Masterpiece Theatre Elizabeth meets Francois, Duke of Anjou. A marriage would cement France's desired alliance with England. Both Sir William Cecil and Thomas Radclyffe, 3rd Earl of Sussex, eagerly support this potential marriage. Despite the Purita... (more)ns' rousing opposition in the country, Elizabeth seems taken with the witty and smooth Francois. When her duties as Queen clash with her feelings as a woman, Elizabeth faces her toughest decision. In the end, her good friend and counselor Sussex helps Elizabeth make her painfully honest, final decision. Elizabeth does not want to marry - ever!