Chapter Two: Sorry if is a bit understated - but so is the tv series!

Doctor Turner barely managed to drive 100 yards before he had to pull over. Not since his wife's death last year had he felt so wretched. He was a rational man, quite capable of putting his emotions into neat compartments. This allowed him to do his essential work without having a nervous breakdown. But he was in trouble now. This sensation was entirely new to him. He wanted to turn the car around, but TB Sanitarium's are not hotels. They have strict rules and guidelines so that the infection can be contained. He made a decision.

"I'll go and see Doctor Smith at the Sanitarium this evening, after dinner at Nonnatus House" he thought, "Timmy is staying at his grandmother's house tonight so I shan't be missed. I just have to find out how Sister Bernadette is. I shouldn't have let her go into that place alone. She looked so beautiful and so vulnerable. Did I imagine that she was crying? But she is married to God, not me. I said I would accept it, that I didn't deserve to live if I didn't. I may well not even catch a glimpse of her, but I won't get a moment's peace if I don't try."

The decision made it easier for him to function for the rest of the afternoon without letting the image of two piercing blue eyes interrupt his thoughts too often.

Later that evening, he found himself at the front door of Nonnatus House. Sister Julienne opened the door. Her face held its usual serene expression.

"Come in doctor, you must be exhausted. Come and join us for supper." She glanced at his face surreptitiously as they walked down the long, silent corridor. He looked as unhappy as he had done during Sister Bernadette's examination the night before. It was not her place to interfere in his life, but she would be watching for any signs that he was missing the young nun. Everyone noticed that he was unusually silent during the meal. Sister Monica Joan came right out with it as usual,

"Doctor, I think you are missing Sister Bernadette even more than we are! Do not worry, Sister Julienne has been telling us that she is very comfortable, and that Doctor Smith and the nurses have all taken an instant liking to her. I consulted my charts earlier, and I predict a happy outcome."

Sister Julienne wasn't certain, but she thought the Doctor's face had changed colour.

Sister Evangeline started clearing the table, she despaired of any sensible conversation at meal times these days. Doctor Turner made a move to leave. He thanked them all and joined Fred who was due to fix some of the bicycles in the shed. On the table by the front door was a small necklace with a tiny wooden cross on it.

"Oh yeah, could you take that with you Doctor?" asked Fred, "It's Sister Bernadette's, she forgot to take it with 'er in the rush to leave. She loves that thing you know, told me 'er dad made it for 'er."

To his astonishment, the doctor saw Fred wipe a tear from his cheek.

"I love that little lady you know doc, she's a real diamond. Never too busy to chat to old Fred. Will she be ok d'ya think?"

......

An hour later he was sitting in Doctor Smith's office clutching a glass of whisky.

"Take a seat Richard, you look done-in. Still working too hard I imagine."

"I'm here to find out how Sister Bernadette is."

"Couldn't be better, quiet little mouse isn't she? I have it on good authority from the nurses that she is a real stunner under that wimple and glasses! They kept banging on about her hair of all things. I'll never understand women!"

"Her hair?!"

"Yes apparently she isn't half as plain and stuffy as she seems on the surface. Shame really, to think that she might die."

"Doctor Smith, I'll have you know that that plain little mouse as you call her, is a very intelligent, kind and generous woman, who has given up her life for the people of Poplar. They all worship the ground she walks on - and so should you!"

"Gosh old man, calm down and drink your whisky. Always were a bit intense weren't you! Didn't mean anything by it honestly. I suppose you'd like to see her? Make sure you wear a mask in case of infection."

"Thank you, I will"

He could hardly believe he was being allowed in. Doctor Smith gave him a white coat, so that he would not look like a visitor. He was shown into the conservatory, where the evening sun was beginning to set. Sister Bernadette was sitting in an arm chair motionless, well away from anyone else. As he approached, she was in glorious profile. Her glasses, now not needed, were in her hands.