Set at the time of the famous witch trials in 1612, Frances Dicconson is the daughter of an alcoholic weaver and a woman of wealthier background. Her story will bring her into contact with many of the historical characters of this time including the mysterious Alice Nutter. Despite her poverty Frances enjoys the simple pleasures open to her, such as the May Day Fair at Whalley, but here the joyous gaiety of the day is shattered by petty jealousy and then, much more importantly, accusations of witchcraft. Despite this she marries John, a handsome farm worker and they begin to build a successful business. Frances develops an unlikely friendship with Dorothy, a London lawyer’s daughter, who through misfortune has become the unwanted poor relation of the Whittakers of Simonstone Hall. Together with Henry Miles, an effeminate bachelor, they practice herbal medicine. Both Frances and Dorothy have reason to dislike James Spencer, an arrogant self-seeking son of a local farmer and he, in turn, comes to hate them. This and various petty jealousies bring suspicion of witchcraft, and will eventually bring her to her own witch trial in 1634.