Chapter 3:
Patsy woke up to the gentle stroke of Trixie's hand through her hair. The pressure of Barbara's head on her legs became noticeable, and quite painful, after only a few seconds of waking from slumber. The three girls picked themselves up off the floor and retreated to their daily business, silently. There was no need for words. The new bonds of trust linked them solidly and it was a beautiful feeling.
On arrival at breakfast, there was no comment from the Sisters about their absence over the past 24 hours. Sister Mary Cynthia, unknown to the sleeping girls, had entered their room in search for someone to help with the district round. However on finding the girls sleeping soundly, for what was the first time in months, she had decided against disturbing them. This, in turn, led her to work the round herself and then proceed to battle through her original rota on the nightshift. Nobody except Sister Mary Cynthia knew of the girl's whereabouts for the day, with everyone else assuming that they had undertaken their original roles.
The exhaustion was easy to see on Sister Mary Cynthia's face, the girls helped her up to her room following breakfast and thanked her profusely. Returning downstairs the girls vowed to get the Sister a special thank you gift prior to the end of the day. Each of the girls packed their equipment and headed towards the bikes. Patsy couldn't believe the kindness of the Sister and was humbled by the fact that she had protected her without a thought for her own well-being.
Patsy had to speak to her. So on the pretence of having forgotten a bottle of milk of magnesia for a heartburn-suffering expectant mother, Patsy made her way back into Nonnatus House, bidding Barbara and Trixie farewell on the steps. Climbing the stairs softly, Patsy changed her mind at least twenty times. She couldn't do this. Telling the girls is different, but telling Sister Mary Cynthia could be a disastrous idea. Before Patsy knew where she was or what she was doing, she knocked softly on the Sister's bedroom door and entered.
"Sister Mary Cynthia?" Patsy tentatively enquired, "I want to give you an explanation. I owe you at least that much."
"Oh, Patsy, there's no need. I've already told you, I was relieved to see you sleeping so peacefully. I can hear your sobs through the walls most nights. I've been awfully worried about you." Sister Mary Cynthia explained, sitting up in her bed.
"I understand Sister; however you showed me a great deal of empathy and friendship with your actions. I want to return the sentiment," Patsy took a deep breath; "I'm…I'm just so upset by what has happened to Delia. She was my best friend, I'd known her for years, and to see her lying in the hospital bed in such a state has left me much more shaken than I care to admit." Patsy's heart sank with her inability to tell Sister Mary Cynthia the complete truth. She heard the words tumbling from her mouth faster than she could think about what she was saying. The admission of weakness was a new concept for Patsy; she'd always been strong…always been composed.
"Patsy, dearest, I can't imagine how difficult this past few days has been for you. You and Delia have been so close over the past few months. Losing part of a friend in the way that you have is unimaginably horrible. It doesn't take a genius to see that you care for her," the Sister smiled a sympathetic smile, "I'm happy that you have finally found a reason to smile over the last few months being around Delia, she's a lovely woman. There is hope for her full recovery yet."
Something is the Sister's eyes made Patsy feel like she knew more about the situation than she was going to admit to. However, Patsy shook off the idea and blamed the feeling on paranoia. Sister Mary Cynthia continued, "If you need anything at all, Patsy, I'm here for you. We at Nonnatus House, we're a family. You are integral to that. We love you."
"Thank you Sister," Patsy choked out the words, stooped and hugged the Sister, "I'm sorry to have interrupted your sleep." Patsy hurriedly left the room before she became so overwhelmed by compassion that she broke down into tears again.
Walking back down the stairs to her bike and on to her morning rounds, Patsy had a slight smile on her face. The first genuine one since Delia had ended up in The London. Not the strained, brave face she had become accustomed to wearing but a natural smile. It felt foreign on her face.
As Patsy climbed onto her bike and pushed off towards the mothers of Poplar, she heard her name being shouted from behind her. Sister Julienne was attempting to catch her attention.
"Yes, Sister?"
"Nurse Mount, there's been a phone call for you. I'm glad I caught you. It's about Miss Busby; her mother asked if you could attend The London this evening around 7pm." Sister Julienne recited the message from the piece of paper she was holding.
Panicking, Patsy tried to calm herself before asking, "Of course…Of course I will attend. Did she happen to mention what it was regarding?" Patsy held her breath.
"Her mother only specified that you attend. She never passed on another message."
"Thank you Sister, if Mrs Busby telephones again please inform her that I will be there this evening." Patsy turned round and began to cycle. Beginning to hyperventilate, Patsy's mind was racing: What was Mrs Busby wishing to see her for? Was Delia alright? What could possibly be so urgent?
Patsy glanced at her watch. It was only 9am. Still 10 hours to wait for any explanation. The longest 10 hours of Patsy's life.