Rosemary

In September of 1666 an elderly lady, Mrs. Coggle is hoping something will happen to give a little excitement. As she is conversing with her long time servant, Joan Porter, there is a flash of light coming from the window and a scene of excitement. A great conflagration is spreading through the old part of London. There is a panic amongst many while Joan remains calm. Suddenly a knock on the door arrouses their attention. A pitiful new mother with a three week old baby, Mrs. Yates, come in. She is full of sorrow as she explains her predicament. There are rumors already starting to spread that the Catholics intentionally set fire to London and the authorities are ready to arrest all prominent Catholics so she and her husband must flee right away. She implores Joan and Mrs. Coggle to take care of her dear infant girl while she is away. She hopes to be able to return soon once suspicion dies down. There is not anything else that can be done since she fears the baby would not survive the journey. Mrs. Yates leaves with confidence Joan’s care of her special charge.Not long after another knock that the door disturbs the house. This time another lady comes in with a baby wrapped in a bundle. The baby girl was tossed from the window of a burning house to a stranger below in hopes to save her. Nobody is sure of the baby girl’s name or her parents. The baby is placed in Mrs. Coggle’s charge without much chance to object. Now they have plenty of excitement on their hands. Both babies are placed in the same little bed to sleep, but in the morning they wonder if the babies may have rolled and switched places. Which is which? Surely their mothers will know when they come for them, but there are unexpected delays, mishaps and misfortune. Recommended for ages 10+