A Glass of Water

Sarah's intrigues dominate the queen's decisions as Anne is young and inexperienced. Henry St. John, a noble journalist and leader of the opposition, seeks to end the war with France, challenging the queen's circle. The stage is set for a clash between personal ambition and national policy.

Sarah uses her influence to promote Masham, making him an ensign in the queen's guards. This patronage binds Masham closer to the court and expands his access to the queen, setting him up as a rising figure at Whitehall.

Masham becomes engaged to Abigail, a jealous jewellery-store clerk, complicating courtly plans. Henry St. John vows to win Abigail for himself, seeing her as a lever to influence the queen.

Masham duels Henry's wealthy cousin and kills him, shaking political alliances. The duel eliminates a rival and sets Masham on the path of power and danger.

With his cousin dead, Henry inherits a huge fortune and the title Lord Bolingbroke. This sudden rise makes him a formidable player at court and sharpens his ambitions.

Henry arranges for Abigail to gain a position in the queen's court, giving her inside access to the palace. Through her, he hopes to influence the queen and Masham's standing.

Via Abigail, Henry learns that the queen has her eye on Masham, though he remains unaware of the rival's identity. This knowledge lets him anticipate shifts in favor at court.

During a ball, the queen plans to pass Masham a glass of water as a signal for a rendezvous. Henry explains to Sarah that she has a rival at court, though he refuses to name who it is.

At the next ball, Sarah openly vies with the queen for Masham's favour and panic ensues. As a consequence, both Sarah and Masham resign their roles as the queen's confidants.

Later, Sarah and a few ladies surprise the queen during a night-time meeting with Masham. Henry arrives at the crucial moment and saves the queen with a white lie, turning the tables in his favor.

Henry is established as the queen's sole advisor, marking a turning point in power. Sarah is banished from court and Marlborough is dismissed, leaving Henry at the head of a new cabinet whose first task is to resume peace negotiations with France.