Emma Woodhouse imagines that she dominates those around her in the small town of Highbury, but her inept matchmaking creates problems for herself and others. When Will Shakespeare needs passionate inspiration to break a bad case of writer's block, a secret romance with the beautiful Lady Viola starts the words flowing like never before.

Homer Wells grows up in an orphanage in remote St. Cloud, Maine. Dr. Larch, who also provides medically safe, if illegal, abortions, runs the orphanage. Homer is Dr. Larch's favorite, and over the years, Dr. Larch trains Homer as his successor. Homer thus becomes a skilled, albeit unlicensed, physician. Homer, however, yearns for a life outside the orphanage. When Wally and pregnant Candy come for an abortion, Homer leaves with them to work on Wally's...