Delia re-entered Nonnatus House unable to stifle the happiness that she could feel radiating from her every pore. She could not believe that Patsy had managed to get tickets to La Dolche Vita despite the demand. Delia had been awfully upset when the tickets had been sold out. She had cursed her inability to stray to far from Nonnatus and Patsy's shift pattern that kept her too busy and exhausted to have been able to book tickets in time. It had felt like yet another failure in her year of hell.
Now, though, Delia's bounce had been renewed and she rushed upstairs quickly to try and sort herself out for her Valentine's Day date. Date; that was a strange word. It held such appeal and frustration for her at the same time. Unable to say it to the world, it became a word of excitement between her and Patsy. Uttered only in hushed tones, in quiet places, behind closed doors. Such was the fear of being found out.
The trials and tribulations of the past year had taken its toll on both girls, however, they were beginning to work through it all. The living arrangements at Nonnatus helped Delia feel so much more independent than being cooped up back in Pembrokeshire. Being close to Patsy all the time was invigorating. Patsy brought out the confidence in Delia in a way that nobody else could.
Reaching her room, Delia pushed open the door and headed straight for her closet. A quick rummage around in its contents proved fruitless and Delia sighed. There was nothing here that Patsy had not already seen her wear. She wanted to make this day special for her, and in more ways than one.
Patsy and Delia had always been intimate, but had always found a way to stop themselves progressing to the full admiration of each others bodies. Stolen passionate kisses and quick fumbles above blouses were all that they had really managed to accomplish. Not that it had bothered either of them. Their love far outmatched their physical desires. The emotional need for each other was a powerful necessity in both of their lives.
No, Delia was going to get something new for tomorrow. Grabbing her coat and her bag, checking for her purse and the cash stowed within, she headed out into London. Daring to head further from the sanctity of Nonnatus than she had done since coming back.
Catching the bus into town she felt proud of herself. Hopping off the bus as the correct street only amplified this. However, upon walking into the first department store, Delia felt overwhelmed by the sheer amount of clothes and options put before her. Taking a deep breath, she proceeded forward with care, constantly reminding herself that this was for Patsy and not for her.
A mere two hours, five shops and one purchase later, Delia felt happy with the dress she had found. With is bold spotty pattern and flattering outline, it emphasised Delia's bust and hips in a way she was certain Patsy would appreciate. Upon walking back towards the bus stop Delia passed by a lingerie store. Feeling bold, she marched through the door with a fake air of confidence. The selection out on display left little to the imagination, and with the help of a store assistant, under the pretence that Delia wished to surprise her husband for Valentine's Day, Delia left with an ensemble that would be sure to set Patsy's gears in motion. Stuffing the bag inside the one already holding the dress, Delia caught the bus back to Poplar.
Feeling emboldened by her adventure so far, Delia decided to jump off a few stops early and enjoy the fresh day that the end of Winter had brought. Walking through the streets of Poplar, amongst the children playing and adults working, she had never felt more glad to be back in London with its constant buzz of life. Pembrokeshire was beautiful, but London was her home now, as her home would be wherever her Patsy was.
The sweet smell of freshly cut flowers halted her in her tracks. Delia turned and walked to the stall. A bouquet of flowers would be the perfect addition to Patsy's room. Choosing tulips, the same red/orange colour of Patsy's hair, with the addition of red roses and a few yellow daffodils, it was not the most aesthetically pleasing bouquet, but Delia knew that the hidden meaning of each of these flowers would not be lost on her Patsy.
On returning to Nonnatus, Delia found the kitchen empty with the nuns and midwives still apparently busy out on their rounds. The drying dishes on the washboard served as a clue that they had at least made it back for food before they continued on their day. The life of the midwives and nuns was hard, but there was not a complaint to be had from any of them. Their constant dedication to their work was admirable, and Delia took pride in the little things she could do around the House to help make her extended family's days a little easier. Picking up a tea towel she proceeded to dry the plates and put them away, then she set the table for dinner. Delia hoped that her contributions, although small, made some difference in the lives of the Nonnatuns that had so kindly opened their doors to her.
Grabbing a vase and filling it with water, Delia cut the flower stems and took great care in placing them neatly in the vase. Returning to her bedroom she wrote the small card to accompany the flowers. The simple message of "Welcome Home x" was one which held such weight in her relationship with Patsy. It signified their enduring love that had persevered through thick and thin.
Hiding the dress and lingerie in her closet, Delia went out into the hall. Creeping quietly in case someone had returned without her realising, Delia opened the door to Patsy and Trixie's room. Crossing the room lightly, she placed the vase of flowers and card on Patsy's bedside table. Ensuring the perfect positioning with a few adjustments, Delia heard the heavy door at the front of Nonnatus open and close. Afraid of being caught she exited the room quickly, closing the door softly as she left.
Back in her room Delia let out a sigh of relief. She grabbed a book and made her way down into the sitting room to pass away the rest of the day. Sister Monica Joan joined her in the late afternoon and proceeded to force feed her chocolate éclairs and biscuits, stating that she looked "tired and in need of sugary treats". It would have been rude to have refused. Plus, if she were to have a seizure following her journey across London because of sheer exhaustion, she would never hear the end of it.
It was well past dinner time before she heard the familiar click of NHS issue shoes on the wooden floor of Nonnatus House. She smelt the bleach and coffee scent that she knew all too well. The atmosphere instantly lightened; Patsy was home.