An hour later the twin newborns have their bellies sufficiently full, and have succumbed to the need to rest. Sister Monica Joan has the pair of them secured into a single crocheted blanket as Sister Hilda finally relents to her own exhaustion. Monica Joan turns toward the precious souls with upturned noses who are nestled into the crook of her arm.

"I had begun to fret that they would never leave us to our own devices. Ladies I wanted to let you know that my plan has come to fruition. I have been waiting for a partner in crime, and my prayers have been answered two-fold. We have much to do. Obviously we are going to start our plans with copious amounts of snuggles, and naps. That should energize us for all of our other activities."

Sister Julienne is the next to arrive at Nonnatus. No one responds when she calls. She ascends the stairs after finding Sister Monica Joan's room empty. Sister Hilda's door is ajar. She gently pushes it open, and finds Sister Hilda lying on her side sound asleep. Someone shushes her from the corner of the room.

"Our new houseguests have arrived," Sister Monica Joan announces with glee.

Sister Julienne crosses the room, and grins at the snoozing pair of newborns.

"It was my belief that they were not slated for arrival for some weeks."

"Clearly they were quite anxious to begin our shenanigans together."

"How is our patient?"

"I'm not sure how restful her slumber is. She shifts in her sleep every time one of them moves, or makes a sound."

"Perhaps we should evacuate the premises."

"I would oblige, but it would appear my arms have been rendered useless."

Sister Julienne carefully plucks the pair of babies from her arms. The pair of them quietly leave the room with the twins in tow. They make their way down the stairs to the comfort of the couch. Sister Julienne carefully examines the pair of newborns beneath the artificial light.

"They appear identical."

"Yes, identical girls with no names."

"I hope that the birth was not fully traumatizing."

"My suspicion is that the birth was the smoothest part of the entire ordeal. Baby A arrived quite speedily. Baby B required a dash of assistance as her hand was tucked against her cheek. Luckily Shelagh stopped by…" Sister Monica Joan's eyes light up, "with baked goods."

"She was content with their overall appearance?"

"Indeed she was."

"And Sister Hilda?"

"I don't think she intends to part with them, if that is what you are asking me."

"I see."

"I understand that puts you in a very precarious position."

She nods, "But not today. Today we are going to celebrate these precious lives."

Sister Hilda stirs. As she regains consciousness she sighs in relief as she can breathe without feet pressed into her ribcage. Panic washes over her as her hand instinctively flies to her abdomen. Her eyes shift from one side of the room to the other. Before she can call out Sister Monica Joan appears in the doorway.

"All is well, Sister. I just came to check on you. You have been asleep for some time."

"Where are the girls?"

"They are downstairs with Sister Julienne."

Her breathing begins to slow. Her eyes widen. Sister Monica Joan turns on the lamp. She smiles softly, and gently touches Sister Hilda's perspiring face.

"I am going to be one of those neurotic mothers who can't let their offspring out of her sight, aren't I?"

"You are going to be all of the things that they need."

That evening she settles the pair of newborns into a single basinet as they refuse to tolerate separation. A gentle knock on the door interrupts her negative pattern of thinking. She looks up to find Lucille standing in the doorway.

"I hope you're not feeling overwhelmed with our constant check ins. I just got in, and heard the news. I wanted to stop and see the precious babes, and you of course. If you're not up for it I understand."

"They are currently in a state of slumber, but you are welcome to peek at them. They do not seem to be particularly sensitive to the noises here at Nonnatus. I suppose they have probably grown accustom to them."

Lucille grins as she crosses the room. She peers down at a pair of newborns who sleep soundly snuggled up together. Their little noggins are warmed with tiny crochet caps. Lucille studies the pair of infants carefully. She meets Sister Hilda's gaze, and offers a gentle smile. Fear, and uncertainty stare back at her.

"How can I help you, precious?"

"I don't have the foggiest idea. I feel overwhelmed by all of this. I have no certainty that I am doing the right thing. There are many challenges to face in the coming days. I fear I haven't the strength to face them all."

"Sometimes talking about our fears makes them a little more manageable."

"I am nearly half a century old. Do I really have the stamina to keep up with them? I mean for pity's sake I can't even seem to come up with names for them."

Lucille furrows her brow, "You will think of something. There is much filling your mind, and your heart this evening."

"To be perfectly honest I am not sure where to go from here. What happens if Mother Mildred insists that I leave the order? How am I going to provide for them as a disgraced nun, and a midwife who is past her prime? No one is going to be eager to hire a middle aged single mother."

"Let's cross one bridge at a time."

"That isn't my only concern."

Lucille offers her a handkerchief, "I'm listening, precious."