Chapter 51

We're back at Bodmin Parkway. The train to London is due in ten minutes.

Al has taken us to the station and offered to wait until it comes. However, I suggested he goes back to his duties as soon as possible. Louisa looked sadly towards me, but she agreed finally. I simply don't like the company of all and sundry. I never know what to say and how to act. I have come to appreciate the company of my family, but even Louisa realised that this is as far as I can go.

Al didn't hold it against me either, I suppose. If anyone in this village ever respected my privacy, then it was Al. I remember fondly how he dissolved the group of villagers trying to invade Louisa's cottage the moment we brought James home from hospital.

Louisa told me afterwards, not without an accusation of me being unreasonable, that the villagers only meant well. Louisa and I always see things differently when it comes to social interaction. Louisa says it's because I am socially challenged and that I don't like people. The same accusation was made by my late Aunty Joan. I always thought they were wrong and their view was tainted by living in the same damned village. However, seeing Louisa interact in London and realising how many people agree with her rather than me, I tend to admit that maybe I really do see things differently than most people.

Nevertheless, I still can't see any reasonable explanation for invading new parents after a painful birth and a stressful morning and to risk agitating the sleeping new-born.

I remember that day. I had scolded Louisa before the birth that she didn't realise how much the birth of our son would change her life. Little I did know then how much it would change mine. I wouldn't have dreamt how this day turned my whole life upside down and influenced who I am now.

Just this moment, Louisa is leaning against my shoulder, putting her arm around my waist. I can't remember when we've ever shared intimacy in public rather than a few times when she's held my hand or a few times she's pecked my cheek. That's why Louisa was so puzzled when we met at Paddington two days ago when I actually pecked her on the cheek and tried to hug her. Gosh, was that really only two days ago? It seems like a lifetime. Now Louisa is more bold, almost possessively demonstrating that we're together. As we are the only people on the platform, I don't mind. Maybe I can even get used to it.

"Feeling more comfortable now?" Louisa smiles up at me.

"Uhm…rather." I say.

Louisa had a surprise for me when we got back to Ruth's farm to pick up our things. Before we had left for the picnic, she had asked Al if he could give my shirt a quick wash and ironing so that I could use it when we came back.

So, on our arrival at the farm, my white shirt lay on the bed in a state that it was vaguely usable. I mean, it still was a bit damp and Al will never win a contest for the best ironing in Cornwall, but it still was ten times better than the red and blue chequered shirt I was wearing.

So I am wearing the same shirt I did yesterday sans sweat. The coat wasn't in such a bad state, so I can wear it, too. The only price I had to pay is to do without the tie. Louisa demanded it as a reward that she had saved me from being seen in this shirt in London. It was a comparatively small compromise.

"This is the nicest day we've ever spent together, don't you think?" Louisa sighs.

"Hm."

"What?" Louisa asks a bit irritated.

"No, it's…fine."

"Fine?" She asks amused. "I bet you'd be lost in conversation if you couldn't use 'fine', 'right' or 'I see'."

"I…"

"Never mind. I've got used to it and don't want to have it any other way."

I look down to her and she looks up at me.

"But something's bothering you." She states. "You're worrying about your future?"

"Hm."

"Robert will understand. I'm sure they don't want to lose you. Brilliant as you are, they will find a place for you."

"We'll see."

"And I will take care that you're not bothered too much by the villagers after we've moved back. I know how you prefer your privacy. Well, Al learned that too, just now." She sighs. "So our home will be our home. If I want to meet people, I can visit them. So you can have your peace and quiet."

"Like the Oakwoods." I remind her.

"Oh, them!" Louisa exclaims. "No, definitely not like the Oakwoods. But it wasn't only my fault. I know someone who just sneaked away without doing anything about them."

"They were visiting you."

"Pestering more like it. I could have done with some help, but don't you worry, I've learned a couple of things over the years, too."

"Good."

"Which Oaktrees?" James croaks, who is sitting on my shoulders.

It was easier to pick him up and carry him than to let him walk. When we left Al's car, Louisa and I had James between us, each holding one of his hands. James, however, didn't want to go to the station. He was fretful and tried to fall behind. So it was more like us dragging him forward rather than James walking towards the station.

Warning him didn't help, so I took the easiest solution in just picking him up and carrying him on my shoulders.

"Not Oaktree, Oakwood. They were neighbours of your mum when we first…uhm…met."

"Will they be ours neighbours, too?"

"Goodness, no!" I exclaim. "They moved out of the village. They had a son. Sam. He was so ill-behaved that the police came for him. The villagers also noticed him, in a bad way. So the family had to move away."

"Whew. That's harsh." James looks worried and I use the opportunity to work on his manners.

"You see. This village doesn't tolerate any misbehaviour. So if you really want to live here, you've got to be a good boy."

"Martin!" Louisa scolds me. "You're frightening him."

"It's worth a try." I mumble, and Louisa nudges my side with her elbow.

"You'll be fine here." Louisa sabotages my attempt to make James Henry try his best. "You've seen how nice the Fenn twins have been to you yesterday. Everyone liked you here. And I guess you liked it here, too."

"I love it! I don't want to go back to stinking London." James is complaining.

"Jamie." Louisa has far more understanding for him than I have. "We do have to go home. Mummy will have to wait until her post as head teacher is confirmed. Then Daddy has to sort out where he can work. We also have to find a new home for us to live. Last but not least, you couldn't just disappear from London without saying good-bye to your friends."

"My friends are Denis and Alex, and they are here!" James declares defiantly.

"That's not true." Louisa scolds our son. "What about the other kids from your playing group? You have a lot of friends there."

"Not like Denis and Alex. They are…fun." James is grumbling.

"Nevertheless, we have to sort things out in London first, and then we can live here for the rest of our lives. That'll be good. Now, be a good boy and be reasonable. Look, our train is coming."

To be continued…