As the spring unfolds, so do the dramas of village life. Dotty Harmer serves up an herbal brew to her neighbor Albert Piggott, who has a soft spot for her despite his crusty facade. Architect Edward Young overhears a rumor that the old people's home he designed may be a bit cramped, and an American stranger arrives in search of family connections. At the Fuchsia Bush restaurant, Albert's wife, Nellie, finds herself in charge when the owner Mrs. Peters falls ill, and soon she receives two surprising gifts with implications for her past and her future. By year's end, these stories are satisfyingly intertwined, capturing a bygone era with the charm and humor that give Miss Read her enduring appeal. - Back cover.