For my beautiful ladies
There came a loud bang as the front door crashed open.
'Doctor Turner?' Sister Julienne cried out as the man burst into the room. Shelagh jumped but kept her gaze straight ahead facing the fireplace.
'Forgive me Sister. I wondered if I might be able to speak with...uh...with Shelagh.' He stumbled over his words, unsure of which name to refer to her as.
'How did you know my name?' Shelagh tilted her head so she was turned towards him but kept her gaze fiercely on the patchwork blanket before her. Now was not the time to have her heart broken in person. Chummy had taken a drastic downturn suddenly, had haemorrhaged and was currently in theatre. Peter had gone with her of course but there had only been space for one on the ambulance. Had she not been so terrified Shelagh would have smiled at sister Evangelina's care and concern for the tall nurse. Pretend as she may the nun had a heart of gold. They were all crammed into the living room waiting for news, any news that meant their friend was well. They were currently knitting squares to make a blanket for the baby. They needed something to do. They were desperate for any distractions from the anxious silence. Out of the corner of her eye she saw the Doctor turn towards her.
'May I please speak with you in private?'
'Doctor?' She shifted awkwardly in her seat. She couldn't face him, couldn't bear to hear his words, couldn't bear to hear his laughter at her misunderstanding of his intentions. It was terrible. She could finally allow herself to look at him, could meet his eyes and not have to shield her love and adoration for him. But he didn't love her. He was with Miss Baker. It wasn't her place. Her place was here, in Nonnatus House as Nurse Mannion. A friend to many but love of none.
'Please.' Everyone was startled to hear the desperation in his voice. Sister Evangelina cleared her throat.
'Doctor we're rather in the middle of something here. Nurse No-'
'I'm not dating Miss Baker.' Patrick cut her off, barely even registering the nuns voice, his attention solely on the beautiful blonde who still refused to look at him.
'I'm sorry?' Shelagh gasped.
'How could I when I've fallen so hopelessly head over heels in love with you.' The Nonnatuns gasped.
'Doctor?' Shelagh finally dared a glance up at the man she loved. Seeing the desperation and distress in his eyes, second only to the love she saw in them, she felt the breath leave her body.
'I love you and I think you love me too. I can think of no other explanation for what has been going on between us these past six or seven months. After our phone call earlier today I am sure of it. You said that you were living the wrong life but in the right place. I love you Shelagh and I want to be with you. I want you to live the right life by my side. I have no idea where this Miss Baker rumour came from though I do know how it made its way to you.' He briefly glared at a half fascinated, half horrified looking Trixie. 'Please believe me Shelagh. I love you.' Silently Shelagh put her blanket squares aside and rose to face him. Slowly she walked over to him, staring hard at his face, trying to discern the level to which he was telling the truth. Everyone held their breath, transfixed by the bizarre turn of events unfolding before them, all aware that for the time being they had been forgotten. She stopped before him.
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