The Other Side - Chapter 7

The activity that Louisa had chosen was an evening picnic at the beach. She had shown up, in a dress and fancy shoes because she knew Martin was going to be wearing a suit..as usual. When I asked her about her choice of scotch eggs as a menu item she said simply, "It's picnic food." Martin ate impeccably healthy. Why she would choose to make him eat those just reinforced my hypothesis. She was setting him up to fail.

The picnic hadn't gone well and was ultimately interrupted by by a hallucinating veterinarian self medicating with animal antibiotics. Louisa had to admit that she was glad that Martin took charge of that situation. The woman could have been dangerous. Actually, I thought that Louisa enjoyed having Martin "take charge". She had fended for herself for so many years...going back to her childhood...that having someone protect her, as Martin did, was a whole new experience. Why she was pushing him away was the real question.

I felt that I was gaining trust where Martin was concerned. He didn't sit comfortably, but his tight, legs together, expecting caning posture was more relaxed. It was my impression that he may have achieved some realization in the past few weeks. I was beginning to lose hope for them, however. I wasn't feeling passion or dedication. I think Martin adored her, but he didn't know how to love her. I wasn't sure that anyone would know how to love her...she was a complex personality.

The only thing I could think to suggest is for them to go on a "date". Perhaps the could capture a bit of the attraction they shared in the beginning of their relationship. Dinner out, away from distractions, might be what they need. Then again, as much as I appreciated Martin's faith and commitment, I didn't think he would be a glittering dinner partner.

It was then that the most startling thing occurred. From the side of his seat Martin produced a copy of "The Lancet". He cited an article that I might be interested in...a liaison of general practitioners with psychotherapists. It was definitely pertinent to the work I was doing, but the gesture of thinking of me, and actually bringing the article with me in mind made me feel that he trusted me, to a certain extent. The man had few people in his life that he could really trust but I wasn't sure the journal sharing went over big with Louisa. Her body language was not too pleased.

As was typical with small towns, I also caught news that Danny Steele, Louisa's ex-boyfriend was back in Portwenn. I only had to go to the green grocer to get that information. Gossip spread like wildfire in these small towns. You couldn't break wind on one side of the village without the other side finding out. I wouldn't have difficulty monitoring the situation. All I had to do was go to the Coop.

Tony, on the other hand, continued to call. I found myself laughing with him, and, in the back of my mind, wanting to feel his arms around me. The sterile relationship of Martin and Louisa showed me how rich a friendship and love affair I had with him. He wanted to join me in Cornwall and this time I didn't say "no". I think I was ready for a reconciliation. He'd hurt my heart, but not really broken it. I thought we might be stronger after all this.