In despair, Anne finally relented and Sunderland received the seals of office; but the special relationship between Godolphin, Sarah, and the Queen had taken a severe blow and she began to turn increasingly to a new favourite – Sarah's cousin, Abigail Masham.
Fortvivlet gav Anna endelig efter og Sunderland fik posten, men det særlige forhold mellem Godolphin, Sarah og dronningen havde taget alvorlig skade, og hun begyndte i stigende grad at vende sig mod en ny favorit, Abigail Masham.