Chapter 3

They gradually edged their way to the couch and a short time later Louisa found herself sat in his lap being held in his arms. She reached up and stroked his hair as his hands worked their way under her top. Louisa sighed as his fingers moved sensuously over her skin.

They were shocked as Martin's mobile sounded shrilly in the otherwise quietness of the lounge. "I have to take this, Louisa."

"Can't you ignore it?" she wanted to know.

"Ellingham" he barked into the phone. He listened to the caller before asking "Is she breathing? How long has she been like this? You'd better phone for an ambulance and I'll be there in about 15 minutes."

"I'm sorry Louisa I have to go. Will you stay here until I get back?" Louisa nodded and asked him if she could use the bathroom. "Yes, it's en-suite with my bedroom. Top of the stairs on the left." He pulled his shirt straight, found his tie and went rapidly to the consulting room to retrieve his medical bag, fastening his jacket as he went.

Louisa listened to the back door slam and then the Lexus roared into life as Martin went to see to his patient. She picked up her handbag and went up the stairs to the bedroom. She'd not been upstairs in the surgery before and she speculated on the state of the room. Slipping through the door she looked about. A smile crossed her lips as she found the room tidy, the bed made with military precision. No discarded clothes to be seen and, when she went into the bathroom a similar state of order and cleanliness was to be found. She freshened up and put her nightie onto the bed. Her underclothes for the next day were put onto the chair next to the chest of drawers. Curiosity got the better of her and she opened the wardrobe. Martin's suits were colour-coded and arranged neatly to one side with his shirts similarly arrayed on the other. Hung on the rail on the door his ties were carefully arranged. She thought back to her own bedroom and laughed as she recalled the haphazard "method" she used to store her belongings.

Going back downstairs she emptied the dishwasher and put the crockery and pans away. She noted that the precision was as clear and did her best to follow the pattern. She put the kettle on and made herself a cuppa. Looking around the room she saw a pile of magazines on the coffee table and went to investigate them. She sighed once she ascertained that they were all of a technical medical nature and resumed her search for something to do. There was no sign of a TV but she did see a radio in the corner. After fiddling with the dial soft music filled the air and she sat down to wait for Martin's return.

She leaned back on the sofa and within a short period of time was fast asleep. Martin entered the backdoor and strode to the consulting room to re-stock his bag. He moved back to the living room and went to switch the radio off. Turning around he saw Louisa fast asleep on the sofa, snoring gently. His expression softened as he went over to caress her cheek. Kneeling down he quietly called her name. Louisa jerked awake looking wildly around before recognising Martin and dropping back onto the cushions. She smiled and said "Must have dropped off."

"Do you want a cup of tea before we go up, Louisa?"

"Thank you, but no. I had one earlier. You took a while, everything all right?"

"Er, I can't discuss my patients." He answered. Taking her hand in his he pulled her to her feet and held her close. She luxuriated in his embrace and made no attempt to pull away as he led her upstairs to bed.

After a night of lovemaking which left them fully satisfied, Martin woke up unaccountably hot until he realised that Louisa was wrapped around him like an octopus. He revelled in her close proximity and lay still to enjoy the moment. Inevitably the bathroom called and he disentangled himself as quietly as he could before making his way there. He showered and went back into the bedroom with just a towel around his waist. Louisa stirred as he came in and opened a bleary eye.

"Morning" she croaked. "What time is it?"

"Just after 7:00, time for me to get ready for my patients this morning. I should be finished around 12:30. Are you going to stay, or go back home?"

"Mmm, I think I'll stay here and snooze before going back to change into a new outfit. Do you want to do something this afternoon?" she enquired.

"Like what?" he asked.

"I dunno, maybe a walk along the Coastal Path, so we could get some fresh air? Or a trip to Wadebridge for some shopping?" she suggested. "Text me and let me know if you want to do anything else."

"Right, I'll have a think." he said as he collected his clean clothes and retreated to the bathroom to finish his preparations. On leaving the bedroom his mouth quirked as he saw that Louisa was already asleep.

Breakfast was a simple affair. Toast and marmalade with a freshly brewed espresso. He wandered out to the front door to pick up the post and look out over the village. The weather looked sunny and fresh, so perhaps a walk this afternoon would be a good idea.

He went into the consulting room and reviewed his patient notes.

Louisa slept peacefully on until 9:30 and then got up. She was glad she'd put the clean underwear in her bag for after her shower. Dressing and then going downstairs she looked in the cupboards for some cereal for breakfast. She boiled the kettle for a cup of tea and was just sitting down to eat it when the back door opened and Joan sing-songed "Only me" before walking straight in.

"Oh, good morning Louisa, I didn't know you were here. I take it Martin is seeing patients this morning?" she queried. "I've brought some fresh veg for him. I hope you are dragging him out this afternoon to do something different from staying cooped up inside all day?"

"Morning Joan, and yes, I'm hoping to do something this afternoon such as a walk, or a trip to the big metropolis of Wadebridge, later." she smiled. "I've just made a cuppa would you like one?

"No thanks, I can't stop, I've got more vegetables to deliver. Enjoy your day. By the way, I'm delighted to see my nephew has finally come to his senses!" Joan laughed as she went back outside.

Louisa smiled and returned to eating breakfast. She pondered on what Martin would like to do. She enjoyed being out and about around the village. Shopping, talking to folk, although there were several she tried to avoid. She occasionally walked along the Path to get some fresh air, too. Looking out of the window she noted that it looked sunny and dry. She picked up the dirty dishes before rinsing them and putting them in the dishwasher. That's something I could get used to, she thought.

Would this be a typical Saturday if she married Martin? He had always opened the surgery on a Saturday morning to cope with people who worked during the week and who couldn't get in otherwise, if it wasn't an emergency. Returning to the bedroom she hugged herself as she remembered the previous evening's activities. There was no doubt about it, Martin was an attentive and considerate lover. She sighed as she made the bed and collected her things to go back home. After making sure she'd left everything tidy, she left the cottage.