The Gossips' Choice

Respected midwife Lucie Smith is married to Jasper, the town apothecary. They live happily together at the shop with the sign of the three doves. But 1665 proves a troublesome year. Lucie is called to a birth at the local Manor, and Jasper objects to her involvement with their former opponents in the English Civil War.  Their only surviving son Simon flees plague-ridden London  for his country hometown, only to argue with his father. Lucie also has to manage her husband's fury at the news of their loyal housemaid's unplanned pregnancy, and its repercussions on the family.

The year draws to a close with the first ever acccusation of malpractice against Lucie, which could see her lose her midwifery practoce, or even face excommunication.