Chapter 16, The Baby Summary

Alyce is working at the inn as a storm approaches. A wealthy couple and their attendants arrive and are shown in but the man wants no service because he believes his wife is being attacked by a stomach worm. Jennet informs the man that his wife is about to have a baby, but he has difficulty believing it since his wife has been barren.

Jennet sends the man's attendant to the village to fetch the midwife, but he returns and tells them that Jane is not at home. Jennet does what she can to make the woman comfortable and Alyce watches from under the stairs, afraid to get involved in things.

Time passes and though Jennet tries to be a help she is unable to deliver the baby, finally covering the woman with her cloak and giving up. Alyce...