Shelagh Turner was visually upset when she entered the clinic room at Nonnatus House. They had been back from South Africa for a week and Shelagh decided to come for Compline. After their long journey she felt the need to join the sisters for their nightly office. She stood in the chapel and nourished her soul through song.
Shelagh was upset because the newest resident of Nonnatus House, Sister Ursula, was glaring at Shelagh. In the week since they had returned Shelagh had heard from more than one midwife about the upheaval at Nonnatus House.
Sister Ursula came to cover for Sisters Julienne and Winifred while they were in South Africa. Upon their return they learned that she would be staying on. Not only was she staying. But Mother Jesu Emmanuel assigned her to be in charge which in effect demoted Sister Julienne. The shock spread throughout the Nonnatus family.
Shelagh found Trixie and Patsy in the clinical room. Both had recently returned from a delivery and were cleaning their instrument and repacking their bags.
"Shelagh whatever is the matter?" Trixie asked.
"I don't think Sister Ursula wants me joining in at Compline. She made me feel very unwelcome," she continued, "I thought all the concerns this week were exaggerated, but now I am not certain."
"We were miserable without all of you, but I am convinced she has the hearing of a bat. We should not speak here," Patsy warned.
"I should be leaving. Patrick will be wondering what took me so long. Goodnight to you both."
The nurses wished her goodnight as well and she headed out the door towards home and her loving husband. As she walked she wondered how Sister Julienne felt about these changes. Shelagh knew that no matter how she felt, she would not let it show. Part of Sister's vow of obedience was to accept what was asked of her. Shelagh once again was reminded of the best decision of her life. Leaving the order to be Patrick's wife has brought her so much joy. She was his partner and never felt as though she had to obey him. They made decisions together and in religious life the only decision she made about her life was to leave that life.
Patrick was waiting up for her in the sitting room. He could tell immediately that she was troubled.
"Shelagh what is wrong?" Patrick said as he stood to walk toward her.
"Sister Ursula made me feel quite unwelcome tonight. Oh Patrick, I went to feel refreshed and I left feeling worse than when I arrived."
Taking her in his arms Patrick held his wife. She continued, "I heard the nurses complaining this week, but I thought it was just the shock of the change. I am afraid things are going to be different. Sister Julienne had always been so understanding and forgiving with the nurses and sisters as well."
"We will have to see what happens with time. I have not met her yet," Patrick commented.
"Beware she must know our history. She may be as unfriendly to you as she was to me."
"We shall see, but for now it is getting rather late."
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The next time Shelagh saw Trixie it was at the Maturity Home.
"We are all on edge lately. She insists that we are not hear during the great silence. We have always tried to be respectful but we are not nuns," Trixie complained.
"You could be rather loud if I remember," Shelagh teased. Their adventure to Africa had only strengthened the bonds of those who ventured to the foreign land. To be so close and then come home to such upheaval was shocking.
"She will not guarantee that I can have my Tuesday nights off," Trixie complained and added, "I have a standing engagement."
Shelagh smiled and put her hand on Trixie's arm, "I know how important your engagement is."
"Sister Julienne is not helping. She does not seem to want to be involved. How can she just take it?"
"You are an independent woman, but Sister Julienne, all the Sisters, are bound by their vow of obedience. She has to accept this and if she is unhappy she will not show it,"
Shelagh reminded her.
"I could never accept it. How did you do it?"
"It was easy until it wasn't anymore and then I knew what I needed to do."
"And you've never had any regrets."
"Not a one," Shelagh said with a smile.
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Shelagh sent a note to Sister Julienne inviting her to tea on Saturday afternoon. Sister sent her acceptance through Patrick. Patrick had been staying away from Nonnatus, but was at a difficult delivery with Sister Julienne.
"My dear Shelagh, thank you for inviting me."
"We have scarcely seen one another since our return," Shelagh responded.
"Poplar keeps us all very busy indeed," turning her attention to Angela, "I am glad to be visiting with you little one."
Angela smiled and ran over to hug Sister.
"You are getting so grown up."
"Daddy say I a big girl!"
"Marvelous," Sister smiled at Shelagh.
"Sister, I was feeling like I was not welcome when I joined you for Compline," Shelagh explained.
"Oh Shelagh! Anyone who wants to pray should be welcome. We are going through some adjustments. Sister Ursula is an accomplished administrator. I for one am glad to have more time for midwifery and patient care."
Shelagh had expected a graceful acceptance from Sister. "I could not tell if the unwelcome feeling I received from Sister Ursula was because I am not a nun or because she feels that I should be one."
Sister Julienne had no response.
