The midwives receive a rapturous welcome when they return from their South African adventure - but all is not well at Nonnatus House.
In their absence, Sister Ursula has been running a very tight ship and it is quickly announced that she will remain in charge at Nonnatus House, above Sister Julienne.
Sister Ursula makes unpopular changes, but bound by a vow of obedience Sister Julienne is unable to challenge her. As the Nonnatuns chafe under the new rules, the midwives are drawn into helping heavily pregnant mother Trudy Watts, whose husband has just been released from prison for extortion.
Gradually, the problems below the surface of the marriage become clear: a victim of domestic abuse Trudy is desperate for a divorce but risks losing her home, her good name and crucially, access to her children. Trapped and with no clear way out, Trudy's suffering sends shock waves through Nonnatus House, most noticeably affecting Sister Mary Cynthia who is suffering with increasing anxiety following her recent attack.
Elsewhere, Shelagh is harbouring a secret and struggles to tell Dr Turner, and Patsy receives some distressing news about her father in Hong Kong.
Written by TomSouthwell on Jan 13, 2017