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It was shortly after morning orders had been handed out that Sister Evangelina heard the phone ringing in Sister Julienne's office. She made her way there, grumbling about having to handle Sister Julienne's duties for the next week while she had her sabbatical at the Mother House. If she were being honest with herself, she knew her Sister deserved way more than a week of rest, and her upset stemmed from not being able to handle things as easily as Sister Julienne made it seem.
"Nonnatus House." No need to say "midwife speaking" on Sister Julienne's personal line.
"Sister Evangelina, I'm glad I caught you. There have been some… developments."
Sister Evangelina raised her eyebrow. What could possibly have happened between their departure yesterday afternoon and early this morning? Sister Julienne didn't sound distressed, so it was unlikely that something had gone wrong with Sister Monica Joan.
"Developments?" Sister Evangelina asked curiously.
"I… don't quite know how to say this."
"Spit it out, Sister." Patience was definitely not one of Sister Evangelina's personal virtues.
"Do you want the short version, or the long version?"
"I've not got rounds until this afternoon. Tell me everything." She pulled the chair out from under Sister Julienne's desk and plopped herself into it.
"Shortly after I arrived here last night, Sister Bernadette renounced her vows."
Silence hung heavy in the air.
"Sister Evangelina? Are you still here?"
"She… what?" She heard Sister Julienne's sigh on the other side of the telephone.
"I knew, before she left, that she had been… unsettled. She hadn't lost her faith, but there was something troubling her. I now know what that is. I trust you can keep this to yourself?"
Sister Evangelina nodded before she realized that Sister Julienne wouldn't be able to see that through the phone.
"Yes, of course, Sister. I just can't believe…"
"It was a shock to me at first, too. But now, I absolutely think it was all part of God's great plan for her." Sister Julienne took a deep breath before continuing. "There's more."
How could there be more? It was simple - Sister Bernadette wasn't Sister Bernadette any more. Certainly that was the end of the story?
"She's coming back to Poplar, with Doctor Turner. I've offered her a job as a midwife."
Sister Evangelina sat up straighter. "Are you sure that's wise? People will talk."
"People will talk no matter what happens. They'll forget it soon enough. I must say, you are taking this better than I thought you would."
"She's been gone six months. We've all missed her. I'm glad to have her back any way we can."
She could hear Sister Julienne's hesitation through the phone.
"You're telling me there's more?" Sister Evangelina slumped back down in the chair.
"Yes." Again, Sister Julienne was struggling to find words.
"Out with it, Sister. Just give it to me straight."
Nothing could have prepared her for what her Sister said next.
"Doctor Turner has asked her to marry him."
Indignation raced through her veins. "That dirty, rotten snake…" Sister Evangelina stood, pacing the length of Sister Julienne's desk back and forth.
"Now, Sister Evangelina, you don't mean that. Neither of them have done anything wrong."
"You're certain of this?" She flung the accusation before she could even think better of it.
"Without a doubt. She left Poplar, even knowing that she loved him, because she wanted to honor her vows. I take it she's been absolutely miserable the entire time she's been here. She's lost weight, she's lost that brightness in her eyes… I saw their reunion this morning, or at least part of it. Sister, I could see the weight lift off her shoulders as soon as they touched. This is their path."
Sister Evangelina let out a heavy breath. "What do I need to do to prepare for her arrival? She'll be back today, right?"
"Yes, today. This afternoon. I… want to make sure she feels welcome there. I know this is probably going to be a difficult adjustment for some of us," Sister Evangelina could hear the accusation in Sister Julienne's voice at this, "but we must remember, she is our dear friend, and we have missed her all these months. She'll need a room with the nurses, she can share with Nurse Miller. Could you look for her suitcase, from when she joined the order? It must be in the attic still. She probably could do with some clothes from the donation bin - she won't want to accept them, but remind her that she can simply redonate them when she's had time to buy new clothes. Maybe have Mrs. B organize a larger than normal spread for tea? You should invite Doctor Turner and Timothy to join as well."
"And what, exactly, do I call her now?"
"Shelagh. S-h-e-l-a-g-h. Nurse Mannion. Friend. All of those are acceptable."
"Have they left yet?" She needed to know how much time she had to prepare - both Nonnatus House, and herself. This was a lot to wrap her head around.
Sister Evangelina could picture exactly what Sister Julienne was doing right now - looking at her watch and doing the mental calculation. "About fifteen minutes ago. I know that puts you at a disadvantage for time, but I called as soon as I was able."
"And I can't be mean to Doctor Turner?"
"No more than you usually are, Sister Evangelina."
She huffed loud enough that Sister Julienne could hear it down the phone line.
"Right. Well, I best catch Mrs. B. Is there anything else I need to know? What should I tell the nurses?"
"That's everything I can think of. Just tell them that Sister Bernadette is coming back as Nurse Mannion. She can decide what more she wants to divulge."
Sister Evangelina nodded. "I'll take care of everything. Enjoy the rest of your retreat, Sister."
"Thank you. I'll see you soon." The sound of the phone receiver being returned to its home somehow made the conversation real in Sister Evangelina's eyes, instead of simply surreal.
Under her breath, Sister Evangelina was muttering to herself. "I can't believe… Doctor Turner and Sister Bernadette? Never would have thought… The Lord does work in mysterious ways."
And against all odds, Sister Evangelina smiled. She was getting her friend back, and her friend was finally happy again. There was no reason to be sad, or upset, over her leaving the order.
But if she could use it to make Doctor Turner squirm a little bit… well, why shouldn't she have any fun?