Chapter 73

The boat docked at Cruther's Point with the passengers disembarking there. They'd been asked to return by 4:00p.m. in order to catch the tide.

"Do you want to walk for half an hour before getting to Lower Quay, Louisa? Don't forget we only have until 4 o'clock before we must be back here.

Louisa was agreeable to looking around High Quay and its surroundings. "I'd better go and use those public toilets first, before we set off. These days it seems I have to go once an hour. Don't want to risk an accident." She laughed.

Martin nodded, "I'll wait here for you, then."

Louisa was soon back with him and they set off towards the town. A short time later and they were in the town itself. They wandered about and found Little Arthur's Bistro. There they had a light lunch before setting off for the vineyard which was about 100m from the dunes of Par Beach. They joined a queue of people who were gathering close to the office for a guided tour around the fields and winery. Martin went and collected an information sheet as well as paying for the tour.

Walking towards the south facing fields they heard their guide explaining the layout of the vineyard ahead and pointing out the various spring flowers which decorated the sides of the path and also could be seen in the vineyard itself.

Originally the vineyard was a flower farm in the past and we still get bulbs and other flowers springing up throughout the year. The vineyard covers about a hectare of land (2.5 acres) and as you can see is divided into various areas. The surrounding hedges, or "fences" as they are known here, consist mainly of the New Zealand plant, pittospermum, interspersed with escallonia and fuchsia, the fences are quite high and very dense. These fences protect the vines from the wind and also provide ample nesting points for our wild birds. Their flowers give nectar for many of the insect species found here.

The group went into one of the bays to inspect the growing vines which were trained on posts and wires. The guide pointed out the polytunnels which sheltered the slower growing vines and ensured they had ample time for the fruit to ripen fully. Approximately 10% of the land was covered in these structures.

All the grapes are sent down to the old barn wherein the pressing and making into wine is carried out. The barn has very thick walls which maintain a good ambient temperature and also means we can store the finished wine, safely.

The owners are making progress towards obtaining their "Organic Soil Association" status by not using pesticides, only mowing designated pathways thus encouraging biodiversity on the site. There is an abundance of insects, midges etc which provide food for birds such as swallows and swifts during the day and also pipistrelle bats at dusk. An insectivorous shrew is also found here. This species does not exist on the mainland.

The group returned to the barn where a wine tasting was offered for those old enough to participate. Louisa was disappointed not to have the opportunity to try this activity, but discretion and Martin, precluded her involvement. They went into the shop where different varieties of wine were offered for sale along with postcards, souvenirs and booklets on the actual wine-making process. In those it was explained that from an original 120 bottles per year, production had increased to between 1,500 and 3,000 bottle per year! Clearly the process is weather dependent, but in a good year red, rose and white wines are available as well as the occasional reserve (blend) of wine.

Louisa and Martin went slowly back towards the town and looked down onto the beach where people were out on the placid waters in single and double kayaks or stood upright on paddleboards. Louisa would have loved to have tried her hand at the kayaking but her gravid state was again a hindrance. Nevertheless they went down to the beach and found a seat to watch the progress as people learned how to ride or sail their chosen craft. Martin pulled out their water bottles and relaxed, enjoying the view. Looking across to Louisa he could see that she was keen to join in the fun. The bay before them looked reasonably shallow, at least close in to the shoreline and in the distance more islands could be seen. With the strong sunshine it looked idyllic. Perhaps, he mused, in a couple of years' time when Junior was older, they could return for a longer stay on this island.

Eventually they retraced their steps back to the town and went into the post office where Louisa purchased cards and stamps to send them to Joan and other friends. She also took several to take into school for the children to view.

After the obligatory toilet stop it was a slow walk back to the quay side and the boat for the return trip to St Mary's.

Back in St Mary's Louisa said, "Why don't we just get a takeaway from the restaurant and eat at home?"

Martin nodded, "If you want to. Are you tired?" he asked knowing that she'd not had her afternoon rest time.

"A little," she admitted, "but I've thoroughly enjoyed the day. I'm sure when Joan sees the photo's we've taken she'll see what a lovely place it is."

They called into the quay restaurant and got spicy chicken wraps and then made their way home. Louisa opened the door and went through. Straight away she saw a large bag on the floor near the living room. Going over to it she opened it up to find the clean linen they'd been promised. "Rats!" she exclaimed. "It's Saturday, isn't it?"

Martin nodded, "I forgot too."

Louisa took out the note from the top of the bag and read – Please bring your dirty linen before 7:00pm this evening or before 9:00am in the morning. Deborah Markham. She checked her watch, it was 6:30. Quickly she went to the bedroom to collect the bedding and towels, while Martin rounded up the kitchen cloths. They took out the clean linen, replacing it with the dirty stuff. He said he'd take it and went next door.

When Mrs Markham answered the door, he offered the bag to her and apologised for the late delivery. Thanking her for the clean bag of linen he told her they were having a good time and enjoying their stay.

She smiled when she heard that. "Enjoy the rest of your holiday, Dr Ellingham."

Martin nodded and went back to Louisa. She'd taken the linen into the bedroom and was putting on the clean sheets and pillowcases. The towels were put into the bathroom. Martin boiled the kettle, put the wraps in the microwave and then served them up as well as a pot of tea.

Talking over their day, Louisa admitted to being disappointed not to have enjoyed a drink of wine, but swiftly put her hand up to forestall the imminent lecture on alcohol for pregnant women. "Yes, I know it's not good for me or Junior at the moment Martin, but opportunities like this don't come around every day."

"You know I think you did the right thing, Louisa. I'm sorry you didn't get to drink any of it."

Having eaten their meal, which they enjoyed even if Louisa had to flap her hand in front of her mouth as the hot spices hit her tastebuds, they talked over what to do on Sunday.

"Why don't we just take it easy tomorrow? We're booked to go to Tresco on Monday which will mean a lot of walking around the gardens, and Abbey." Martin suggested.

Louisa agreed, "maybe a bit of a pyjama day?" she asked somewhat hopefully.

Martin looked at her and then blushed when the import of her words registered. "Tell you what, you stay in bed and I'll go and get some shopping in for our dinner. I can be there and back before you need to get up."

Louisa thought about it for a moment, "Yes, that's a good idea. If the weather is fine, perhaps we can have meals al fresco?"

"I don't see why not," he agreed.

The following morning, Martin rose a little after his usual time and got ready to go out. Once in the main street he looked in the newsagents to pick up the papers and a couple of magazines for Louisa. He hoped that they wouldn't give her too many ideas about luxury living! As he turned to go to the checkout, he spotted a Times Educational Supplement on the bottom shelf. Checking the date he found that it was this week's edition. He felt sure that Louisa would like this, even in preference to the glossy magazines.

Joining the small queue he paid for his purchases, before moving out to the street. Walking past the post Office he saw a flyer for a concert on Tuesday night at the theatre there in the town. Fishermen's Friends, a choir were in town for two days. He noted the number for the box office and then went on towards the Co-op supermarket.

At the fish counter he looked at the available fish and saw some salmon steaks which were of a suitable size for their evening meal. He picked up the fresh vegetables to go with them along with a small pack of drinking chocolate.

On entering the flat he couldn't hear any movement and surmised that Louisa was still in bed. He put the shopping away and made himself some porridge for breakfast along with his espresso. The temperature was quite warm outside and so he went onto the terrace and began reading the papers.

"Morning Martin," came Louisa's lilting voice. She came out to him and gave him a kiss on the cheek. He looked up at her and responded in kind.

"Do you want me to cook you some breakfast, Louisa?"

"No thanks, I'm just going to have some cereal this morning." Her glance fell onto the papers laid on the table. "The TES! Thank you, Martin. That's perfect." Louisa was happy to have the educational paper to read.

"There are some magazines for you, as well."

She gave them a cursory glance and said "I'll read them later, after I've read my paper." She dropped another kiss on his cheek and went to get her breakfast. She returned with her cup of tea and cereal basin and settled in to begin reading.

Martin watched her as she looked at the paper, leaving some articles and quickly scanning others. He could see she was rapt in the essays about new practices and some new Government guidelines. She grimaced when she realised that they would mean yet more paperwork, instead of lightening the load on teachers. As she looked up at him, he quickly went back to viewing his own paper.

Time passed and the temperature rose as the sun shone fully onto the terrace. Louisa was glad of the shade from the parasol over the table. Martin cautioned her about staying too long outside, saying to her that sunburn was a likely outcome if she didn't take care.

"Yes Martin, I know, but we've been acclimatising over this past week or so. I'm sure I'll be all right for a while longer.

Martin picked up his second paper and went inside. Half an hour later he called to her asking if she wanted another drink.

"Orange juice, please Martin. If we have any."

He prepared the drink and said that she'd better come in to get it.

Sighing, she got to her feet and picked up the rest of the magazines and papers before moving inside to sit on the couch. She was on to the glossy magazines, showing him various photos of glamorous rooms and décor. "Do you think this would go in Fern Cottage?" displaying the garish colours and textures of a large living room. "I bet they have servants just to clean that room. It would be too much for me to do it, anyway."

Martin's lip curled when he saw the outlandish room. "Gives me a headache just looking at it," he criticised.

Louisa smiled as she'd very much expected his reaction. "No, I don't like it either. The way we've got it decorated now, I think, is right for the house and our current circumstances."

"Hmm."

After lunch Louisa decided she'd go and have a lay down. "Are you coming, Martin?"

Luckily, he detected the wistfulness of the request and said he would wash the pots and join her shortly. When he entered the bedroom, he saw that she'd completely stripped off and lost no time in doing likewise. A very pleasant interlude ensued, followed by the promised post-prandial nap.

Martin woke first, laying there savouring the pleasant relaxed mood. How, he wondered, had this beautiful woman chosen him to be her husband? Even more perplexing why did she want his child? He thought about his own parents who hadn't really wanted him, beyond the "I've got a son" cachet prevalent amongst his father's cronies at the time. They'd certainly lost no time farming him out, first to nannies and then to a "suitable school". After the first year at school he was sent to Auntie Joan and Uncle Phil for the summer holidays. No, his parents hadn't wanted to be bothered caring for him. Martin vowed that his child would know that it was both loved and wanted.

Looking at the clock he decided to get up and shower before turning his thoughts to the evening meal. When he returned to finish dressing, he debated whether to let Louisa sleep on, or wake her. If she slept any longer, she wouldn't sleep properly tonight, he mused. Going over to his sleeping wife he knelt down, stroking his fingers lightly on her cheek.

"Louisa? Louisa? Time to wake up, Beauty." He smiled as he said it. When had he lost the outer shell of stiffness about such simple actions? He decided that she'd bewitched him!

Louisa's eyes fluttered open. Looking up at him she saw the crinkles at the corner of his eyes and knew he'd been smiling at her. "What? Is it really time to get up? I've only had 5 minutes, " she assured him.

"You've been snoring for at least the last half-an-hour," he informed her.

"I don't snore!" she told him in her no-nonsense voice. Her only answer was an amused look and a raised eyebrow.

Flinging back the covers she got up and went to the bathroom. "I'm having a shower. Would you make a pot of tea for when I'm finished?"

Martin agreed and went to the kitchen to prepare the cups. He returned to the papers and waited for her to appear.

As they sat drinking their tea, Martin remembered the poster he'd seen. "Have you ever been to see the group "Fishermen's Friends?"

Louisa looked at him, somewhat astonished at the question. "Yes, but it was at least 10 years ago. Why?"

"They are performing here in Hugh Town, on Tuesday and Wednesday, in the theatre. I thought you would like to go and see them?"

"An evening out at the theatre? Martin, I'd love to. Are you sure you want to go?" she asked doubtfully.

"If I hadn't wanted to go, Louisa, I wouldn't have mentioned it," he told her somewhat testily.

Her beaming smile reassured him that she found his idea to be very attractive.

"Which night do you prefer? Assuming I can get tickets for either night?"

"Well, we're going to Tresco tomorrow, so I guess we'll be having an easy day on Tuesday, so why not then?" she replied.

Martin nodded. "I'll have a go at booking the seats, tomorrow," he promised.

Louisa washed the teacups and asked him what they were doing for their evening meal.

"I bought some salmon steaks and thought I'd show you how to prepare them with soy sauce and honey."

"Sounds exotic. Are we having veg or rice, with them?"

"Rice, but there will be some chopped vegetables as well."

Martin pulled up the recipe on his phone and showed her how to work out the order in which to prepare and then cook the meal. As was his usual practice he arranged his ingredients and utensils in precise order to facilitate the process. Louisa rolled her eyes as she watched, but conceded the point that being ready with what was required next certainly helped.

The finished meal was delightful and Louisa decided she would wash up while he relaxed for a while. As they had to be up early the next morning they did not linger and were soon in bed.