In Chapter 1 of this section, Jude and Sue have relocated to Aldbrickham. They are attempting to get divorces from their respective ex-spouses. While Jude is ready to tie the knot, Sue is hesitant.

In Chapter II, Arabella comes by looking for cash after her husband has left her. Jude is not there. She remains anonymous, but Sue immediately recognizes Arabella as the person behind the mask. Sue refuses to let Arabella in the house, even though she has returned and spoken to Jude. Jude pursues Arabella despite Sue's desires, but he cannot locate her. Given the weather, Jude changes his footwear before continuing his search. Sue pleads with him not to leave her and offers to get married to him if he stays with her. He decides to stay in the country, and the two start preparing for the wedding.

Arabella informs Jude that she gave birth to Jude's child eight months after she left him. Weirdly, the kid seems quite mature. After living with Arabella's parents, who cannot continue caring for him, he moves in with Jude and Sue.

Jude and Sue discover that the boy's appearance has earned him the nickname "Little Father Time." Sue decides to get married to protect her unborn kid.

Widow Edlin now travels from Marygreen to serve as a witness. She continues to relate tales of Jude's and Sue's relatives' rocky marriages. A child born to one of Jude's ancestors tragically perished after the couple separated. He was found trying to take the child's coffin so he could be buried with his family, and he was executed for burglary. Widow Edlin says that this incident was purely bad luck. Angered by the tale, little Father Time warns Jude and Sue against getting married.

Jude and Sue watch a nearby wedding as they wait to be married at the registration. Both the bride and the groom look miserable. Sue is nervous, so they decide to get married in a religious ceremony. Again, they see a less-than-enthusiastic couple, and Sue has second thoughts. They are still sharing a house.

Once Arabella's husband, Carlett, returns to her, they go to an agricultural show in Chapter V. Arabella comments on how strange a couple, Jude and Sue, are because they have built a model of Christminster and are displaying it at a gallery. She confides in her friend Anny and visits Doctor Vilbert, who sells her a love potion she hopes will bring Jude back to her.

In Chapter VI, Jude and Sue are the targets of more rumors. After relocating to Kennetsbridge, they dispose of their household goods. Little Father Time gets called names at school because he has a "nominal mother," and Jude loses his job at the church.

In Chapter VII, three years have passed as Sue and Arabella reunite at a fair in Kennetsbridge. Sue now has two children of her own. She shares the news that Jude is sick with Arabella. Sue, at the time of this chat, is located at Christminster, where she sells cakes in the shapes of various local landmarks. She and Jude have established this cake company.

In Chapter VII, Arabella allegedly converts to religion. She attends the opening of a new church led by a preacher from London with her companion Anny. Arabella is still in love with Jude, and seeing Sue has only rekindled this interest.

Arabella and Anny offer Phillotson a ride while they are heading into Marygreen. After recognizing Phillotson, Arabella reveals that she was once married to Jude. She also hints that Sue is struggling while assuring him that "the law of Moses is on his side." The story returns to her perspective after Sue's disappointing interaction with Arabella. As she returns from the fair, she finds that Jude wants to uproot the family and return to Christminster.