Epilogue

One choice forged a unique bond between her and the Herewards, time moved them all from Poplar and over the years things changed. Barbara's health kept the Herewards living in the city for the next five years before finally the curate became a vicar and they moved to a small parish up north.

Others moved on from Nonnatus House as society changed and so did the order's purpose within the community. In time Sister Julienne did move as well, she obeyed the direction to fulfill another position in the order for a time and it took her far from home again.

Letters came and went regularly between them, even across great distances. Sister Julienne left Poplar for awhile, returning to Hope Clinic for a season there. When she returned she spent a few days with the Herewards and had the great joy of meeting their beautiful little daughter.

A precious child made even more so by the joy she brought to her parents which was wonderful to witness. Julia Hereward was a miracle child, while Barbara had been able to conceive the medicine she took, and her health had made pregnancy risky. But the baby had been born healthy, with Phyllis Crane on hand to deliver and Sister Julienne returned from South Africa to meet a lively little girl who was slightly spoiled.

Phyllis was a beaming godmother and had not only stayed in touch but followed the family north, settling in working for and organizing a local doctor. Valerie Dyer's spirit had been built in the East End, and as it changed she moved on, eventually becoming a foster parent in a poor community; she wrote often. Eventually Sister Julienne returned to Nonnatus house for a time and then to the mother house, but the family forged in the heart of the East End stayed with her always.

Many of them spoke often though certain parts of the past were ignored; something that worked very well for all of them. Sister Julienne did not live to see if Barbara's kidney failed and would never know how long it lasted. She did not regret her choice, the risk she took was worth it.

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