Chapter 67

After a quiet week, both in the surgery and at school, Martin and Louisa sorted out their things and the clothes needed for their trip. Martin managed to do his without Louisa seeing his new clothes. He'd debated with himself about the wisdom of the new attire, but had to concede Louisa's point of looking ridiculous on a hike or on the beach, in a smart tailored suit. He'd worn his new hiking boots in the evenings after work and found that they did chafe his ankles and so put fabric plasters into the medical kit he was taking with him. Really nothing but a few bandages, headache tablets, scissors and a pack of seasickness pills.

It took Louisa considerably longer to sort out the clothes and shoes she would need. Her new maternity clothes were put in first, together with her shoes and socks. (Extra thick ones as well as her normal cotton socks.) She also put in one more formal dress, hoping to go out for a meal at a good restaurant, instead of the more run-of-the-mill ones. Her travelling clothes were casual, to cope with climbing into and out of the small island aeroplane.

When they'd finished packing, Martin took the cases into the bathroom to weigh them. Both were under the 22kg weight limit for luggage, which was to go in the hold. The rest of their equipment, such as cameras, compass, flasks and sandwich containers were put into their rucksacks to be carried on board. Once they were satisfied with their luggage, Martin took the cases downstairs.

"Well, Mrs Ellingham, we are all ready to go. Don't tell me you've forgotten anything!"

"All right, I won't. I'll just whinge about it as we travel," Louisa retorted.

Wonder of wonders, Martin was not called out overnight and so was quite ready to begin travelling without being overly tired. Louisa had woken a few times during the night as a thought broke her sleep, but she soon managed to drift off again.

They had a light breakfast, and after washing the dishes, checking that everywhere was securely locked they loaded the car and set off for Newquay and the airport.

Once they were on the main road, Louisa settled back into her seat and said "Adventure, here we come!" and then smiled at Martin.

"I'm looking forward to it, as well, Louisa. I only remember being this excited when going to Auntie Joan's as a boy."

"Where are we staying? I'm sorry I've left all the planning to you. I've never had anyone take me away on a holiday like this, either. Mum and Dad just stayed at home. I roamed around Portwenn with the other kids." Louisa reached across and patted his leg.

"I've booked us into an apartment in Hugh Town, capital of St Mary's Isle. It's the largest of the islands in the archipelago. The plane will take us to the airport and we can get a taxi to take us and our luggage to the apartment."

"So we don't have to mix with anyone else, if we want to be on our own, and can cook our own food? Sounds just what I need, Martin. No-one to disturb the peace." She smiled at him, very pleased with what he'd organised.

The drive down to Newquay airport was soon accomplished. Martin found the correct car park and they got their luggage out of the boot of the car before locking it up and paying the requisite fee. They made their way into the reception area to announce their presence. As expected, they had an hour to wait. After checking in and handing over their cases they had a quick look around the airport. There was a WH Smith's shop and Louisa made a beeline for the magazines and then the books. Martin just looked around the shop and waited for her to finish shopping.

Eventually they were called for their flight. As Louisa walked across to the 'plane she was somewhat surprised to see a small (to her eyes) fixed-wing aircraft waiting for them. She looked uncertainly at Martin. "Are we going in that?"

"Yes, the airport on St Mary's is fairly small and this is a suitable aeroplane to land safely there," he explained. The flight shouldn't take more than half an hour or so."

"I've not flown on such as small aircraft as this." She was a little nervous.

The other passengers all seemed quite confident, though, so she took heart and climbed in. Their seats were pointed out and when the steward saw that she was pregnant he offered her a seatbelt extension to ease the discomfort of a normal belt. Louisa smiled at him and said "Thanks." Meanwhile Martin made sure she was securely fastened in and that there was no stress on her abdomen.

As the plane rattled down the runway she held onto Martin's hand, almost crushing it with her firm grip. Once they were airborne, she relaxed and began looking out of the window. The view was beautiful.

Martin raised her hand to his lips and gently kissed it. She turned and smiled at him before easing her grip. She grinned at him, "I think I'm OK now, thank you. This is a wonderful idea of yours. I'm so looking forward to just being with you."

"Erm, yes. I, I mean I'm going to enjoy my time with you. Hopefully no interruptions, no snarky comments and just you, to please. I'm especially keen to do that." He waggled his eyebrows to indicate an underlying theme.

Louisa blushed as she laughed. "I'm going to have to watch you! Otherwise I don't think we'll be doing much sight-seeing."

When the plane began to circle, they knew they would be landing soon, and took the chance to get an overview of the islands. Louisa decided they looked like jewels, cast about in the sea. She firmed her grip on his hand and watched as the runway came closer, and closer. At last they were taxiing towards the airport buildings.

Disembarking was easy as they waited for everyone else to go first. Martin assisted her down and they went inside to retrieve the rest of their luggage. They walked outside to see that there was still a taxi waiting. Martin gave the address and in no time at all they were stood outside their apartment, close to the centre of Hugh Town.

They went to the door and knocked. It was opened by a tall, thin woman. "Dr Ellingham?" she enquired.

"Yes, and this is my wife, Louisa. Mrs Markham?" Martin wanted to confirm the lady's name as well.

"Come in, please, and welcome to Trelawny house. I'll show you around and then leave you to get settled in." She ushered them into a spacious living room, furnished with a long couch and several easy chairs. At the far end of the lounge was a table with four chairs, and beyond that, patio doors which led into the garden. "You will have access to the garden, which is separate to my part of the house. Here is the kitchen, and you'll find all the usual gadgets and machines." She waved a hand at the doorway to the room. "Follow me and I'll show you to the bedroom. Did you have a good flight over here?" she enquired.

Louisa answered, "Yes it was very pleasant. Much better than I was expecting when I saw the size of the plane! We did a sweep over the islands and I hadn't realised how many there were."

Mrs Markham smiled, "Yes that surprises most people. Here is your bedroom and just here, the entrance to your bathroom. Towels are provided for you, and they will be replaced once a week, as will the bed linen. Here's your key and I hope you will have a pleasant time." She gave the key to Martin and stepped back towards the lounge.

"Mrs Markham, can you point me in the direction of the town centre shopping area? We need to get some groceries as well as have a look around," Martin was quick to ask for information, before she left.

The lady showed him the way to the centre and informed them that tea and coffee were available in the cupboards, with milk in the refrigerator.

Louisa remarked that the apartment looked lovely, and they were sure to enjoy their stay.

Mrs Markham smiled back, "Thank you. If you need anything else I'm in the next-door cottage and am happy to help." She turned and went out of the door.

"Gosh Martin, this is lovely! I like the décor. The rooms look so bright and cheerful. Thank you for finding it."

Martin mumbled that he'd only researched the internet, and the pictures looked good. At least he'd been able to book it. "When I looked at some of the other sites, there was a two-year waiting list!"

Louisa's eyes opened wide at that. "Two years? Wow, they must be extra-special then!" She went across to the kitchen and looked around. Mrs Markham had been right. All the expected utensils and machinery were there. Opening the fridge she took out the milk and asked him if he wanted a drink?

"You have some, I'll take the luggage into the bedroom and freshen up."

She nodded and began to prepare the tea.

Martin quickly opened his case and began to store his clothes away. He left out one of his new casual outfits and went to use the bathroom. Taking his courage in both hands he dressed and eyed himself in the mirror. "They don't look too outrageous," he thought. His reflection showed navy trainers and chino trousers. He had a navy shirt on, under a lighter blue V-necked sweater. There was no tie and the shirt was unbuttoned at the collar. "Now for the acid test."

Opening the door he went along to the lounge where Louisa was sat drinking her tea whilst perusing one of the entertainment leaflets that Mrs Markham had kindly provided.

Martin stopped at the entrance and when she didn't immediately look up, he said "Louisa…"

Louisa glanced in his direction and suddenly jumped, as if in fright. Her eyes widened and then roamed all over him. "Martin! I didn't recognise you for a second. Wow, you look good in those duds. Do a twirl and let me see the overall view," she requested. When he looked a bit unsure of what was required, she whirled her fingers around and then pointed at him.

He turned around, somewhat self-consciously, and then looked back at her. "Do I look alright? Will they do?"

Louisa twigged that he was unsure of his new look, so got up and went across to him. She put her arms around his middle and hugged him. "They are more than OK, I'll have my work cut out to keep the rest of the female population at bay, when they see you."

Martin sagged slightly and let out his breath, which he hadn't realised he'd been holding in.

"Where did you get the clothes from?" Louisa looked up at him, somewhat bemused.

"They were pictured on the website of my usual tailor. I simply ordered them in my size. My tailor has all my measurements and it is easier for me to do it this way than trailing around dozens of shops to try and get the right size. Very few of the local shops seem to keep large clothes, at all."

Louisa nodded in understanding. As he was over 6ft tall he did have trouble getting stuff to fit. A new thought occurred to her. "How come I didn't see this package arrive, then?"

He grinned at her. "Had them delivered to Auntie Joan, with strict instructions not to say anything to you."

She laughed, "You certainly had me surprised. I didn't immediately recognise you and I jumped because I thought you were an intruder! You do look good in them, though Martin. Honestly. I'm sure you will find it more comfortable walking around in those rather than your business suits." She looked down at his feet, "Trainers as well! Gosh you have been busy. I hope I'll not be outshone when we go out," she remarked impishly.

He hugged her, "I'll never be your equal. Surely you know just how beautiful and special, you are?"

She smiled up at him, "Thank you Martin. Now, do you want a drink before we go shopping?"

"I'll just have water," and he went and poured himself a glass.

Louisa watched him move across the kitchen. What a lovely surprise this was. He must have agonised over this departure from his usual attire. He certainly was coming out of his comfort zone, she thought. She went along to the bedroom to take most of the items out of her rucksack, ready to go into town.

They left the apartment and began walking in the direction of the town centre. Louisa put her arm through Martin's and hugged him. Smiling down at her he asked, "Staking your territory out?"

"A girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do, Martin. No brazen hussy is getting you from under my nose!"

The crinkles at the corner of his eyes deepened and she knew he was happy. Together they walked along the high street looking for food shops or a supermarket to buy some more provisions. Eventually they spotted a Co-op store and went in there for some fresh food.

They got the usual groceries and as the shop had a delivery service ordered more to be sent by 4:00pm. Continuing their walk around they identified several more places of interest to come back to. In the Post Office Martin spotted some leaflets on eating out and picked several up.

They decided to return to their apartment to await their food delivery. Louisa declared she would have a nap and Martin looked through the leaflets for places to eat out. The advert for Juliet's Garden took his eye and he rang them up to try and book a table for that evening. As he wanted to eat early there were several tables available including one for just two diners. He placed the booking for an early meal and hoped Louisa would be happy, not to have to cook tonight.

Seeing that the restaurant was 15 minutes away he rang the taxi firm to request a ride out there instead of walking.

A knock at the door heralded the arrival of their groceries and he was in the process of putting them away when Louisa came yawning, into the kitchen. "Ah, they've arrived then?"

"Yes, I've only got a few more items to put away. I hope you would like to eat out tonight, instead of cooking, because I booked a table at Juliet's Garden? I've arranged for a taxi to pick us up at 5:45 and take us there."

He gave her the leaflet and let her look through it so she would be aware of what was on offer.

"That looks good Martin. You were right to think I don't feel like cooking from scratch. I'll change my blouse, but I think I'll leave the rest of my clothes as they are."

"Do you want a hot drink before you get ready, Louisa? I'm having some tea."

She nodded and waited for him to make it.

"What ideas do you have for the rest of our stay? Anything in particular you would like to do, or is it a case of go-with-the-flow?" she asked him.

He smiled at her using Bert's maxim of how life is, in Portwenn. "Well, depending upon how you feel, and what the weather is doing, I thought we'd look around the shops tomorrow and pick up a travel guide. We could then do hikes to anywhere which seems of interest. Perhaps we could have a picnic on one of our walks? I'd like to get an idea of when the boats go around the islands next week and concentrate on visiting Tresco, for definite and perhaps one or two of the other islands."

He looked at her for approval of his thoughts.

"Maybe we could also factor in a couple of stay-at-home days, just for us?" Louisa suggested they spend some time alone, together.

"That idea has a certain amount of appeal, for me," he remarked. "I remember we never did get that pyjama day you suggested last Christmas."

"Well, we couldn't forgo that now, could we?" Louisa was vastly entertained at the thought of spending a whole day 'en deshabille'. She almost purred with pleasure.

"All right, go and get changed and we'll begin making tracks for the restaurant."