Barbara and Trixie stepped off the bus and into view of cinema lights. Trixie looked to Barbara, noticing her hesitance. "Well," she said, taking Barbara's arm in hers, "shall we?"

Barbara looked crestfallen and didn't move.

"Sweetie, what on earth is wrong? Asked Trixie. "You have that same look on your face when you realise Sister Monica Joan has consumed all the cake."

Barbara pointed to the cinema, "look." Trixie followed Barbara's direction. "Oh", she said, trying to suppress her relief. The cinema sign read 'To Kill a Mockingbird – Sold out.'

Barbara slumped forward, shuffled to a nearby bench and sat. Trixie joined her. "I guess I didn't anticipate it's popularity" she said, at last. Trixie tapped her on the knee. "You wait here. If I can't get you Gregory Peck, I'll at least get you some sweets." Trixie entered the cinema, making way to the confectionery stand.

Barbara looked to the people lined up, ticket in hand. It was not like Barbara to get jealous, particularly over something so trivial. Usually she had the decorum of a saint, wanting for nothing and giving all she could afford. But she had so looked forward to the film, never had a book captivated her so much. She could relate to Scout's youthful enthusiasm, seeing nothing but the good in others. She respected Atticus' values; he very much reminded her of her own father. A man of conviction and principles. And truth be told, she could even relate to Boo Radley. She too had felt misunderstood. A woman her age should enjoy dancing, socialising and courting. Other women had made her feel ashamed for not being so confident in affairs of the heart. Though she had enjoyed courting Tom; it was new and thrilling, much of the expectations placed upon her was terrifying. She was glad she had Trixie and the other nurses at Nonnatus House. Although she was sure they had at one point thought her immature and naive; it was through their support and friendship that she had flourished. Barbara made up her mind to simply enjoy the night with Trixie. She could see the film another night. Besides, Trixie wasn't upset with her about dating Tom, Barbara had no right to feel upset about missing a silly film.

Trixie returned, beaming at Barbara, her hands behind her back. "So I have some marvellous news, and news a little more unsavoury. Which shall you like to hear first?"

Barbara looked to Trixie curiously. "I think I shall like to hear the good news first."

"The good news is, I got us tickets to a showing in two hours."

Barbara's eyes widened in delight. "Oh Trixie, that really is marvellous, I was afraid I had rather missed out."

"The bad news is," Trixie continued, "they only had vanilla flavoured ice cream." From behind her, Trixie revealed two ice cream cones and handed one to Barbara.

"Oh, I don't mind at all, vanilla is my favourite," said Barbara, eyeing her ice cream..

"Why doesn't that surprise me?" stated Trixie, taking a bite. "Oh and also, we will be passing the time by having a quick dance. I know a spot not far from here."

Barbara ceased enjoying the ice cream. "Right. I didn't expect to have to fulfil the promise so soon."

"Well I told you I had bad news," laughed Trixie. "Now come on, it's a short walk from here; fabulous music and dishing men!"

xxx

Patsy was considering taking off her heels; she wasn't sure whether she could make the rest of the journey to Gateways without wincing in pain. She looked to Delia, storming ahead, eager to enter a world of her own.

"Deils, slow down a little." Delia turned to a struggling Patsy and smiled.

"Oh poor Pats," said Delia, walking to her. "There's no shame in wearing sensible shoes, I hear they're all the rage at Gateways."

"That's quite enough, thank you", said Patsy, kneeling to remove her heels and rub her feet.

"No one will suspect you on the basis of comfortable shoes, Pats. You are a nurse after all."

Delia paused, noticing the sadness in Patsy's eyes as she looked up at her.

"It's your fondness for check shirts that give you away," said Delia, trying to make Patsy laugh.

Patsy stood, heels in hand.

"And lack of humour," Delia continued.

Patsy frowned. "Oh I'm joking love. Show me your beautiful smile" asked Delia, reaching to grab Patsy's hand in reassurance.

"Do you really think I'm ashamed?" Patsy asked, pressing Delia's hand with her own.

Delia furrowed her brow, "no love, not of us."

"But of what we are?" asked Patsy, solemnly.

Delia smiled briefly and placed her spare hand over Patsy's.

"It's hard not to believe what society asks us to" said Delia.

"And do you? Do you really believe we're bad people?"

Delia shook her head. "No. Someone as brave and kind and strong and loving as you could never be bad. The world will see that one day."

Patsy kissed Delia then traced the outline of her mouth with her fingers. "I only wish the world could see what I'm seeing now. They'd know resistance is futile in the face of someone you can't help but love."

Delia smiled. "Now come on Pat, you owe me a dance."

Delia and Patsy walked ahead, Patsy had decided to walk without heels after all.

Delia put her arm around Patsy. "You don't mind if I call you Pat, Pat? It just seems fitting, seeing as women's shoes are clearly not your thing."

Patsy pushed her away playfully then leant down to put her heels back on. "You'll pay for that when I trod on your toes."

xxx

"Is it much further?" asked Barbara, "at this rate we won't be back in time for the film."

"Nonsense" said Trixie, hurrying Barbara along, "it's not far from here. Stop trying to get out of your promise. I know your game Miss Gilbert!"

"Very well," muffled Barbara.

Barbara looked to the distance, hoping to sight the 'fabulous little bar' Trixie had sought. She stopped abruptly, causing Trixie to stumble.

"You are in such a state tonight Barbara, we won't miss the film, I assure you."

Barbara ignored her, focused on a couple in the distance.

"Is that Patsy and Delia ahead?" she asked.

Trixie looked at Barbara as if the woman had finally gone mad. Then she looked to the distance, squinting her eyes.

She spotted a tall red-headed woman, kneeling down with a short brunette beside her. Though they were some distance ahead, she could see that both were dressed to impress.

"It couldn't possibly be, they're at dinner with Mrs Busby. Looking not so fabulous I might add."

Barbara and Trixie walked closer.

"It is them", whispered Barbara, "I recognise Patsy's green coat."

"I'm sure it's just another tall red-head with a green coat," said Trixie, reassuring herself.

"Accompanied by a small brunette woman wearing Delia's favourite blue cardigan" added Barbara.

Trixie stopped and watched as Delia and Patsy walked further away; Delia walking briskly and Patsy struggling to keep up.

"But why would they say they're having dinner with Mrs Busby when they clearly aren't?" asked Trixie, upset.

Barbara placed her hand on Trixie's shoulder.

"I wouldn't read too much into it, Trix. Mrs Busby probably cancelled and so they decided to make a night of it."

Trixie crossed her arms.

"No that's not it."

Trixie paused.

"Trix, I'm sure whatever you're thinking, it's wrong. Remember when you accused Patsy of trying to steal Tom? It turned out she was teaching him to dance – so he could impress you."

Trixie turned to Barbara."If I recall, I also accused you and look how that turned out."

Barbara looked down, embarrassed and upset.

"I'm sorry Barbara, I didn't mean that. I'm just hurt that they so obviously wish to exclude me from their fun."

Trixie stared ahead, lost in thought. She opened her mouth to say something but thought better of it. Trixie looked to Barbara, quizzically.

"Unless..." Trixie trailed off, thinking.

"Unless what?" asked Barbara.

Trixie grabbed Barbara's arm and motioned the brunette forward.

"Come on, let's follow."