The midwives oversee the opening of a family planning clinic at the local community center. Rediscovering her independence, Wilma visits the clinic and starts taking the contraceptive pill behind her husband's back. At Nonnatus House, Barbara is distraught when she discovers that her father, Canon Gilbert, is going to work abroad and won't be able to officiate at her wedding. This is a prospect that neither of Tom nor Barbara can bear, so they announce that Canon Gilbert will marry them before he sets sail, giving them just three weeks to make all the necessary arrangements. Elsewhere, Shelagh's due date is fast approaching and she finally agrees to stop work and rest. But first she must decide which of the Nonnatus midwives will deliver the baby.