Midwives

Connie’s mother and Stephen flirt with each other constantly that summer. Afraid of what may happen between the two if they are left alone, Connie makes a point of being home whenever Stephen comes over. One afternoon, days before the trial begins, Connie watches Sibyl walk Stephen out. Connie can tell that the grown-ups have headed to the garden instead of Stephen’s car. After a while, she overhears Sibyl apologizing to Stephen for sending him the wrong signals. Connie concludes that Stephen may have tried to kiss Sibyl and that she gently let him down.

Like Bill Tanner, Anne Austin appears as a monster in Connie’s 14-year-old perception, someone bent on destroying their family. In reality, as Connie will later realize, she is just a 22-year-old midwife’s apprentice. Anne is the first of the state’s final trio of important witnesses, who Tanner believes will cement his case. Stephen has explained to Connie how strategically Tanner planned the order in which the last three witnesses are to appear. Anne, the eyewitness, will provide emotional heft. The coroner, Dr. Tierney, will follow her, cementing her testimony with expertise. Asa, the father and preacher, will be last, his persuasive oratory