Book description
The year is 1140 and England is torn by the strife of civil war. Oliver
Pascal chances upon a village raided by mercenaries and rescues the
survivors: an orphaned boy, who is the illegitimate son of the old king,
and his mother's maid, a young widow named Catrin. After escorting them
to Bristol Castle, they are accepted into the household of Robert of
Gloucester and while Catrin finds herself falling in love with Oliver
she suffers a deep boredom at the frivolity of court life. Thus when the
old midwife Etheldreda offers to teach her the secrets of her ancient
art, Catrin agrees. But the midwife's life is fraught with dangers, not
least Oliver's own personal fears which threaten their relationship, but
also in the shape of two men, both killers and both of whom threaten the
couple's lives. However, Catrin is determined to pursue her career and
keep Oliver and while England fights a civil war, she battles for her
love and for her vocation.
