the Queen can marry. Elizabeth sees that her connection with Dudley is dangerous, and refuses him when he proposes.