This is my attempt at filling in the gaps between 2.08 and the Xmas special, and later the gaps between Xmas Special between season 3. How Shelagh went from nun to civilian to wife and mother. It is slightly AU, in that I am having Shelagh return from the Santorium slightly before Chummy goes in to labour.
In my mind, Laura Main looks almost completely different out of the wimple, ( especially in season 3/ real life) and the show never really addresses that.
Shelagh would forever be grateful that it was sister Julienne who answered the door at Nonnatus house after Patrick brought her home from the Sanatorium.
Timothy's earlier comment about her being 'in the wrong clothes' was eerily apt, considering how she felt at that moment. Accustomed to the freedom of movement afforded by her nuns habit, her legs felt suddenly restricted in her fitted skirt, the lack of wimple or skull cap on her head caused her to feel exposed and uncomfortable in what was to become her new skin. She knew she had to give herself time, she had been in religious garb for over a decade, and in her own clothes for barely 3 hours.
With such a sense of unease and trepidation running through her veins, she couldn't yet face meeting the younger midwives and dealing with the inevitable questions they would have. Consequently, her nerves subdued somewhat when the door swung open to reveal Sister Julienne, who had been anticipating Shelagh's arrival in civilian clothes.
Formalities and paper work completed, Sister Julienne was escorting Shelagh out toward the front door, when suddenly Sister Julienne paused in her tracks. "Wait here" she instructed the younger woman "I'd quite forgotten, I have something I need to give you" and with that Sister Julienne was off in a swish of skirts, feet echoing on the tile as she dashed down the hallway in the direction of the back rooms of the house.
Left 'unguarded' against potential prying eyes and inquisitive questions, Shelagh felt exposed once more, even though realistically she knew that the rest of the midwives were out on duty. To ease her nerves and give her hands something to do, she removed her glasses and began to give them a vigorous polish, something done more out of nervous habit rather than need.
Suddenly the main door flung open and the thump of a midwife bag being dropped to the floor heralded the arrival of one of the younger midwives. With her back to the door, Shelagh jumped, hoping that out of all of them it might be the shyer and less inquisitive Cynthia.
"I say, can I help you?" Trixie's voice echoed through the hallway as she noticed the unfamiliar blond haired woman.
Shelagh froze- mid polish, unable to speak, turning slowly around as Trixie made her way toward her. Loud, talkative and inquisitive, this was the last person Shelagh wanted to see.
"Are you here to see…." Trixie's words died out as she looked at the visitors face. The eyes, looked familiar but Trixie couldn't quite place it….just as Shelagh put her glasses back on and opened her mouth to speak, Trixie's brain kicked in to gear "Sister Bernadette!" she exclaimed.
Shelagh nodded and offered a small smile.
"You're blond!" Trixie blurted the first thought that came in to her head, confused as to why the young nun was stood in the hallway looking most un-nun like. "And you're wearing the wrong clothes?"
"I'm…" Shelagh stuttered, unable to voice her thoughts.
Fortunately she was rescued by Sister Julienne returning. "There is no such thing as the wrong clothes Nurse Franklin" Sister Julienne said firmly, materialising at Shelagh's side. "Here" turning to Shelagh she handed her a book "I want you to have this".
Putting her arm around Sheila she guided her to the door, a protective shield against the prying eyes of Trixie who was still trying to understand what was going on.
"Take care my child, and I will hope to see you soon." Sister Julienne opened the door and Shelagh nodded before steping outside and scurrying away.
Spinning on her heal Sister Julienne took in the still confused looking Trixie.
"Sister Bernadette is leaving us for another calling" Sister Julienne said simply, raising more questions in Trixie's eyes than she had answered.. " I will explain more over supper." And with that she departed.
Unusually for Trixie, there was something about the look in Sister Bernadette's face, that prevented her from gossiping and speculating with her fellow midwives about the scene she had witnessed earlier that day.
Instead she kept thoughts to herself, and waited for supper.
An hour or so later over the table Sister , Sister Julienne explained,that Sister Bernadette was leaving the church. She was to be known as 'Shelagh' and would be living in a boarding house nearby.
With Trixie so uncharacteristically silent and pensive, it fell on Jenny to ask 'but why?'.
"Because she feels she has a calling from God to follow a different Path". Was the sum total of Sister Julienne's explanation.
Jenny or indeed anyone was stopped from asking further questions by the glare coming from Sister Evangelina.
Sister Julienne had assumed that to be the end of the matter. She was surprised, but not displeased to find Trixie knocking on the door of her study not long after the supper had ended.
"How may I help you Nurse Franklin?"
"Sister, I don't know what it is, but I'm worried about Sister Bernadette. She seemed so unsure of herself, early, so nervous. How is she going to cope out in the real world? She wasn't even dressed properly for the times."
"Shelagh" Sister Julienne emphasised "and I have no doubt she will be fine once she becomes accustomed to her new path. Though I agree she did look uncomfortable. In fact Nurse Franklin, I have a favour to ask you, if you are willing…"