Poorhouse Woman (Tildy #2)

The Midlands, 1821.

When a newly appointed vestry deems that Tildy Crawford is not rightfully a part of their parish, she is devastated.

Matilda Crawford’s husband ran away, leaving her to fend for herself and her young baby. With the vestry’s decision, she is forced back to the poorhouse she left behind shortly after young Davy’s birth.

Returning to the poorhouse instantly labels her as a pauper. With her beauty, there is no shortage of leering men. But Matilda, Tildy, wants more from life … she knows she is capable and intelligent enough … so why shouldn’t she?

Soon it becomes apparent that Davy is quite ill. Fearful for her baby, Tildy is at a loss for how she can help him.

Meanwhile, on the death of his mother, Lucas Royston, comes to live with his uncle. Having led a life of leisure and failing to obtain his medical degree, Lucas knows that he has no other choice but to accept the contract his uncle offers him. Lucrative it is not … but can he make something of this opportunity?

Davy is diagnosed with smallpox. A surely feared disease in the parish. Dr Royston uses this as an opportunity to make a name for himself in the parish. But to what lengths will he go to achieve this? What dangers will he forego to gain the fame he seeks?

Tildy’s beauty brings her to the attention of local higgler, Caleb Hawkes. Known as a good man generally, the residents of the poorhouse think Tildy is lucky to have his attention, despite the many women he has at his disposable.

But Tildy, having been told she is illiterate and ignorant, is more than determined to learn from Dr Royston … for the sake of her son. She will not let the attentions of a good man detract her from her plans … or will she?

Faced with an ill child, the threat of smallpox, the shame of being labelled a pauper, Tildy embarks on a journey that sets her apart from the other poorhouse women … where will this determination take her though?