Years later, Delio returns to the Malfi court with Ferdinand. Antonio reports that the Duchess has had two additional children. Ferdinand’s behavior is menacing due to its calmness and the people of Malfi have labeled the Duchess a “strumpet” (III.1.26). Though the politicians of Malfi notice Antonio’s increased wealth, they do not suspect he is the children’s father.

Ferdinand and the Duchess enter; Ferdinand says he has arranged for the Duchess to marry Count Malateste. The Duchess objects, saying the count is as transparent as a “sugar-candy.” She wants to talk about the rumors besmirching her honor, but Ferdinand assures her he will uphold her innocence. In an aside, the Duchess expresses relief at Ferdinand’s response. Once everyone else leaves, Ferdinand comments on the apparentness of the Duchess’s “guilt.”

Bosola enters and tells Ferdinand that though the Duchess has three children, they do not know the father. Bosola thinks she may have been bewitched, but Ferdinand says that the only witchcraft at play is the Duchess’s “rank blood” (III.1.78). Bosola makes a false key to the Duchess’s chamber, which he gives to Ferdinand, even though he dissembles about what he will use it for.