Final answer:
The whispering villagers imply that the midwife is jealous of Alyce and intends to get rid of her, leaving Alyce to devise a plan.
Step-by-step explanation:
The whispering villagers are discussing the tension between Alyce and the midwife in the village. Their conversation hints at the midwife's reluctance to compete for jobs with Alyce and her consequent decision to get rid of Alyce. This situation leaves Alyce in a predicament, forcing her to come up with a plan to deal with the midwife's intentions. Based on the information provided, the correct answer from the options is that the midwife was jealous of Alyce and wanted to get rid of her.
The villagers' whisper further delves into the dynamics of competition and jealousy that can exist in a professional environment, even in a small village setting. Alyce, being the central figure in this scenario, must navigate these complex social dynamics to maintain her position and livelihood.