Disclaimer: Call The Midwife belongs to the BBC and others - I am simply borrowing their lovely characters.
Author's note: This is a prompt fic given to me by awkwardly-romantic over on Tumblr. There were a number of elements to the request so this is a multi-chapter piece to cover them all. I'll list each element at the end of each update in order to tick them off.
This part of Patsy and Delia's story has been written about numerous times. I recommend maccafan's "Use Your Heart, Not Your Head" and "Little Things Mean A Lot" by Evenatango - both great stories. I will recommend more with each update! This is simply my take on it.
Minor spoiler alert - This is set toward the end of series 4, although I can't believe anyone hasn't seen that yet!
Thanks to Sittingonthis for the sense check as always.
"We'll find a way to be together. I promise."
"Where are we going?" Delia asked as she followed Patsy to the top deck of the bus they had just boarded.
Patsy stood to one side, allowing Delia to sit by the window before sitting down herself. She fumbled with her cigarettes and lit one before answering. "I intend to make amends for my lack of attention to you in the last few weeks."
Delia shook her head instantly. "Don't be silly Patsy. I was just getting frustrated at the situation, not you."
"You are a darling for letting me off the hook, but I have had a lot of time to think about what you said, and how much I've neglected you since I left for Nonnatus House." Patsy gave the shorter woman a lop-sided smile. "I meant what I said Deels. We will find a way to be together. In the meantime, I'd like to do something for you." She paused for a second. "I'd like to do something to show how much you mean to me."
Delia looked at the red-haired midwife curiously. "What are you up to Patience Mount?"
"Well, believe it or not, Delia Busby, I am about to do something quite risky." She smirked as she saw Delia's eyebrows raise. "But I will need your help. And your acting skills."
"Now I really am intrigued," Delia replied, grinning. "Go on."
"I'd rather wait for a bit if I may, or the surprise will be spoiled. But I will just ask this. Do you trust me?"
"Implicitly," Delia replied instantly.
Patsy's smirk became a full-on smile. "Then trust me, and go with what I ask you to do. And everything should work out perfectly."
Delia cocked her head and frowned at Patsy once again, before huffing slightly. She could tell from Patsy's body language that she wouldn't get anything more from the woman until she was ready to share. In the meantime, the Welsh woman stared out of the window and tried to work out where they were headed.
Some time later, Patsy indicated that they needed to alight and Delia was surprised to find herself in Bond Street in Central London. "What's going on, Patsy?" She asked warily.
Patsy walked along the road for a few moments before pausing outside a Jewellers. "Did you really mean what you said the other day?"
Delia frowned. "You might need to give me a bit more of a hint. What did I say the other day?"
Patsy glanced up and down the street before stepping slightly closer. "Do you really want to get married?" She whispered.
Delia could feel her heart accelerate. She swallowed as she nodded. "Yes," she answered, looking into Patsy's clear blue eyes.
Patsy smiled softly before turning back to the shop window, taking Delia gently by the elbow and guiding her to stand with her. "What engagement ring would you want to wear?" She asked.
"Pats?" Delia stepped back slightly and looked up at Patsy in shock.
"I'm serious. If you had the choice, what ring would you wear?"
Delia stared at Patsy for a long moment, but could read nothing other than complete sincerity. Taking a steadying breath, she returned her gaze to the window and scanned carefully. Even as she studied the display, she could feel her heart continue to race. She could sense that she was on the precipice of a decision, but she wasn't sure if she could do what Patsy wanted. And then her eyes fell on the ring she wanted. Almost antique looking, it was a rich, dark gold with gems set in a classic clasp. The brunette stared at it for an eternity but didn't want to say anything. There were no prices listed on any of the rings. For all she knew, she had focused in on the most expensive ring in the shop.
Patsy knew which ring Delia wanted the second she set eyes on it. Her body stilled as she stared at one particular tray of rings. The tall midwife scanned the display and just knew instinctively the ring Delia had in mind. Patsy found it quite endearing really. Although she was not an expert in valuables, she knew that it wasn't the most expensive ring on display by a long way. But it had a classic elegance to it and suited Delia's personality perfectly. "Third one up on the left?" She confirmed quietly.
Delia nodded. "That's the one I'd wear. It's beautiful. But aren't we just torturing ourselves with a fantasy? There's no way I could ever wear your ring, no matter how much I want to."
Patsy exhaled heavily as she turned towards Delia and stepped slightly closer. "If things were different and there were no barriers, would you really want to marry me?"
Delia looked up into Patsy's eyes, her own filling up slightly. "More than anything," she replied softly, repeating her declaration of a few days ago.
Patsy drew in a deep breath through her nose and nodded, looking determined. "Alright. Remember when I asked you to trust me?"
Delia nodded slowly.
Patsy smiled back. "You need to remember the following, and then take my lead. Your fiancé is my older brother and he's called Phillip. He's away on business in the Far East." She took Delia by the crook of the arm even as the brunette opened her mouth to protest, and propelled her into the jewellers in front of her.
The second the door was closed behind them, Patsy let go and stepped towards the counter. "I know it was terrible of me to deceive you like this, but Phillip made me promise to get you a ring. He's determined that everyone should know that you're betrothed, even though he's stuck out in Singapore for the next month."
"Patsy?" Delia managed, her brain malfunctioning slightly even as she tried to catch up with the sudden change in Patsy. The tall red-haired midwife oozed with the easy confidence of class and breeding, and looked completely at home, despite standing in the middle of a Jewellers on Bond Street and talking in an unnaturally loud voice.
Patsy simply smiled and turned to the assistant. "Good morning. I have been entrusted with a task I am honoured to do with my best friend." She smiled back at Delia before returning her gaze to the tall man. "We'd like to see the rings on tray 23 please."
"Certainly madam," the assistant answered and left to retrieve the requested items.
"Patsy, what are you doing?" Delia stepped forward to join her at the counter.
"I'm sorry I was so secretive. It was all planned as part of the ruse. Now you know why I asked which ring you'd wear. All we need to do now is hope they have one in your size." Patsy continued to speak confidently. She looked up at the assistant as he returned with the tray and then pointed out the ring that Delia had decided upon.
"Do you know what size you wear, madam?" He asked Delia politely.
Delia flushed and blinked in surprise. "I'm not sure," she hedged, nervously.
Patsy looked at the diminutive nurse and smiled reassuringly before turning back to the assistant. "We are here to purchase an engagement ring. I have no intention on relying on guesswork for such a precious acquisition." She raised an eyebrow expectantly as she watched the assistant hesitate. Inwardly, Patsy sighed. If she were a man, she would not need to spell any of this out, and the assistant would be fawning all over Delia. It was time to turn up the class, and give Delia a glimpse of the world Patsy had once inhabited. "Perhaps you can assist with a ring measurement before we go any further young man."
The assistant, who looked to be at least ten years older than Patsy, blanched before realising that he needed to properly interact with the pair of women, no matter how unusual the situation. Picking up the tray of rings, he hurried around the counter, and led Delia to a seating area further inside the Jewellers. "Please take a seat madam." He indicated a formal looking cushioned chair on one side of a dark, polished table. He placed the tray of rings to one side before sitting opposite Delia. He glanced up and looked at Patsy expectantly.
Patsy hurriedly sat down and waited for the assistant to continue attending to Delia.
He looked at Delia's hand steadily before retrieving a large bunch of sizing rings and selecting one for her to try. The first one was too small but the assistant simply smiled apologetically and offered another one. That fit was much more successful and Delia nodded enthusiastically when the assistant asked if it felt right.
After retrieving the sizing ring, the assistant checked the size and then returned his attention to the tray of rings. He lifted out the ring Patsy had indicated and inspected it carefully. "I believe you may be in luck." He offered the ring to Delia but was intercepted by Patsy who plucked the ring from his fingers.
"I'm so sorry," she smiled apologetically. "I've been entrusted with a very important task, so I feel it only right to ensure that this is perfect." She winced as she saw the assistant stiffen slightly. "I mean no offence, but I need to answer honestly if I am asked if I inspected the ring. It is, after all, a purchase worthy of consideration, rather than impulse."
The assistant nodded quickly, and swallowed, slightly cowed by the tall woman's confident approach.
Delia's mind was reeling. Despite being in on the charade, the only untruth Patsy had said was right at the beginning of the conversation in the Jewellers. There was, in fact, no charade to this at all. This was really happening. Patsy was going to buy her a ring. No, Patsy was going to buy her an engagement ring. She watched as Patsy carefully moved the ring through her fingers, looking for any imperfections.
Delia's breath caught when Patsy finished and looked directly at her, holding the ring out between her thumb and first two fingers. It was clear that Patsy had every intention of slipping the ring onto her finger.
"Well, I suppose we'd better try it for size," Patsy commented, trying to steady her own nerves as well as continue the pretence with the assistant. She flushed slightly, realising the symbolism of what she was about to do. She cleared her throat and looked at Delia, holding the ring out. "Delia, will you...?" She asked softly.
Delia swallowed, feeling a mass of emotions wash over her. "I will," she replied, her voice hoarse as she held out her left hand shakily.
For a few seconds, Patsy was immersed in the moment and she completely forgot that they were in a public place being watched by a Jeweller's assistant. With a slightly trembling hand, she pushed the ring onto Delia's finger, smiling in relief as it slid easily onto the other woman's finger. She looked at Delia and could see her blue eyes bright and glimmering with unshed tears.
The moment was broken when the assistant spoke. "I'm terribly sorry madam. It looks a little large. Would you like us to adjust it for you?"
Delia jumped at the sound of the man's voice and looked around in slight bewilderment before returning his look. "No," she demurred instantly. There was no way she wanted to hand it back, even for just a few days. Her mind worked rapidly. "I'm a nurse. I won't be able to wear the ring while I'm working so I'll be taking it on and off frequently. I'd rather not have to struggle each time."
The assistant looked at her dubiously. "Are you sure it's not too loose?" He queried.
Delia reluctantly pulled her hand out of Patsy's grasp and then flicked it quickly with her fingers splayed. The ring remained resolutely in place. "I think I'll be just fine," she assured the man.
The assistant nodded and then rummaged in one of the table drawers to retrieve a ring box. "Shall I wrap it for you now, madam?" He offered politely.
"That's very kind of you to offer, but what was it you said, Pats? Everyone needs to know I'm betrothed? I really ought to keep it on, don't you think?"
Patsy gave Delia a proud half-smile. She didn't think her heart could hold any more love for Delia at this particular second. She knew that Delia would have to take the ring off before they got home, but she would not deny her the pleasure of wearing it now. "That was the instruction," she agreed, canting her head slightly. "Now then, I have no desire to be rude Delia but I must finish business with the Jewellers."
Instantly, Delia realised that Patsy didn't want her to know how expensive the ring was. For a second, she thought about taking the ring off and returning it. She didn't want Patsy to spend hard-earned money on an adornment she couldn't wear and her hand drifted over the ring still situated on her left hand.
Patsy saw the gesture and reached over to Delia, gently laying her hand over the other woman's. "Don't," she requested softly. "This is all planned and prepared for. Please don't think you don't deserve this, or that you shouldn't." She looked at Delia beseechingly.
Delia paused for a second, and realised that Patsy had put a huge amount of thought into all of this. It made sense that she would be prepared to pay for the ring too. Patsy hadn't batted an eye when she picked the ring out, and Delia was certain that if it was too much, she would have said something, or at least diverted her to an alternative. She nodded slowly. "I'll wait over there," she stated, gesturing to another display of items that was a suitable distance away from the table.
Patsy nodded. "Thank you." She turned back to the assistant and placed her handbag on her lap. She opened it efficiently and flicked through the contents methodically. "Will a cheque be acceptable?"
"I'll have to telephone through to..." The assistant trailed off when he saw Patsy place a Coutts & Co cheque book on the table. "That will be no problem at all, madam," he confirmed. He handed Patsy the receipt for the ring and a fountain pen for her to write out a cheque.
Patsy glanced at the price listed and, with an elegant script, entered the details on each line. She was secretly rather surprised. The ring hadn't been as expensive as she had predicted. It wouldn't have mattered if it had been twice the cost, she would happily have paid it. Seeing Delia's face as she slipped the ring on her finger was priceless to her, and a memory she would treasure forever. Judging by Delia's reaction, the younger woman would treasure the memory forever too.
Dutifully, the assistant reviewed the cheque before excusing himself in order to place it in the register along with the documentation for the sale. He then placed the empty ring box into a small cloth bag. He fastened the opening with the elegant drawstring and then smiled slightly as he handed it to Patsy. He frowned as he looked over to where Delia was surveying a display. "Won't her fiancé be disappointed that he can't pop the question with the ring?" He asked.
Patsy smiled enigmatically. "It's already been asked and answered," she replied. "This is simply a gesture of love."
"Lucky woman," the assistant commented.
"Yes," Patsy replied simply, thinking that she was indeed.
After they left the Jewellers, Delia insisted on taking Patsy to tea in order to celebrate. Patsy knew that Delia was concerned at the money that had been spent on her, so made no attempt to offer to pay. She smiled as she saw Delia absently touching the ring, even as she sipped at her tea.
Delia caught sight of Patsy's expression and grinned back. "Thank you," she whispered. "I can't tell you how much this means to me."
"If it's anywhere close to what it means to me, then I have a pretty clear idea," Patsy replied.
Delia sighed. "However I can't wear this all the time. Not only is it not suitable for work, I couldn't possibly come up with a reason to wear it."
Patsy looked at Delia steadily. "There is a way you can wear it all the time," she stated carefully. "And it would mean the world to me if you did."
Delia frowned as she took a sip of tea. "What do you mean?"
Patsy swallowed nervously. "Most of mother's possessions were lost during the war," she explained, her voice dull as she tried to keep her composure. "She bartered her rings and bracelets for food and medicine," she continued. "But mother kept one item of jewellery." She dug around in her jacket pocket and drew out a gold chain. "This was my mother's necklace. She gave it to me before she became very ill. I managed to keep it hidden from the guards and other internees, along with her compact mirror. If it's alright with you, I'd like you to have it, and use it to hold the ring."
Delia's eyes widened. "Patsy, no. It's your mother's. I couldn't possibly take it from you," she protested.
Patsy smiled wanly. "I can't think of a better way to use it." She ran the chain through her fingers as she composed herself. "This belonged to someone I loved dearly and miss every day. Up until today, it has resided in my memory box, only seeing the light of day when I felt melancholy. I think it serves a much better purpose carrying our ring and being worn by the one I love more than anything."
"Are you sure?" Delia whispered, her heart pounding rapidly.
Patsy nodded, giving a half-smile as she tried to keep her emotions in check. "Definitely."
Delia nodded shakily and pressed her lips to the ring she was wearing before removing it. She held out her hand and Patsy pooled the chain into her waiting palm. Carefully she threaded the gold through the ring and then took either end and fastened it behind her neck. Delia tugged the chain slightly and grasped the ring for a long moment in her fist before removing her hand and looking at Patsy. "Well?" She asked tentatively.
Patsy nodded, feeling her throat constrict with emotion. "It's perfect," she managed.
Delia smiled back in relief and shook her head almost in disbelief. Just a few days ago, they had argued about the fact that they could never marry. Today felt like the best day of her life. She would remember this for the rest of her life.
To be continued...
1 - How does Delia get the ring?
2 - Why does she wear it around her neck?