Chapter 4
«Nurse Lee is very contagious, I do not want any of you coming down with this illness
…So until Doctor Turner tells me otherwise, you will all stay away from the nuns' quarters. Is that clear?» instructed Sister Julienne
«Yes sister» answered Trixie, Sister Winifred and Chummy, whom Sister Julienne had called in to help. With Jenny confined to bed, and two nuns looking after her, they were once more short handed, and Nurse Noakes's assistance was of great importance.
Julienne continued «As Sister Evangelina and I are the only ones to have ever suffered from scarlet fever, we are the only ones aloud to remain at her side and take care of her. I will call Shelagh and put her in charge, so if you have any questions you'll refer to her. All right?»
«Yes sister» answered the others in unison
«Perfect. Now is there anything you'd like to know?» asked the nun. Chummy timidly raised her hand «Yes nurse Noakes?»
«Are you sure there isn't anything we can do to help?» asked the tall woman, her voice betraying her concern for her friend. «Yes are you sure?» added Trixie promptly.
The mother superior smiled, the two women were so eager to see their friend among them, strong and healthy «May the Lord bless your good hearts my children, I appreciate your willingness to give us a hand, but the only thing you can do is remain away from Nurse Lee and continue your excellent work. I'll go and phone Shelagh and then I'll return to Nurse Lee.» she concluded before exiting the kitchen, leaving the nurses and nun to their concerns. Impatient to get back to her ill charge, Sister Julienne quickly made her way to her office. Once there she sat at her desk, took the phone and composed the Turner family's number.
A small boy's voice answered «Turner residence, Timothy speaking»
«Hello Timothy, it's Sister Julienne»
«Oh hello Sister how are you?» asked the young boy
«I'm fine thank you. Is Shelagh home? I would like to speak to her.»
«Yes she is, one moment please?» he said before calling «Mum! Sister Julienne on the phone for you» the nun then heard foot's steps and the phone changed hands
«Good morning Sister how are you?» asked the young woman
«I'm fine my dear, and you?»
«Couldn't be better»
«Is it me or did I hear Timothy call you mum?» asked the nun warmth in her voice, she knew how great were Shelagh's desire to become a mother
«Yes he did and I'm really touched about it. I never thought he'd ever consider me as a mother»
«He has always been very fond of you my dear, you have always been a caring figure for him»
« Thank you I ask the reason for your call? Not that I do not enjoy speaking with you» Sister Julienne became grave once more, Jenny's pale face came to her mind
«Yes of course. Would you mind doing me a favor?»
«Not at all, anything for you Sister»
«I don't know if your husband told you but Nurse Lee has fallen ill»
«Dear Lord is it serious?»
«I'm afraid so. She caught scarlet fever from one of her charge's daughter, and as you know it is very contagious. Sister Evangelina and I both had it when we were young making us the only ones immune, and with both of us taking care of Jenny, we are short handed. I've already called Nurse Noakes, but I need you to take the head of the operations…Only if you can of course»
«There is no problem, you know I'll do anything to help you and the others. Focus on Nurse Lee, I'll take care of the rest. Shall I come right away?»
«It would be great»
«Perfect, I'm on my way then. See you later»
«See you later and Shelagh?»
«Yes?»
«Thank you very much, you do not have to do this»
«None sense, I never leave a friend in need. Goodbye»
«Goodbye dear» As soon as she hanged the phone, Sister Julienne got up and left her office to return to her ill charge.