Part Two 1369/Nine Summary

The year 1369 brings Lollards, famine, pestilence, a comet and other bad omens to England. John's brother Lionel died on his wedding trip, perhaps of poison. In addition, there was rebellion and newly declared war against France. The area around Kettlethorpe has flooded, washing away flocks, game and crops. One of the priest's sons drowned, and the flood waters drive Nichola so crazy that she jumps out the window to her death. Katherine defends Nichola's suicide, saying that she was bewitched by water elves.

Gibbon has died. Katherine now has a new son, Thomas, whose looks and manner resemble his father's. News came to Katherine of the plague in London, the death of the queen and her sister Philippa's pregnancy. Geoffrey wants to bring Philippa to Katherine while he goes to France under orders of the king, mostly so that...