Chapter 5, The Merchant Summary

Jane readies to go to Saint Swithin's Day Fair in order to replenish her stocks of various items. Beetle wishes she could go to the fair as well, but is afraid to ask. The day before the fair, Jane trips over the blacksmith's pig and breaks her ankle, forcing her to bed. Beetle, afraid that this means the midwife cannot work and will have no need of her, is surprised when Jane tells her she will have to go to the fair in her place.

Beetle enjoys the sights and sounds of the fair, since it is her first visit where hunger has not been not her main focus. As the day draws to an end, Beetle finally gets down to her task and begins to gather the items on her list.

At the booth of one merchant, Beetle...