The first chapter of the sequel to A Broom At The Masthead, in which we meet the Russells again. 1666 - and Thankful Russell, newly retired from his post as an Admiralty intelligencer at the Court of Charles II, is trying to make a success of his new career - fatherhood. And his young wife Thomazine has a secret. Her beloved has found it hard enough going with one new baby - he's going to be unbearable when he finds out there's another on the way. Never mind. After all, it can only get better. Because when you're five months pregnant, and feeling sensitive about your waistline at best, what you really need is one of your - darkly glamorous, enigmatic, gorgeous - husband's possible old flames turning up. Especially when she needs your help. Isn't it?