With Sister Frances’ job done, across town, Lucille’s work with Vivien continues. When she returns from her shift, social worker Ruth Palmer is waiting to meet with her at Nonnatus House. Though she believes Ruth is there to check in on Antony following the shoplifting incident, Ruth surprises her with a major request. Referring to Vivien and her children as a “problem family” Ruth wants to refer Vivien to a Family Contraceptive Clinic to encourage her to take contraceptive advice. Recalling that Vivien hasn’t taken so well to social workers intervening in the past (no surprise there), she asks Lucille to be the messenger. To that we say how dare she throw Lucille under the bus!
Initially reluctant to do this, but feeling the pressure from Social Services, she brings up the possibility of contraception to Vivien during their next visit. The expecting mother is appalled and as the conversation escalates, Lucille immediately realizes she was in the wrong. Before she can backtrack, the relationship between them sours.
Not long after their rift however, Vivien goes into labor. Inconvenient. Feeling betrayed, she refuses to call Lucille, and it isn’t until Antony phones Nonnatus House that the midwife arrives on the scene. In hopes that she can earn back Vivien’s trust, Lucille admits that she was insensitive during her last visit and apologizes for making assumptions about her needs for herself and her family. With Lucille’s help and Antony’s emotional support the whole way, Vivien is able to push through the pain to deliver a baby girl, Constance.
Defending the Thomson Family
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