After some while spent in vain resistance, Bracciano submitted, and sent Vittoria back to her father's house.

By an order issued under Gregory's own hand, she was next removed to the prison of Corte Savella, thence to the monastery of S.Cecilia in Trastevere, and finally to the Castle of S.Angelo.Here at the end of December 1581, she was put on her trial for the murder of her first husband.

In prison she seems to have borne herself bravely, arraying her beautiful person in delicate attire, entertaining visitors, exacting from her friends the honors due to a duchess, and sustaining the frequent examinations to which she was submitted with a bold, proud front.

In the middle of the month of July her constancy was sorely tried by the receipt of a letter in the Duke's own handwriting, formally renouncing his marriage.

It was only by a lucky accident that she was prevented on this occasion from committing suicide.