Part of Oliphant’s Chronicles of Carlingford (the third in a series of seven), this novel first appeared in 1861, after being serialised in Blackwood’s Magazine. On its first publication in book form, the novel was grouped with another of the Carlingford Chronicles, The Rector (the second story in the series).
The Doctor in question is Edward Ryder, newly arrived in the town of Carlingford. Having deemed himself unworthy to marry the woman he loves, Ryder is not the happiest of men and having to deal with his alcoholic brother Fred only exacerbates matters. Matters seem to improve, however, when the Doctor meets Nettie – a young woman who takes charge of his complicated family affairs.