The Bishop is coming to consecrate the church font and Thomas cannot contain his excitement. But when a Lark Rise tree starts to 'bleed', the hamlet becomes rife with talk of witchcraft. Thomas is horrified - this could ruin the Bishop's visit!The 'witch tree' seems to cast a spell over the whole community - everyone is behaving strangely. Even Dorcas loses her composure and makes a blunder with terrible consequences for Pearl and Ruby. Laura, too, is thrown off balance when Daniel returns to try and win back her affections - but first he has to get around an angry Robert and Emma.Thomas is determined to restore order. But how will he undo the tree's awful curse?