Kristin suffers from morning sickness. She and Erlend travel to live on the Husaby estate, a larger and wealthier estate than Kristin has known. In spite of the potential of Husaby, Kristin quickly realizes that Erlend has been a poor administrator. He has allowed the land to be badly managed and the servants are lazy and unmannered. Kristin resolves to put the estate in order. Ulf Haldorssøn, Erlend’s kinsmen and trusted friend, helps her to do so. Kristin is pregnant, but she worries that she has not felt the baby move, so she prays for the baby’s health. Erlend begins to suspect that Kristin is pregnant, but he says nothing. Kristin resents his silence, and a tense atmosphere settles into their marriage. During a confrontation, he hits her. Later, however, she feels the baby move and they are able to reconcile.

Kristin’s sincere efforts to restore Husaby win her the affection of the staff. She continues to pray for the safety of her unborn child. Erland fathered a son with his mistress, Eline, and the boy comes to stay at Husaby. This boy is named Orm, and though he is shy and reserved, he and Kristin grow close.