Chapter 14

Martin meanwhile, had gone along to the jewellery shops to look for a necklace for Louisa. He looked in the first display window but didn't see anything which took his fancy. Thinking that other necklaces may be inside he opened the door and went in. There were a number of display cabinets on show and he took his time looking in each. He walked slowly around and a female assistant came across to him. "May I help you, sir?"

Martin looked down at her and asked whether there were any more necklaces?

She apologised and said that all the stock was currently on display. With a curt nod of thanks, Martin left the shop.

He paused outside to take his bearings and then set off for the other shop. It was off the high street but he found it. The window display was not as expansive as the first shop, but by what he could see, the pieces on display are of a better quality. He scrutinised the necklaces on the tray and saw one which piqued his interest. It was a fine filigree with a pendant small pearl. He could visualise it on Louisa and hoped that she would like it. He noted the tray number and went in. An assistant came over after a short while. "May I help you sir?"

"Yes, there's a necklace I'm interested in on Tray 35 in the window," he announced crisply.

"Certainly sir."

When he returned with the tray Martin picked up the necklace and looked at it carefully. The pearl was firmly attached and all the links looked to be secure. He inspected the clasp, opening and closing it several times. That too, looked to be firmly attached. A sudden thought occurred to him "Do you have a matching bracelet?

The assistant looked uncertain before say that he would go and check. He returned shortly with an older man, obviously the manager. "Yes sir, what can I do?"

Martin indicated the necklace on the counter, "Do you have a matching bracelet for this necklace?"

The manager picked the necklace up and looked at the attached ticket. "I believe so, sir. One moment please." He disappeared out to the rear of the shop and returned quickly with a small box. Opening the box, he handed Martin the enclosed bracelet.

Martin looked at the two items carefully. The workmanship was just as good as that of the necklace and the pattern of filigree matched perfectly. Martin opened the bracelet and then closed it, before looking at the size of the bracelet. "This is a Christmas present and whilst I think it will fit, may I return it for one of a suitable size after the holidays?"

"Certainly sir, we can order a new bracelet for that item Do you want both items?"

When Martin nodded, the manager told him that for the two together there would be a 15% discount. He named a price which Martin found acceptable. Paying for the items, he requested a small bag to enable him to put it in his pocket. He thanked the manager and left the shop.

Returning to the main street Martin saw a card shop and went inside. This was something outside his comfort zone and he sidled up to the "Wife" display of Christmas cards. He had no idea which one would be suitable and began looking at them in a bemused fashion. He gazed at them without really knowing which one Louisa would like. Reindeer, Santa, snow, Christmas trees? They danced before him in a kaleidoscope of colour. Picking one at random he looked at the verse inside and screwed his face up. Looks like something a 7-year-old would manage, he thought. He picked another one of a couple gazing into log-fire together, raising a toast to each other. He quite liked this one. The inside page was blank and he knew he could write a heartfelt message to Louisa. He paid for it and left the shop to meet her.

As he walked along to the teahouse, he spotted Louisa coming towards him and felt his heart lift. His eyes sparkled when she saw him and gave him that special smile which was meant for him.

"Hi Martin, did you get what you wanted?"

He inclined his head and nodded. "Do you want anything else, or shall we go back to the hotel?"

"Actually Martin, I wanted to ask your advice on what to get Joan? I've got her a new book, but I really wanted to get something else as well. What do you get for her?"

Martin looked at his feet and then said "I normally give her a cheque so that she can get something she wants."

Louisa looked horrified. "We can't just do that."

"Why not? Joan gets to spend money on herself and gets exactly what she wants, whilst I am saved from having to go shopping with her, or worse buying something completely unsuitable!" He defended himself vigorously.

Although Louisa could see the logic in this, she still felt it was a cop-out on his part. "I sneaked a look in Joan's wardrobe whilst I was at the farm and saw what her clothes size is. I thought we could get her a twin-set of jumper and cardigan so that she had a warm outfit to wear when she goes out? I'll bet it's been ages since she bought anything like that for herself. What colours does she like?"

"I'm not sure you should have gone looking, Louisa." Martin was very disapproving of her actions. "However, it does sound like a good idea to do that. I believe she likes soft blues/greens."

Louisa smiled as he said this and grabbed onto his hand. "Come on, I passed a small boutique on the way here." They turned and went back the way Louisa had come. Martin felt awkward in this shop and tried to look as unobtrusive as he could. (Despite his 6'3" size and custom-made suit.) Louisa browsed through the counters and rails and then held up a garment for his inspection. He dismissed the first two items but nodded when he saw a delicate jumper matched with a heavier cardigan.

They went to the counter and he paid for the items. "Anything else you want while we're in here, Louisa?"

"No thanks Martin, I'm ready to go back to the hotel, if you are?"

Martin sighed with relief, took her packages from her and held her arm as they walked companionably back to their lodgings. Once in their room Martin insisted that she go and get ready for bed while he made a cup of tea. Gratefully she went quietly and did what he asked. When she pulled the covers over herself after propping herself up on the pillow, he handed her the drink. He smiled as she nodded her thanks.

"Ohh, this feels good. Getting the weight off my feet" she admitted.

"I've told you about overdoing it, Louisa. You should have said you were tired, earlier."

She just pulled a face at him and sighing, he went to the bathroom to get himself ready for bed.

Once he'd got himself comfortable in bed, she asked him if he was having a cup of tea? "No, I had a glass of water" he explained. Louisa reached for the light switch and turned it off before cuddling into him and lightly kissing him.

"I thought you said you were tired?"

Louisa chuckled and said "the cup of tea had magical restorative powers," before pulling herself up and giving him a more passionate embrace. Actual sleep was further postponed.