Chapter 2
Martin rose from the table, took a final examination of himself in the mirror and reached for Louisa's gift. Whenever he was a dinner guest, he always thought it was polite to take a small gift for the host. However, he always struggled with what to bring to a dinner party. The more traditional gifts of wine had an appalling effect on the liver and central nervous system and chocolates caused obesity and tooth decay. When Louisa had invited him for dinner at her home the first time, his gift had been yams – very high in iron. She seemed pleased with the gift although now he thought about it, she did sound a little flat when she had said,
"I'll just put these in some water."
So this time he had thought more carefully about his offering and had visited the village earlier to purchase a bouquet of greenery which he had totally wrapped in attractive paper in case he was seen carrying it home.
Martin furtively poked his head out of his front door, perusing the street for raucous teenagers, interfering busybodies and medical emergencies waiting to happen. He was sure that if he were seen walking down the hill with a brightly wrapped gift then it would be all over social media before he had even arrived at Louisa's house. He was never exactly sure about the true extent of the villager's knowledge of his attraction to Louisa. He was an extremely private person and it had come as a total shock to him when the fifteen year old love-struck Melanie had said to him,
"Well Miss Glasson is a patient and you fancy her!"
Were his feelings so transparent that a 15 year old could read him and if she could, then how many other busybodies also had the lowdown?
Luck was with him and the street was clear. So far, so good. His excitement and nervousness were mounting as he ran through a mental check list of what he must and must not do that night. He had switched his mobile phone off and there was a message on the surgery phone stating that Wadebridge had a 24 hour medical centre in case of emergencies. Then there was the issue of conversation and that would be a tricky one for him. As much as he liked Louisa, he did find her somewhat of an enigma and was frustrated with the mixed messages that she sent him. She was often telling him not to speak, as he may spoil the moment and yet on the other hand she accused him of being a poor conversationalist. She had once said to him,
"Under your gruff, monosyllabic, well meaning but ...rude... exterior, you're gruff, monosyllabic and ...well...rude."
Martin was questioning where the 'well meaning' part had disappeared to but now was not the time to be dwelling on such issues. His main task at hand was to get down the hill without being seen. A few moments later he saw elderly Mr Thompson walking up the hill. Martin was not overly concerned by this. Mr Thompson was as taciturn as Martin was and certainly not prone to village gossip. His secret was safe with him but he transferred the gift behind his back, just to be on the safe side.
"Good evening Dr Ellingham" said Mr Thompson as they passed.
"Evening" Martin nodded.
As Martin strode down the hill, Mr Thompson turned around, saw the gift, smiled, reached for his smart phone and logged onto his social media account. He may be taciturn, but he also had a sense of humour!
Martin reached the village and was proud of his achievements. Only a short distance to go now and he would be in Louisa's sanctum sanctorum. He looked up the hill and to his absolute horror he saw a large group of giggling teenagers walking down the hill, complete with muffin tops and sheepskin boots. WHAT COULD HE DO? To walk past them would make him the laughing stock of the village, although a cruel voice at the very back of his head informed him that he was already the laughing stock of the village. He MUST find refuge somewhere, as he turned his head back and forth in panic! He noticed an open door immediately to his right and thankfully sidestepped into the opening...
RIGHT INTO THE FOX'S LAIR!
To be continued.