Chapter Ten

She didn't have the strength to protest, instead she had leaned into Valerie Dyer and been grateful for the young woman. Her body hurt, and she wasn't sure she would have had the strength to deal with Sister Monica Joan and get herself off the floor.

The pain medication began to seep into her system and it was as strong as she expected, which was why she hadn't taken it earlier. She closed her eyes for a moment, she had been managing until she hit the floor but only just. The medicine was beginning to cloud her head and she had hoped to get started on updating the ledger this afternoon.

Nurse Valerie Dyer might be in her pyjamas but had shifted into work mode and she was any other patient; or for a moment she was. The nurse was quick and efficient in her assessment, not giving her time to protest, seeking the source of her pain, until she saw the incision and stepped away; their eyes locked.

"I am going to get some fresh dressings." The woman murmured quietly and turned on heel and disappeared.

Sister Julienne only closed her eyes a moment, Nurse Dyer knew without being told and she had to face that. The young woman was quick and as the door swung shut behind her Sister Julienne tried to push herself up. "Nurse Dyer I can manage, but please let me…"

"I don't doubt that, but you aren't doing it alone now." The nurse did not meet her eyes but focused on changing the dressing. Sister Julienne reached out and put a hand on her arm, she needed to explain; but the young woman shook it off and set it by her side. "Let's get this done, I'll pop back and check on you in a couple hours; if there are any changes you need to wake me up and I'll phone doctor."

"Please let me explain this." She paused in trying to bring up the subject that they needed to address; clearly Valerie Dyer didn't want to discuss it.

"Stitches are in place but I'm more concerned with internal bleeding. Let's get you into something you can rest in and we'll just have to watch." Nurse Dyer slid a hand behind her shoulders and the other behind her knees; a moment later she was sitting up.

"Nurse Dyer, I can change on my own and I am perfectly comfortable as I am." That might not be completely true, the effort of getting dressed this morning had made her hesitant to attempt getting out of the habit; but that didn't mean she wanted help.

"Then this will just help you get your mind off of work." The nurse had found her night gown and her habit, already mostly unfastened was slid off as the night gown slid over her head; she was glad of the handy trick the nurse had picked up somewhere.

"Thank you." And truly she was grateful as Nurse Dyer helped her lay back, willing to admit help had made it much easier and faster than she thought.

"You don't get to say that." There was something sharp in the woman's tone, again she would not meet her eyes, and easily dodged when Sister Julienne reached out to stop her. "I'll come back and check on you later."

She was left frowning at the abrupt change, it had been an awkward experience and she was sure that was felt on both sides, but it wasn't her protests that unsettled the nurse. Though she had said nothing about the incision that ran down her side Nurse Dyer's initial reaction had told her she had made an unsettling connection; the ex army nurse wasn't likely to be upset by a surgical mark after what she'd have seen.

Time ticked by, she needed to explain it to her and preferably before the whole house knew; some things were best left unsaid in times of stress. That the young woman didn't reappear was a good indicator she was getting some sleep, but concern kept Sister Julienne fighting the morphine; it wouldn't do for everyone to learn of this right now.

When the door opened she perked, trying to push herself up against the headboard; ready to force the discussion ahead. But it was her sisters, not the nurse and at first, she was cautious; unsure if Nurse Dyer had already shared her discovery.

They didn't know, Sister Monica Joan had captured Sister Winifred as soon as she returned from her rounds and it was impossible not to be taken in by their young sister's enthusiasm as she was updated on nearly everything she had missed in a matter of breaths. From the clinic and which mothers had gone into labour, to a fairly detailed account of Barbara's recovery; she could only smile as she hadn't a hope of getting a word in.

Their visit was followed by Nurses Crane and Anderson with the older of the two taking stock of the situation rather abruptly. "How long until you are able to resume full duties?"

"I will resume the administrative responsibilities immediately."

"And midwifery?"

"It will be some time before I am able, but I will see to the process of hiring a new midwife and inquire to Nurse Franklin's plans as her leave is nearly over." She would have to work on that.

"I see." Nurse Crane murmured.

"A Mrs. Lake is adamant that you deliver her baby, but she didn't stay for any checks and we don't have her on our books, but don't you worry yourself about it. We will find her." Nurse Anderson explained Nurse Crane's questions.

"I don't think I know the name. When is she due?"

"I'd wonder if she's due at all, at her age; it's a change of life baby if not something else altogether. I want her seen by Dr. Turner." Nurse Crane shook her head, and Sister Julienne knew it was concern. Nurse Anderson again tried to soothe the nurse, coaxing her off to go to the hospital to see Barbara; she was again updated on the young woman's condition.