Chapter 5

They hugged as they met up again, a rare public showing of emotion for Martin. Louisa looked up at him and asked "what shall we do now, Martin? I've got what I came for and I can see you've been shorn!"

"Would you like a meal out, Louisa? I've heard good reports about the St Kew Inn near Portwenn. If you didn't fancy that I suppose we could always go to Bert's."

Louisa felt as though she was being disloyal to Bert, but she knew that they would be accosted by all and sundry there, and opted for the St Kew Inn. "I've not been to that one. she said, have you?" She wanted to dine out with Martin but not have to face umpteen queries as to their relationship.

Martin admitted that he'd not been there but that the place had a very good rating for food and hygiene. Louisa was agreeable and they set off back to St Kew. On the way Louisa said she'd been thinking about their engagement.

"Do you want to wait a while to get married, Martin? Or shall we go for it and do it sooner?"

Martin swallowed hard and thought for a moment. "I'm happy to do whatever you want, Louisa. Obviously for me the sooner the better, but if you'd like to wait then I can go along with that. Do you want a traditional wedding in church, or a Registry Office event?"

It was Louisa's turn to pause. She gazed at him and said "All girls dream at some point about their wedding day, you know. The dress, the carriage, the church, bridesmaids, the carriage to take you to the fancy reception etc!" Then she laughed and took pity on his bemused expression. "Martin, all I want is a simple service with maybe one bridesmaid. A small reception for a few friends and then to be whisked away for a honeymoon with you. Does that sound more acceptable to you?"

His relief was almost palpable as he was not one for large crowds. "Yes, that sounds much better. It will be easier to organise a smaller affair. Would you like it to be in St Endellion church or have you another preference?" He went on to ask "what about a honeymoon? I won't be able to take much time away from the practice, but a week or so should be fine."

Louisa was a bit disappointed that he didn't seem keen to spend too much time with her on honeymoon, but given how busy the school autumn term was, she couldn't disagree with his choice, either. "Do you think we could arrange it for the first weekend of school half-term, Martin?" That way I won't miss any school time at all and it gives you time to organise a locum to fill in for you?" she suggested.

"Well, we can try for that date, but I don't know if we'll be able to. I know of some couples who have to wait for months to get everything set up. I'll speak to Chris Parsons on Monday and see if he could look into getting a locum, or if he suggests just shutting the surgery for a week."

Louisa looked surprised at his idea of closing the surgery, even for that short period of time. "What will the villagers do Martin, with you not there?"

"I'll arrange for Dr. Lewis to cope with any home visits or emergencies and the more mobile patients can go to Wadebridge" he explained. "Any non-urgent patients can wait for me to return. I'm sure the lazier ones, or malingerers will certainly wait." He said cynically.

"Martin!" exclaimed Louisa. He looked innocently at her. "Don't you think they will? Louisa had to admit that she could see that scenario unfolding as described.

Martin had telephoned and booked a table for two in a private booth and so when they arrived, they were swiftly shown to their places. The wine waiter came over for their drinks orders and gave them menus. He went away to get their drinks as they studied what food to order. Martin opted for Sea Bass and Louisa asked for Sole Veronique. They accepted their drinks, water for Martin and a sparkling rose ́ wine for Louisa.

Settling back in her chair Louisa looked around the room but didn't see anyone she knew. Meanwhile Martin only had eyes for the beautiful woman seated in front of him. "You're very lovely, Louisa" and then looked shocked that he'd said it aloud. Louisa looked at him in happy surprise, "Thank you Martin," she acknowledged his compliment. She smiled at him and reached across the table, "Are you coming back to my place tonight? I'd like that very much because I'll have to get some marking done tomorrow afternoon and prepare my Year 6 class lesson for Monday" she explained.

Martin cleared his throat, "Er yes, that would be fine, good. If I may, I'll drop you at your cottage and then go to mine to pick up some clothes and things for tomorrow."

"Great," said Louisa and looked up as their meals were served.

Both pronounced themselves satisfied with their meals and declined any desserts. Martin asked for, and paid the bill. Taking her arm, he guided her out to the car. Opening the door for her he bent and kissed her chastely on the cheek. "Thank you, Martin," she smiled.

The journey to Louisa's cottage was speedily accomplished and in no time at all Martin was back with a small overnight bag. "I've put the kettle on, do you want tea or coffee, Martin."

"Just a glass of water please," he replied. I find coffee stimulates me too much at bedtime.

"Really, Martin," Louisa said with a coquettish smile, "are you sure you won't have some?"

He twigged that she was joking with him and replied simply "I find I don't need them with you as you are everything I want."

"Oh, that's the nicest thing I've heard in quite a while. I'll be back shortly and make my tea. Help yourself to what you want." Louisa went upstairs to use the bathroom. Her tea was waiting for her when she returned. They moved to the couch and sat side by side. Martin put his arm around her and they cuddled and talked generalities before going upstairs.

She went in the bathroom to undress but only put her dressing gown on before returning to the bedroom. When Martin came back in his blue pyjamas she got up from the bed where she'd been brushing her hair and went across to him. Sliding her arms around his waist she held him and waited for his kiss. When he obliged, she looked up at him "Martin, you're overdressed" and then unloosened the belt of her dressing gown and let it drop to the floor, leaving her naked to his view.

Martin put his hands on her shoulders and traced her collarbone before moving downwards to her breasts. She reached up and started to unbutton his top, stopping to kiss his exposed skin as she did so. Martin groaned and swept her up and onto the bed. Stretching out alongside her he allowed his hands to wander all over her velvety skin, murmuring endearments as he went. The rest of his pyjamas were swiftly dispatched and there was no mistaking his high state of arousal. Louisa responded and they were soon carried away by their mutual passion.