Oatley and the Earl of Lincoln discuss Lacy. Previously, Lincoln had feared that Oatley was hiding Lacy because of Lacy’s love for Rose. Oatley insists that he has had no contact with Lacy since—he assumes—Lacy left for France. Oatley insists that he has done everything in his power to hide Rose from any possible interaction with Lacy, fearing that he might offend Lincoln’s “noble blood” (16.21). Lincoln seems to accept this answer, then enlists Oatley to help him find Lacy so that Lacy can be sent back to the war in France.

Sybil interrupts to announce that Rose and Lacy have eloped. She refers to Lacy as “Hans,” who is accused of being a “Fleming butter-box” (16.42) by Oatley. He cannot believe his daughter could love such a man. Lincoln suspects that Hans is actually Lacy. 

Firk enters, carrying the shoes that are intended for Rose. After responding jokingly to the men’s questions, he reveals that Rose and Hans are set to wed in St. Faith’s church. Furious, Oatley tries to bribe Firk for more information, but Firk is wary. He is reluctant to betray his fellow shoemaker and insists that Hans is “nobody” (16.121). Oatley decides that he will go to the church to stop the wedding. He suggests that Lincoln could stay the night and then join him in the morning. 

As they leave, Firk reflects privately on his success. He has tricked the men by giving them the wrong location for the wedding. He looks ahead to what is sure to be a chaotic day, envisioning how the marriage of Jane and Hammon—actually taking place at St. Faith’s church—will create many new problems.

As Rose and Lacy prepare to elope, Eyre offers his assistance. Lacy, still in his disguise, mentions his concerns, but Eyre offers his assurances that he will do everything he can as “Lord Mayor of London” (17.7-8) to help. Margery also offers her support. Remembering how Hans helped them to become rich, Eyre explains, he will now return the favor. 

Margery is sent to accompany the couple to the Savoy, which is where they will be married. Once they are gone, Eyre thinks about his “mad life” (17.35). He is busy, but he is proud of his rapid ascent. He is eagerly anticipating the chance to host the King, as well as ensuring that his old apprentices and fellow shoemakers are treated well and honorably. In this regard, he plans to make Shrove Tuesday an annual holiday for the apprentices and “feast them all” (17.43)

The shoemakers, the “heirs apparent to Saint Hugh” (18.2), have gathered outside St. Faith’s church. They are armed with sticks so that they can prevent the marriage between Jane and Hammon, promising Ralph that they will support him. 

Jane and Hammon arrive with the wedding party. The shoemakers stand in their way. Jane learns that Ralph is still alive. She runs to him, appalled that Hammon would claim that her husband was dead. No matter if Ralph is poor and injured, she announces, she will always love him. Hammon ignores his servant’s suggestion that he should fight. 

The shoemakers menace and threaten him, saying that Jane should be allowed to choose her husband. When Jane chooses Ralph, Hammon offers a bribe to Ralph for “[his] Jane” (18.79) but Ralph refuses to give up his wife. He is insulted by Hammon’s offer. Eventually, Hammon recognizes the fault in his actions and instead offers the money as a gift. He swears that “no woman else shall be [his] wife” (18.95) and makes a quiet exit. The shoemakers, meanwhile, celebrate the reunion of Jane and Ralph.

Amid the celebrations, the Earl of Lincoln and Oatley arrive. They are angry at having been made to wait for Rose and Lacy at the wrong place. When they see Ralph and Jane, they mistakenly believe that this is Rose and Lacy. Firk encourages their mistake, mocking them. 

They are interrupted by Dodger, who brings news that Rose and Lacy are already married. They were married at the Savoy in the presence of Simon and Margery Eyre. Simon Eyre has promised to “stand in their defense” (18.155). Lincoln and Oatley storm out. They plan to take the matter to the King. Once they are gone, Firk revels in the confusion. Meanwhile, the shoemakers prepare to celebrate Shrove Tuesday.