Chapter two: This is their first argument. I have noticed that Doctor Turner does tend to be a bit high-handed at times. He is after all, a man of the 50's. He isn't being mean, just rather over-protective. All will become clear.

It would take some courage to walk up the steps to Nonnatus House, so Shelagh waited in the courtyard below for a moment to gather her thoughts. She missed her sisters – they had been her family for so long – and she had barely seen them in the last few months. Yes, it had been blissful to explore the world outside the convent, and to rediscover the Shelagh she had almost forgotten. The joy of sometimes getting up late, doing her hair, shopping, taking Timmy to the park; just every day things that most people took for granted. She still prayed – would probably always need to do so – but now it was something she was free to do, not obligated to do. The sense of freedom was wonderful. But what about her work? Her skill as a midwife had gone unused for so long – and she knew she was needed. Would she get in the way if she visited today? Were they angry with her for deserting them? Would they now think her frivolous?

When she had finally confessed to Sister Julienne that day in the clinic she had explained by saying, "I want other things, things I can't have in the religious life." Of course she had been speaking then about a husband and children. And soon she was to marry Patrick, and be a step-mother to Timothy. She couldn't be more certain about this decision. She had only to look at Patrick to be certain, more certain than she had ever been in her life. In that dear face she saw everything she had ever longed for; love, acceptance, kindness, and also a pain that she was desperate to heal. But Patrick and Timmy had their own lives too, and she had had "enough rest to kill a mule." For some reason she had not been able to bring herself to discuss the problem of work after marriage, with him. He was so protective of her, particularly after her illness. She loved that, but to someone used to being so independent, so used to being really needed in the community, it was a surprise. 'Perhaps this will be our first challenge,' she thought.

Without realising it, Shelagh had been pacing around the yard, the myriad of thoughts circling her brain as her feet circled the cracks in the pavement. Suddenly the front door opened and Trixie emerged, clearly in a flap.

"Hi there, Sis...Shelagh!" she panted, "Thank God you're here, I need you right now! Can you come up and get a medical bag? Everyone is busy and we have a major emergency in the West Ferry Road. An accident involving a pregnant woman apparently. Please hurry!"

There was simply nothing for it but to sprint up the stairs, run past a bewildered looking Sister Monica Joan, grab a bag and go. She ran past the hall cupboard, and remembered that a pair of her utility shoes were still in there. She shouted down to Trixie,

"I'll just be a minute, got to change out of these high heels!"

In no time at all they were cycling at speed through the streets of Poplar.

"Not sure I can keep up in this skirt Trixie!" Shelagh called, half laughing,

"Not to worry I can see the accident up ahead!" Trixie cried back, a note of alarm in her voice.

It was awful. They had both seen harrowing sights before now, but this was truly horrendous.

The ambulance and flying squad were there to attend to the worst of the casualties which included two pedestrians and the drivers of a lorry and car. It was rush hour, and two policemen had managed to divert the traffic into one lane to allow the medics to work. Once the wounded had been taken to hospital, Shelagh and Trixie were left with their patient, a young pregnant woman who had been knocked over by the car, and was clearly going into premature labour.

They had never worked under these conditions before, but each were highly skilled and knew exactly what to do. They couldn't risk moving her, so did their best to keep her warm. Afternoon turned into evening. The cutting wind from the River Thames chilled the two nurses, and a soft rain descended eventually soaking them through. A policeman managed to keep the patient dry with a large umbrella, and after an hour a makeshift tent was erected.

It was hard work, but they were rewarded with the sight of a healthy baby boy and a mother responding well to treatment. Both were taken to hospital.

"I couldn't have done it without you," said Trixie gratefully once they had returned to Nonnatus House. They were absolutely soaked through and freezing, so had no choice but to avail themselves of a bath, and some spare clothes.

"Here" said Trixie, "try this dress, I've always thought it would suit you! And then you can join us for supper," and with a sly look, "unless you've got to be somewhere else?"

"I'd love to!" grinned Shelagh.

So there she was again, in the midst of them all. It was as if she had never left. They seemed happy to see her, if perhaps a little restrained at first. But soon all that was forgotten and they were exchanging stories and news as always.

"Don't let it be too long before we see you again," said Sister Julienne as she was leaving. "I can't tell you how lovely it is to see you looking happy and well."

"Thank you Sister, I've missed you all."

"And we've missed you. We pray for you, Doctor Turner and Timothy every day."

"And I for you."

"Come and have a chat with me tomorrow if you like, I've been wondering what your plans are about your work. You know you will always be needed in Poplar."

"I'd like to talk to you about it all. But I suppose I really need to talk to Patrick first."

"Of course you do. Goodnight and God bless you Shelagh."

Shelagh hugged her, she couldn't help it, and Sister Julienne did not seem to mind.

It was very late but Shelagh's lodgings were not far, and she was at last a canny user of the buses. It had taken her a while! Jenny walked with her to the bus stop as she had a letter to post. They didn't see Doctor Turner's car at first so deep were they in conversation. Jenny was entranced by the change in her friend's demeanour – she literally lit up with happiness at the sight of him. She had never seen the Doctor look so young either, especially when his eyes beheld his fiancée! How she hoped it would happen for her one day.

After a short drive Patrick parked the car outside Shelagh's flat. He smiled at her, but was looking puzzled. He took her hands, and wanted to know what she had been doing at Nonnatus House. All at once she sensed trouble. She hadn't even thought about his reaction until now. But she had to tell him the truth about the emergency delivery, there was nothing else for it. His reaction was immediate,

"You should not have been out in this weather for hours like that! You have only just finished recuperating from your illness. Shelagh, what if you have put your health in danger? How could you be so...so...thoughtless and...stupid?!

"Patrick, how can you say that to me? I'm a nurse and a midwife, I have to help people! Don't you think I have any purpose now, except to look attractive and go shopping?"

"When you are married to me, that is exactly what you will be doing!"

"Oh really, so I'm to have no say in the matter I suppose? While you are out saving the world, I will have nothing to do but iron your shirts and make casseroles..."

"And look after Timothy!" he interrupted none too gently. He was frowning at her. He was angry. She was so unspeakably angry herself that her breath came in gasps. She had her back against the passenger door, and felt a painful lump rising in her throat.

A sob of disappointment finally escaped from her. She fumbled to open the door, slammed it and without a backward glance, ran up to her flat. Once inside she flung herself down on her bed and sobbed pitifully.

He did not follow her.

......

Shelagh did not sleep much that night. Why hadn't he come after her? She felt desperate. Had she been wrong to go with Trixie yesterday? No! Of course not. But Patrick was all she really wanted, and she needed him so desperately. It was horrible to be at odds with him, to know he was angry with her. Was it possible that she could have destroyed his love for her? She didn't think so, but just the thought of it made her feel physically sick.

She couldn't eat, could hardly be bothered to comb her hair. She saw Trixie's dress across her bedroom chair, and started crying all over again. Hot tears like she hadn't shed since her time at the clinic, when she had thought she might never see him again. She had to see him...now...this minute.

"But what if he doesn't want to see me?" she thought, the pain of it was intense.

Despite the muddle she was in, she knew she must do something. Hurriedly she tied her hair back in a careless knot, applied minimal make up, and threw on some clothes. The mirror told her she looked ill and tired. Never mind, she must see him, must make it all better.

Patrick had taken Timothy to school, and was opening up the Surgery when he saw her on the other side of the road. She was terribly pale, and so beautiful it almost hurt to look at her. She did not make a move towards him, but waited, unsure of what to do. He ran across to her, stopping short, wanting to touch her.

His eyes were sad, but so full of love as he said,

"Shelagh, I'm so sorry darling."

It was all she needed. She threw herself into his arms and wept.

I leave the rest to your imagination for now and I will explain why he couldn't follow her, even though he wanted to. The whole work issue is something I imagine series 3 might explore - we take it for granted now, but one was supposed to be the ideal housewife back then, particularly if middle-class like Shelagh. She'll talk him round - I reckon he'll do anything for her!