Another somewhat rushed chapter I'm afraid. I'm determined to finish this story but time is not my friend at the moment. Apologies for any mistakes hope they don't dampen your interest in the story.

In this chapter, I've also borrowed a concept I really enjoyed in one of Think_Busby_Think stories from the fantastic Tea series.

"Morning all" Delia almost sang as she breezed into the dining room in a fitted, flattering and somewhat low cut day dress. She took her seat next to Patsy and leant forward to retrieve the large enamelled teapot.

"Oh, my good giddy aunt" Patsy chuntered under her breath as her eyes wandered to the inviting cleavage. Fortunately, her behaviour drew no more attention than a raised eyebrow from Trixie, as the young nurses and nuns sat around the Nonnatus table sharing one of Mrs B's substantial breakfasts.

Delia consciously ignored the risqué comment and chatted away. "I barely got any shut-eye last night. I now understand why humans have a forty week gestation, you need it just to plan what supplies a house needs when that home is going to contain children." Delia reached for the now cool toast and jam, uncharacteristically self-absorbed. Patsy had barely managed to contain herself, or school her glances after the young Welsh woman had swept into the breakfast room wearing possibly the most fetching dress she had ever witnessed on her partner.

Patsy deliberately kept her eyes on her own plate, barely lifting her head. The situation pulled a sly grin from Trixie as she notes the rose pink blush on Patsy's cheeks.

Patsy elegantly folded her tall frame into the Morris, placing a small bag on the rear seat and checking her surroundings. Delia hopped into the passenger seat with a more energetic style. Her skirt hem rode slightly higher as she settled on the green leather and Patsy closed her eyes praying to keep her concentration as she drove. The revealed glimpse of the soft pale inner thigh was far too tempting. Patsy rebuked herself for having the libido of a teenage boy. As she pushed the heavy gearstick into first and eased the car into motion, Patsy spoke her first words of the morning. to Delia "New dress?"

Delia's eyes danced with joy. "Yes, I picked it up in town with Liz. Do you like it? I thought it was a little pricey, but Liz said it's a timeless classic day piece".

Patsy released an almost primal hum of approval. "I'm not quite sure it is going to help my strained relationship with your mother!"

Delia looked puzzled. "Why would mam care that I have a new dress?"

"She may care that I can't seem to stop undressing you with my eyes. She will think me even more of a cad than she currently does."

"She doesn't think you're a cad cariad. She just hasn't figured out how to talk to you yet."

"Am I that different to talk to than anyone else?"

"Yes."

"Well, that's charming. You seem to manage just fine."

"But I was intimidated when we first met. The accent, the manners, the clothes. You radiate breeding, money and style. I just presumed with you nursing the money had run out!"

"Really Delia, Breeding? You make me sound like a prize nag".

"You're just very different from anyone she associates with in Pembrook. She'll overcome her prejudices soon enough."

The couple drove through the winding streets, Patsy tried to keep from fretting over a day with her in-laws. Distracting herself, she reverted to the practical and efficient. "I must purchase a more suitable motorcar, and sooner rather than later. Nurse Cranes generosity can not be boundless".

"Trixie mentioned Nurse Crane has been offering to take care any expectant mother if she could justify driving. Any excuse I believe was the phrase Trixie used."

"That maybe, and I'm glad that she is enjoying my baby however I think if your mother saw it she would think me very irresponsible."

"Your baby?"

"Well…"

"Don't dig yourself a hole cariad. Oh look, mam and tad have beaten us here."

Patsy parked the car neatly on the small courtyard area and looked out from the car at the Busbys before turning back to Delia. "Once more unto the breach."

Delia rolled her eyes and gathered her handbag before going to greet her parents.

The four made their way through the house, inspecting the work and receiving updates from the foreman. Patsy and Delia were both somewhat taken aback by the progress in just under twenty-four hours and neither could resist the wide grins that swept over their faces as much more of the house looked habitable.

Despite the sea of tradesmen working exhaustingly on the house, there was still lots to be done. Delia moved from room to room, confirming details and ensuring the men had everything they needed. Mr Busby passed jovial comments as he walked between rooms, carrying small items to their new homes, Mrs Busby kept a constant stream of tea flowing and despite the welcome brew her cutting words and icy demeanour did place a little more tension in the house than ideal. For her part, Patsy inspected the completed jobs, highlighted small areas that were not perfect and found more and more nooks and crannies that would be impossible to clean to her exacting standards.

By the mid afternoon the smell of fresh paint, freshly sawn wood and new carpet filled the house. Several furniture deliveries had arrived, been carried into place and then moved at least three or four more times until Delia and Patsy were satisfied by its positioning.

"What were you thinking Delia?" Mrs Busby asked her daughter as Patsy and Delia lounged on their new sofa, delighted by how comfortable it was. "It's mustard yellow! And Velvet! What will people think? And that aweful fabric is not at all sensible with a baby in the house."

"It's comfortable mam. And I like yellow." Delia and Patsy were grinning at each other, both excited for the time when they would be alone in their new sitting room, listening to the wireless and unwinding from their days.

A loud knock at the door drew Mr Busby from the room. His booming Welsh voice filled the hallway. "Come in, come in. What have we got here?" The muffled reply was lost on the ladies, but the content of the delivery soon became clear. "Right'o, follow me chaps. Just one flight of stairs. I'll lead the way."

Delia immediately blushed, but the pinkish tone to Delia's cheeks was missed as Mrs Busby and Patsy both rushed from the room to ensure the moving men were duly careful as they ascended the staircase.

"Do be careful, you're too close to the walls. I hope your boots are clean. Both beds should be in the righthand room".

Delia walked slowly behind. She had been dreading this delivery and the fact that her parents were there to witness it was in many ways the most embarrassing moment of her life. By the time the delivery men had set the bed frame in place and retreated to bring the mattress from their van all three Busbys and Patsy stood catatonic, teaching looking at the bed with their own trepidation. Patsy could feel the blush deepen in her cheeks, the fiery heat creeping down to her chest and causing her heart to pound like a small child caught when up to mischief. Delia began to look about, weighing the fastest ways she could extradite herself from the room, and plan to avoid being in her parent's company for the next five to ten years. Yet before she could bolt Mrs Busby spoke.

"There is only one large bed. Is it a mistake?"

"No mam" came the sheepish reply from Delia

"Well, where is Miss Mount to sleep? I thought you were to share this room?"

"We are mam. We will share…" Delia looked about. She didn't want to voice the remainder of the statement, and she was very conscious that the conversation was not suitable for the ears of the work party.

Mrs Busby said nothing but departed like horse bolting after a bee sting. Delia looked cautiously between her father and her mothers departing form. "Tad?"

"That bed needs extra support. They don't make things like they used to. I'll fetch some tools, and I'll have a look. Better to do it now."

Finally, alone Patsy turned to Delia with raised eyebrows. Delia smiled softly "It was supposed to be a surprise. Liz's suggestion! I didn't give too much thought about its delivery, and I certainly didn't think my parents would be here."

"Well, I'm very much looking forward…"

"Pats" Delia interrupted as the sound of the delivery men got louder as the manoeuvred the large mattress into the room. Delia signed the delivery slip before braving up to locate her mother.

The tension from the rear seats of the Morris was palpable as Patsy drove across London in the early evening traffic. Mr Busby was riding shotgun and providing directions. Mrs Busby had arranged this evening with her sister and had promised Blod Delia would join them for dinner. She hadn't wanted to include Miss Mount in the trip, but there was no way around extending the invitation.

"I hope Blod has made a roast. She makes a very good roast, and I, for one, am famished".

"your always famished tad," Delia said from the small space in the rear of the car.

"Because I'm blessed with being from a family of wonderful cooks. You've all spoilt me."

Patsy's mind ran as she drove. Delia spoke of her aunt often, but Patsy had not been able to gain much insight into the lady from the odd comment here and there. She had picked up from a conversation with Delia that Blod was Mrs Busby's younger sister, a spinster and worked in a small drapers shop just south of the river. She also noted that Blod was a favourite of Delia's and by all accounts jovial and warm. The unknown however was causing some trepidation and having Mrs Busby at the initial meet made the whole scenario that bit worse.

Patsy parked the car outside the period terrace on King George Street and the family busied themselves as Mrs Busby led the way to ring the bell.

The door opened to reveal a short and slender immaculately dressed woman of about 40 years. "Hello Anwen" she greeted, embasing her sister. Her accent was much like Delia's, the Welsh drawl softened by years of distance.

"I hope we've not put you out Blod. How you plan any journey with the traffic here…"

"It's no problem at all Anwen. And you've brought my favourite Neice so all is forgiven."

Delia stepped up and warmly embraced her aunt. "Hello, Aunty Blod."

"Delia. Look at you. You look fabulous and the fabric of your dress is beautiful"

"Thank you. I hope you don't mind I've brought my dear friend Patsy with me. We have some news. Patsy…" Delia waved the tall red head over. "Pats, this is my Aunt, Blodwin Morgan. Aunty Blod this is my dearest friend Patsy Mount."

Blod stepped forward and hugged Patsy who was a little taken aback and stiff with the unexpected action. "It's a pleasure, Miss Morgan."

"Call me Blod. Now come in. The kettle is on, and supper will be ready in about half an hour."

Delia and Patsy followed Mrs Busby into the house which was simply furnished. The hallway hosted some large black and white photos of various landscapes wild and untamed, eclectic umbrella stand filled with shooting sticks and umbrellas and a tall coat stand covered in coats and hats of all colours. The hall led to a well-proportioned sitting room, a large sofa, two wing-backed armchairs, lots of tall lush green pot plants and a television sitting pride of place in front of a bookcase and next to the black cast iron fireplace.

Blod and Rhys followed the group in, laughing and obviously enjoying each others company. Right, who would like tea? Who would like something a little for fortifying? Rhys, I have a bottle of Ale if I can tempt you?"

"You know I'm easily tempted. Ale would hit the spot just perfectly."

"Anwen? Delia? Patsy?"

"A cup of tea for me. I'll go and make a pot" Mrs Busby said as she moved to leave the room.

"Yes, tea sounds most welcome," Patsy said

"I'll give you a hand mam?"

Delia, Anwen and Blod retreated to make the drinks leaving Rhys and Patsy alone in the sitting room. Rhys had taken a seat on one of the wing-backs and was leafing through a catalogue of sorts. Patsy thought that this seemed a well-practiced routine for him.

As Rhys hummed and tutted at various pages as he flicked through the leaves and Patsy looked about the room. It was modern yet patchworked with old pieces of furniture. Again the walls were covered in photographs, more mountainous landscapes and some snaps of Blod with another lady looking as though they were on various holidays. In some Blod looked to be much younger and her features and dimpled smile resembled Delia more than a little.

The sofa stood in the centre of two small side tables, one home to a lamp, a well-thumbed novel and a pair of reading specs. The other featured a lamp, an ashtray, a box of Embassy tipped, a box of matches and a small stack of Magazines which included the latest copy of the Radio Times, Vogue and a Times Newspaper. It was a homely room with a comfortable feel. Two alcoves, either side of the fireplace were filled with books and board games. Many of the text looked like reference non-fiction although the paperback novels looked to equal the more academic works in number if not mass. The last feature of the room as a neat desk, many papers piled neatly at one end and a large pot of pens and pencils.

Delia returned with a cup of tea for Patsy and sat next to her girlfriend at one end of the sofa, politely leaving space for Blod to take her usual position, which she soon did.

Rhys closed the catalogue. "How are things at the shop Blod?" he enquired.

"Very good. We've expanded into the old wool shop next door, and we're offering haberdashery and dress making. It's a big change but so far its all very good. How is the drapery business in Pembrook?"

"Excellent. Your replacement is finally capable of being left to run the shop for more than two days at a time, so I'm rather optimistic about the future."

"You worked for Mr Busby?" Patsy asked, warmed by the idea of the small family shop and a young Delia running about the brightly coloured rolls of linens and, Cottons and silks.

"Rhys taught me all I know. I started as his shop girl when I was fifteen and loved every minute of it. When I moved to London, he helped me set up my little shop."

Mrs Busby humphed at that, clearly unimpressed.

"The call of the big city. What attracted you to setting up here?"

Mrs Busby cleared her throat. "Hadn't you better attend to supper if we're going to eat before we need to head back to our hotel?"

Blod stared momentarily, unamused by her older sisters manners. "Yes, and you can help me, sister. You surely know best when it comes to making gravy?"

As Blod and Anwen stood the younger sister took a deep and fortifying breath. "And Hilda will be joining us when she has finished work. She's not seen Delia in over three years."

The sisters retreated, their body langue frosty in the extreme. Mr Busby simply raised his eyebrows. "Well, that will put your mother in a spin. Pass me The Times, will you? I want to pretend I know what is happening in the world."

"Hilda is an old friend of my aunt's. You'll love her Pats. She's a scientist and a hoot. I've not seen her since I moved to London. I think she still lives nearby. She used to visit us in Wales with Blod when I was young. She taught me all sorts of fun experiments. We created an exploding volcano in mam's kitchen one Easter. It didn't end well."

Delia regaled Patsy with countless stories of childhood adventures and mischief while they waited. Delia lit up as she described her aunt's antics and Patsy found she was becoming rather fond of her new acquaintance with each passing tale. Delia also talked of Hilda, of picnics and being somewhat awestruck as a child of her aunts intelligent and cosmopolitan friend.

Patsy looked around once more, absorbing the room, it was cosy, yet the fire was unlit. "Has Miss Morgan had the boiler repaired? You mentioned Mr Busby that she was having some problems. Hence your hotel stay?"

"Rhys, please! I think she must have although I wouldn't put it past Anwen to have bent the truth a little there. We usually wait for Blod to invite us to visit at a time convenient to her, but Anwen was set on this week."

Just as Patsy was going to respond a loud thud of the front door closing drew their attention. "Blod?" Came a new voice from the hall. It wasn't as plummy as Patsy's, but it had a public school air to it. Only moments later the same tall women from the photographs walked into the living room, dressed in well-tailored dogtooth slacks, an open neck blouse and dogtooth waistcoat. Her feet sported a pair of well-worn sheepskin mule slippers. "Well hello, Rhys, Delia. It's lovely to see you both again. Has Blod left you fending for yourselves? Oh and an unfamiliar face. I'm Hilda Lovegrove Trent, a friend of Blods. Pleased to meet you?"

"Hilda, this is my dear friend Patsy Mount."

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Patsy."

"Likewise."

"Now I will just nip to say hello to Blod. Can I freshen your drinks while I'm up? Pre-dinner snifter anyone?"

A quarter of an hour later the party was called through to the dining room to take their seats. Delia excused herself to freshen up, so Patsy offered her assistance in serving the food. She entered the kitchen and noted, Hilda, carving the joint of beef with Anwen nowhere in sight. The kitchen was neat and filled with lots of little pots, each neatly labelled, racks full of wines and even more plants. There was a small table, just large enough for two with a pair of odd chairs, each with comfortable looking cushions. Patsy was soon enlisted and helped carry through the many bowls of steaming vegetables and warmed plates with the beautifully carved meat.

As they ate Blods attention moved to Delia. "You mentioned you had some news, Delia? I'm rather excited to find out about the latest developments of my niece's life."

Delia subconsciously moved slightly towards Patsy and rested her knife and fork on her plate. "I'm not sure where to start." Patsy and Delia slowly explained the situation in as much detail as they could. They talked about Bertie and Mai, about Lily and Bertie's request they became her joint guardians. They talked about their new home and the work that was currently being carried out, and finally, they talked about the roles they would be taking on with raising Lily and their nursing."

Blod and Hilda were both quiet. They listened intently to the sad saga. "Well that is a terribly sad story, and I'm so sorry for your loss Patsy. But I must admit I am quite envious that you are to have the chance to be a parent. It was never on the cards for me…" with that Blod chanced a glance at Hilda.

"You could have both been parents regardless of tragic circumstance. You could even now find nice men and marry."

Blods demeanour changed instantly. "Anwen, you know full well why Hill and I haven't settled as you put it."

Silence swept the table. The sound of silver on china was all that could be heard. Patsy was finding herself more and more curious about her new acquaintances. "So how did you meet and become friends? Delia says you're a scientist?"

Hilda smiled at Blod. Pure luck and in many ways thanks to Delia. The gods were shining on me. I had undertaken a study which took me to a small village in Pembrokeshire. I booked a room at the local Inn for a month and set about cataloguing and analysing local flora. This little girl, with wonderful dimples and a love of climbing, became quite curious about what I was up to and for the first two or three days followed me as I set out each morning foraging. It was the summer holidays. The little girl picked up the courage to start asking me questions and she became my unofficial field assistant. On my fourth day, a rather beautiful and sunny Thursday I could hear the loudest Welsh voice I had ever witness shouting after Delia. That's when I met Blod. She became my sanity for the next few weeks. My study got extended, and it was October before it was time to move back to London."

"I'd always wanted to move away from Pembroke, see the world a little and Hill gave me the chance to do just that. Rhys helped me set up my shop and the rest, as they say, is history."

Patsy watched all interaction for the rest of the evening, the body language, the small innocent gestures. Now the house made sense to her but could Delia really be nieve of the situation?

The evening drew to a close and Delia invited her aunt and Hilda to join them for dinner in their new home in a fortnight's time. They would be able to introduce them to Lily and Patsy found herself quite excited about getting better acquainted with the older ladies.