Act 2, Scene 1 Summary

In conversation with the elderly servant Baldock, Spencer reveals his determination to ally himself with Gaveston, and therefore with Edward. Further conversation reveals that both Spencer and Baldock are members of the household of Edward's niece, Gaveston's fiancye, who has apparently received letters from Gaveston and is happily awaiting his return. Spencer teases Baldock about how he's going to have to dress and act in the excessive and highly ornamented way Gaveston does. Baldock, however, says firmly that he does not intend to behave in any way other than straightforward and plainly.

Spencer is about to tease him further but is interrupted by the arrival of the King's Niece, who reads aloud a loving letter from Gaveston and says she's also had a letter from Edward, inviting her to live at court. She tells Baldock to make her carriage ready. As...