Episode 4 of "The Leopard" unfolds in the vibrant setting of Palermo, during the month of April 1861. The scene opens with the joyous union of Angelica and Tancredi in matrimony. Concetta watches the ceremony from the sidelines, her keen eyes noting even the presence of Fabrizio's mistress amongst the guests. As a token of his affection, Fabrizio presents Angelica with a cherished heirloom necklace, while Calogero bestows upon Tancredi a steed from Queen Isabel's own stable, symbolizing their high regard for the newlyweds.
Unable to contain her emotions any longer, Concetta abruptly excuses herself. Her turmoil is cut short, however, as Angelica and Tancredi intercept her, their conversation filled with dreams of relocating to Turin. Tancredi, sensing the awkwardness, excuses himself, leaving Angelica to console Concetta. With a reassuring tone, Angelica emphasizes that Concetta possesses the family name, fortune, and beauty, empowering her to pursue her desires unfettered. As a token of farewell, Angelica gifts Concetta a handkerchief intricately embroidered with the initials "AT," a gesture meant to signify their bond.
Yet, Concetta's turmoil proves too great, and she flees to the sanctuary of a convent. There, she conceals the handkerchief within the pages of her Bible, her gaze lingering only on the letter "T," perhaps a silent reflection of her turmoil and hope.
Fabrizio, frustrated by his daughter's stubborn resolve, finds little solace, while Stella stands by her sister's decision, viewing it as a holy vocation. Once Concetta takes her vows within a matter of days, the family is barred from visiting her, a reality that deeply saddens Stella, who sees it as the necessary sacrifice accompanying Angelica's marriage.
On Concetta's birthday, Fabrizio personally wraps a gift, his heart heavy with concern. Despite his intentions to visit, Stella insists he respect Concetta's wishes and turn his attention to his other children. In his stead, Pirrone is dispatched, carrying Fabrizio's love and concern. Concetta, seeking to spare her father's worries, assures Pirrone of her happiness, insisting that a father's care knows no bounds, a sentiment Pirrone poignantly echoes.
Fabrizio, striving to find peace, convinces himself that a union between Concetta and Tancredi would have been a disaster, their temperaments too disparate to blend harmoniously. Thus, amidst the joy and sorrow intertwined in the family's fabric, Concetta's path takes her down a solitary, sacred road, her heart and future shrouded in the quiet solemnity of the convent.
Tempted beyond resistance, Concetta unwraps the gift to reveal a telescope accompanied by a note suggesting she ponder over which lens—the small or the large—she prefers for her observations. In Palermo, the aristocracy turns a blind eye to Calogero, whom they dismiss as he waves them aside, boasting of a lucrative proposition for Fabrizio: the church land in Lercara, rich in sulphur, beckoning investment. Yet, Fabrizio declines, wary of stirring troubles for Concetta.
On her part, Concetta catches sight of a prostitute and beckons her back to the convent. Her anger gets the better of her, leading her to insulting the woman, questioning her indifference towards married women and their children. Regretting her outburst, Concetta finds herself invited to the prostitute's abode this time round.
Elsewhere, Fabrizio conveys to Paolo that it is time for him to embark on his training as his heir apparent. Paolo vows to uphold his honor, but Russo dissents, deeming the youth too rash and impulsive for such responsibility. Within the confines of his quarters, Fabrizio stumbles upon Concetta's drawings, each stroke echoing her presence, filling him with longing. In a fit of emotion, he storms off to the convent, threatening the Mother Superior despite her reminder that Concetta has no desire to return.
Dejected, Fabrizio retreats to a club where Leonforte's arrival stirs new concerns. The former governor voices apprehension over the vacuum of authority, with all Italian government officials ashore. He warns of opportunists exploiting the ensuing chaos, prompting Fabrizio to suspect Russo's involvement.
Meanwhile, Russo and Paolo, astride Tancredi's steed, venture out to oversee various farms. Russo's mission is to meet Calogero, but Paolo catches sight of them. Calogero feigns camaraderie, presenting Paolo with the Lercara proposition. He reveals that brigands are pilfering the sulphur and persuades him that convincing the church to sell the land would earn Fabrizio's pride. In a calculated lie, he paints Paolo's business acumen in a favorable light, anticipating Fabrizio's approval.
Returning to Concetta, she endeavors to persuade the prostitute to save her soul by taking the vows of consecrated life. In response, the prostitute reassures her that love will find her again and urges her to reconcile with her family. However, their perspectives clash, leading Concetta to depart. During the novice initiation ceremony, the stringent rules mandate surrendering all possessions, even one's family ties. Concetta appears terrified as Mother Superior keeps a watchful eye on her.
Meanwhile, Calogero, Russo, and Paolo venture into the mine's vicinity only to find the bandits have already established their territory. They issue threats of gunfire, prompting Russo to suggest retreat. Paolo scorns him as a coward and presses onward. A bandit fires a warning shot, causing Paolo's horse to bolt in panic.
Fabrizio visits the prostitute but is incensed by her attempt to mediate with Concetta. In a fit of rage, he storms to the church and causes a commotion. When Concetta enters, he is rendered speechless and hastily exits. Mother Superior observes that Concetta isn't using the telescope to exact punishment upon her father. Nevertheless, that very night, Concetta peers through the telescope and beams with a smile.
A Cavaliere arrives in Palermo with an enticing offer for Fabrizio to ascend to the rank of senator in the nascent Italian government. Just as The Leopard prepares to exploit the Italians' vulnerabilities, Russo interrupts with dire news: Paolo has perished after being thrown from his skittish horse. Stella weeps inconsolably while Fabrizio, consumed by anger, slays the horse.
At Paolo's funeral, Concetta attends, embracing her family including Fabrizio and gently urging Tancredi to stand by their father's side. Tancredi complies, holding her hand, as Angelica catches this tender moment at the conclusion of The Leopard's fourth episode.
