"London, 1833. Doctress Hester Reeves has been offered a life-changing commission. But it comes at a price. She must leave behind her husband and their canal-side home in Kings Cross and move to Tall Trees--a dark and foreboding house in Fitzrovia. If Hester can cure the ailing health of its owner, Gervaise Cherville, she will receive payment that will bring her everything she could dream of. But on arriving at Tall Trees, Hester quickly discovers that an even bigger task awaits her. Now she must unearth secrets that have lain hidden for decades--including one that will leave Hester's own life forever changed. . . ."-- Provided by publisher.

A row of spiked railings -- The smell of the sickroom -- Old wives' tales -- Beds of flowers -- Pagan myths -- Lamentations -- Receipts for pies and cakes -- Seaside places -- A smart blue carriage -- Delicate patterned saucers -- Marble statues and stone obelisks -- Green shot silk -- Care and tenderness -- A blast of cold air -- Groaning and moaning -- A model of diligence and duty -- Curtains drawn -- Cherville mahogany -- Treatment for afflictions -- Happy families -- A reverend and a quack -- Each spoonful of sugar -- The hothouse at the end of the garden -- A skill with herbs -- Ax raised -- The open window -- Smelling salts -- A villain to the last -- The end of the alley -- Dirty laundry -- The horse bus to Westminster -- Blue with cold -- A bloom that meant peace -- Frown lines -- Tinged red -- Broken glass -- The language of forgiveness -- A watery smile.