Chapter 22

Thursday came and went as Louisa pottered about, looking at food in the kitchen, checking on the status of crockery, pots and pans. She made a list of what she thought were necessary items and included a broad ribbon so that she could hang the cards she'd already received and those still to come. After lunch she wrote her own cards out, taking care that Martin didn't see his. Having attached stamps for those further afield she informed Pauline where she was off to and had a pleasant time delivering those cards which were in walking distance.

Arriving back in the cottage she found Martin having an afternoon cup of tea. "Hello, handsome," was her happy greeting. "Is there enough for me in the pot?"

Martin nodded, and gazed spellbound at her rosy cheeks and happy demeanour. "Did you deliver all the cards, Louisa?"

"Yes, although I was held up by a few people, wanting to natter. I'd not seen Mrs Leverton since last Christmas!"

"Who?"

"Mrs Leverton. She was the last music teacher at the school. Before your time, I think. She was walking with a stick and she told me she'd twisted her ankle, falling on the stairs at home."

"Hmm," was all Martin would vouchsafe.

"Some I hadn't seen in ages, congratulated me on our wedding and then asked me how I was coping! Cheeky devils." She looked at him, "No problems so far, you've been very well-behaved on the whole!"

Martin recognised the joke. "Look who's talking," was his rejoinder. Picking up his cup he rinsed it and went back to the waiting patients.

At teatime he was welcomed back into the kitchen by the smell of cod mornay being dished out, together with suitable vegetables. Taking his place, he started on his meal with evident pleasure.

"Martin, I've identified several kitchen utensils which need replacing. May I borrow the car and go to Wadebridge tomorrow to get some replacements, please?"

"Er, no. I may be called out on an emergency. You could hire a car from Rob Thornton, though. How about asking Joan? She might be willing to drive you?" Martin apologetically offered the alternatives.

"Yes, that's OK Martin, I understand. A girls' afternoon out might be just what's needed!"

Martin looked at her quizzically. He hadn't a clue what she was talking about. Louisa didn't enlighten him either. What he didn't know about wouldn't harm him.

They finished their meal and while he washed up, Louisa called Joan. "I asked to borrow the car to go to Wadebridge tomorrow, but Martin says he might need it if an emergency cropped up. Do you want to go? I could hire a car from Rob Thornton if needs be."

"A girls' afternoon out? Count me in, please. Of course, I'll drive. We're not going anywhere we need to be formal, are we?" Joan was delighted to be asked. "I'll pick you up at 1:30. OK? See you then."

"You were right, Martin. Joan's happy to come along, and drive."

Martin smiled. "That's one problem solved. Do you think we need to buy you a small car so that you're not reliant on me, or Joan, to get around? Might be handy for you when the baby arrives?"

"I'll think about it. The idea does appeal to me, but I'm not sure if I'd use it as often as it should be used. Could be a waste of money just standing outside all the time?" Louisa's careful side was in evidence, especially when it came to needless expenditure. A lifetime of having to cope by herself when her parents weren't around hadn't evaporated overnight with her marriage to Martin.

Joan was prompt the following afternoon and Louisa hopped gratefully into the warm Landrover. "Hi Joan, thanks for the lift."

"No bother at all, Louisa. What's the secret about going to Wadebridge without Martin?"

Louisa gaped. "How did you know I didn't want him going along?"

Joan just tapped the side of her nose. "Instinct." She laughed.

Louisa grinned. "Actually, I wanted to speak to you, about a present I want to get for him. Do you know if he played Solitaire when he was a boy? I want to get him a set, but it's no use if he can already play."

Joan was surprised at this. She thought back to when Martin would come to the farm on his summer holidays. "I can't remember him having one when he was with us. If the weather was fine, he usually followed Phil around the farm, or came to town with me to deliver the veg. Of course, I don't know if he had one at home or at school. I doubt if it was the sort of thing my brother would buy for him, either."

"Good, I'll get him one then. I'm going to order it from an internet supplier. Can I ask for it to be delivered to you? I don't want him seeing it beforehand. I've already got him his main present; this is just something he can open on Christmas Eve."

Joan still looked perplexed at this strange request. "It's so he can learn to do it, before he teaches Junior here, how to play it. I'm hoping that by doing this he can adjust to the idea of having a child to care for and play with later. If he feels competent to do something he relaxes more."

Joan turned teary eyes to Louisa, "Oh how thoughtful of you. I think that's a great idea. Of course, I don't know how Martin will feel, but it does sound good to me."

"Over the next few years, I will buy a few more 'future presents' to encourage him to interact with the baby in areas where he doesn't now have the knowledge or skill at his fingertips. He can then give these to the child when he deems it appropriate. Thus – future presents."

Joan concentrated on her driving whilst she mulled these ideas over. Eventually she asked "How did you come up with this thought?"

"When he comes into school it is obvious to me that he doesn't really know how to talk or behave with children at their level. You know he's a wonderful doctor, and in that regard, no-one could better him. However, I've seen his apprehension when something other than medicine crops up and I hoped that this would make him feel better when it comes to our child. He doesn't feel he is the right material for fatherhood and I want to make him more sure of himself. At least he does know how not to do it."

"Yes, I can see the logic in that. I'll be happy to take the parcel in when it arrives. Will it come before Christmas: you've left it rather late?"

Louisa nodded. "I've got an account with them and when I checked the item was available on 2 days' notice. It should be with you on Monday at the latest. Perhaps you could bring it with you when you bring the veg down?"

Joan was agreeable to this and they soon pulled into a parking place in Wadebridge. "Come on Joan. We'll go and get a drink and a cake before we start, only don't tell Martin!"

Joan laughed and they went to the café they preferred. As they were finishing their refreshments Louisa said "I do actually want some things today. We need some new coasters/placemats as ours are getting old. A couple of the pans are not cleaning up as they should, so some new ones are required there and also, I'd like some new tea towels. Do you want anything, or have you just come for the ride?"

Joan thought about it, "Actually Louisa I'd like some placemats too, now that you mention it. I'm also out of the stove cleaner and bleach." Louisa paid for their tea and they set out for the store.

After a pleasant couple of hours, they returned home, each satisfied with what they'd purchased. Joan waved goodbye as she went home and Louisa headed inside to put her things away.