The Daily Agony of Love
[Series 4 Christmas Special] Chapter 11: The Second Christmas of this Story
Based upon Call the Midwife, written by Jennifer Worth, developed by Heidi Thomas.
Author's Sidebar: The first part of this chapter was a late addition. I hope you enjoyed reading this story as much as I enjoyed thinking it up and writing it.
- - Nonnatus House, December 23, 1959 - -
All the talk of white dresses, flowers, China patterns, guest lists, and the like had made them both feel overwhelmed. Because it only took three weeks to call the banns, which conveniently aligned with the twenty-fourth of December, Sister Julienne recommended they simply get married after the Christmas Vigil Mass.
Both Shelagh and Doctor Turner had tried to protest. However, no one could think of a good reason to wait any longer.
And the look on both of their faces, despite their poorly worded protests, made it very clear to everyone, Sister Julienne in particular, that both Shelagh and Doctor Turner were relieved and excited at the suggestion.
So it was decided.
The Vicar was informed and the invitations were made.
Shelagh walked on air for those weeks. And Doctor Turner arrived each Sunday morning to escort her to mass, Timothy in tow, and a large grin on his face. The only thing that made him grin larger was when he looked at Angela.
The pre-wedding jitters set in on the twenty-third of December, moving day. The intention was to move all of Shelagh and Angela's things to the Turner's flat today, except for an overnight bag, which she would take with her tomorrow. Shelagh and Angela would go to their new home directly following the Christmas Vigil service.
Sister Julienne and Sister Monica Joan were helping Shelagh pack the few items she owned, and deciding what the bare essentials for a single night were. The bare essentials for a month old baby were quickly exceeding what Shelagh needed for herself.
"It's not too soon, is it?" Shelagh asked suddenly, collapsing on the bed.
Sister Monica Joan looked up questioningly, a simple floral print dress hanging from her hands.
"Too soon?" Sister Julienne repeated.
"The wedding." Her lip trembled for a moment. "Patrick's so well respected, and not to mention Nonnatus House. I couldn't bear bringing shame-"
Sister Monica Joan silenced her. "There is never shame in love. And the masses see what we see." She sat down on next to Shelagh. "Our Sister being rewarded for her bravery with a good man and a loving family."
Shelagh smiled and took Sister Monica Joan's hand in hers.
Angela made a noise, waking from her nap. Shelagh moved to retrieve her, but Sister Julienne motioned for her to sit. She gathered the infant and returned her to her mother, and took a place next to her on the bed.
Shelagh kissed her daughter's forehead and held her tightly.
Sister Monica Joan was correct. There wasn't a scandal. People simply thought it was a natural fit: the kind, widowed, physician taking in the unwed nurse and former nun, ousted (amicably) from the Order due to her child born of assault. The people didn't see what she had seen.
The anguish.
She had seen it on a daily basis. She wasn't sure when she noticed, when she realized for sure. But Sister Julienne knew Doctor Turner had been in love with Shelagh for some months before Angela had been born. And, as for Shelagh, well, once Sister Julienne realized her Sister felt the same for the Doctor, everything became clear: the difficulty she had been having before her tuberculosis diagnosis.
The silence.
The tears.
Sister Julienne watched Shelagh hold her baby. She smiled. The Lord worked in mysterious ways.
- - All Saints Church, Midnight, December 24, 1959 - -
It had been years since Patrick had attended church on a regular basis. But these last three weeks, he found himself sitting in a pew next to Shelagh and Timothy. Angela seemed to enjoy services, always being quiet and content. Patrick suspected she simply liked hearing Shelagh sing, he and Timothy certainly did.
Today, he sat in the pew with Shelagh, Timothy, Angela, and the nuns. The nurses, the Noakes', the Buckles, and Mrs. B. sat behind them. Two of Patrick's three brothers and their families were also in attendance. The oldest, James, couldn't get a plane or ship from Canada on such short notice.
Usually, Shelagh wore a black veil to church, but today she was wearing a white one with her pretty green Christmas dress.
They sung "Joy to the World" as the exit song and all stayed in their pews as the rest of the congregation meandered out of the church, wishing each other merry Christmases and happy New Years.
It wasn't quite ten minutes when the vicar returned. He clapped his hands and rubbed them together excitedly. "All in attendance?"
The entire party answered positively. Patrick and Shelagh were grinning too widely to respond coherently.
"Well, come on then."
After a bit of shuffling around and handing Angela to Sister Julienne, Patrick found himself standing in front of the altar holding both of Shelagh's hands in his.
Christmas hadn't always been his favorite time of year. But it was now.
- - - Fin - - -