Chapter 79
After breakfast the next morning, Martin phoned the hospital to try and speak to Cotterell. Unfortunately he wasn't going to be on duty until that evening. Martin enquired about the patients he'd seen and was merely told that everything was in order, and that there was no need for him to come in.
Acknowledging the information, Martin rang off. "Idiots!"
"What was that, Martin?" asked Louisa as she came into the living room.
"Cotterell isn't on duty until this evening, and the doctor I spoke to wasn't forthcoming with any useful information. Well I suppose no news is good news. Right, have you got everything you need?"
Louisa quickly checked her rucksack. "Yes, I think so. Have you seen the weather? It's really misty this morning."
"Yes, but the forecaster said it should burn back by mid-morning."
They set off to walk to the Quay. Louisa zipped up her jacket against the damp air. As they strolled along Louisa asked "Have you seen puffins before, Martin?"
"No, there didn't seem to be any around Portwenn, and that's the only coast I've been to. When my parents went away, I was usually left at school, and I'm sure they went to warmer climes, anyway."
Louisa slipped her hand into his and squeezed gently. "A new experience for us both, then."
Arriving at the Quay, Martin paid for the tickets and they waited for the boat to come alongside. By now they were used to donning their lifejackets and were soon seated, waiting for departure. One or two stragglers slightly delayed their departure, but all in all they were only 10 minutes later than planned.
As the boat chugged away towards Puffin Island, they noticed that the mist was clearing, as forecasted. Eventually the sun broke through the clouds and they were treated to some lovely views of the approaching islands.
Their guide on the boat began to tell them about the Isle of Annet, an isolated and uninhabited island where the puffins come to breed. He explained that for most of the year the puffins remained at sea by themselves. When the breeding season, April to June, approaches they come back to the same island and nests each year.
The nickname for puffins is "clowns of the sea", because of their distinctive beak colours and orange feet. These colours fade after the season ends and the birds return to the open waters.
Once on the island, their burrow is cleaned out and fresh bedding material, such as seaweed, feathers and grasses is brought in. The female lays one egg, but both parents take turns to incubate it.
Puffins are fast flyers as they can flap their wings up to 400 times per minute, and achieve speeds of around 50 mph. When they dive to catch fish, they can reach depths of 60 metres (approximately 200ft). They are able to hold several fish at one time in their mouths because of their grooved tongue and ridges in the roof of their mouths.
They nurture the young chick, called a puffling, until it is ready to head out on its own, after about 6 weeks. When ready to leave it will approach the rock edges during darkness and launch itself into the sea. From there it will swim away from the shoreline to avoid predators such as great black- backed gulls. The puffling stays at sea for two to three years learning how to find and catch fish, as well as how to fly and navigate. Eventually they find a mate and return to Annet to begin the cycle anew. They can live up to 20 years and there are about 100 pairs living on Annet. Sadly their numbers are declining, but the reason for that is not yet determined. The Scilly islands represent the southernmost edge of their territory.
Other groups of islands such as the Farne Islands in the north of England, also have colonies. On Scilly the puffins are the smallest of the auk family which include Manx shearwaters, guillemots, shags and fulmars that breed there.
As she listened, the teacher in Louisa was already plotting how to combine these birds with those to be found around Portwenn. Certainly their clownish aspects would appeal to the children in her school.
Approaching the island a cry went out of "Seal!" and various people pointed to the mammals in the sea. Transferring their attention to the water several more were spotted. Behind them a pod of porpoises raced along. From then on twitching heads spotted various birds and animals in the sea. As the boat got closer to the island puffins could be seen flying off the cliffs with some observed diving into the water. Martin and Louisa got their cameras out and tried to outdo each other taking photographs.
The island was circumnavigated and plenty of wildlife was observed. Much of it in relatively close proximity to their boat. Martin took note of Louisa's happy face and was warmed by how much enjoyment she seemed to be deriving from this simple expedition.
Eventually the boat headed back to St Mary's with lots of the passengers comparing their photos and experiences. Martin stayed somewhat aloof from this discourse, but was glad that Louisa took a full part.
It was only just after 1:00 pm when the docked so they ambled home to have a light lunch. "Gosh Martin, I thoroughly enjoyed that!" Louisa was smiling broadly up at him as they walked along.
"Yes, it was better than I thought, because we got so close and could see the other wildlife as well. When I found out that we couldn't actually go on the island I doubted that we would get to see much."
"I'm sure my children at school would enjoy a small project about these birds. Especially the younger children"
After a light lunch, Louisa announced she was going for her nap, and then looked hopefully at Martin. After a brief debate with himself he said he would look at a few things on his phone to begin preparations for his return to work, next week.
Louisa was disappointed but knew he was very conscientious and also that she did need the sleep. She just hoped that when she returned to school, she would be able to stay awake during the whole day!
Martin let her sleep for two hours before going to rouse her. "Louisa, Louisa. Time to get up."
Bleary eyed she looked at him and then around the room. "I've only been asleep for half an hour!" she complained.
"Try two hours," was his rejoinder. "Still you must have needed it, so I'm glad you had the chance."
Flopping back on the pillow she tried to get her head around the actual length of time she'd been asleep.
"Do you want a drink, Louisa? I can go and make one for you." Martin offered.
"No thanks, not just at the moment. I'll go and shower and wash my hair, ready for tonight. I'll have a drink when I come out."
Martin nodded and went back to his reading.
Meanwhile, Louisa did as she'd said, wrapping her dressing gown around herself and a towel around her damp hair. She went to get her promised cuppa and then sat down next to Martin on the couch. She put a hand on his and said, "Thank you for a lovely day."
"Erm, it's not over yet," he pointed out. "We've still got our meal to look forward to."
"I know, but this morning has been good too. I'm sure Joan will be ever so impressed at what we've done."
At the mention of his aunt, Martin smiled. "Yes, I think she will be. Especially the thought of me on a boat, risking a soaking! Right, I'll go and have my turn in the bathroom, whilst you drink your tea." He left her there and headed to the bedroom to get his clothes.
When he returned half an hour later, he was back in his suit with a tie and a white shirt. Her heart leapt at the sight of him, so formally attired, but a small part of her hoped he would be able to dress informally at weekends, from now on.
"I'm off to dry my hair, etc, Martin. Anything you need before I hog the facilities?" She looked at him, but he was adjusting his cufflinks and just grunted, "No."
Entering the bedroom, she removed the towel and set about brushing her hair dry and into a formal arrangement. Then it was a case of slathering on the body lotion and then a careful application of some make-up. She wanted subtle, rather than overstated.
She put fresh underwear on, of a rather racy nature, she thought and hoped Martin would enjoy removing it later! Her dress was a very pale green gown with a boat shaped neckline and long sleeves. It didn't cling and so it wasn't that obvious how far along in her pregnancy she was. The length was not quite to the floor so her matching sandals would be visible. A small evening handbag completed the ensemble.
She knew she would have to wear her anorak, but hadn't brought a more stylish coat with her. Still, as their luggage allowance was not that big, she'd just have to get on with it.
Walking into the living room, she posed and waited for him to notice her. Eventually he looked up and she was very glad that she'd taken the time and trouble to bring this outfit with her. "Louisa!" he said hoarsely. "Erm, you look lovely!"
This was effusive praise indeed from her normally quiet husband. "Do you like it then?"
"Yeess! I do. I'll be the envy of every other man there." He stepped forward to hug her but she held him off.
"Careful. Don't muss my outfit!"
She could have kicked herself around the room as his face went blank and she realised she'd sounded just like his mother. Quickly she stepped forward and took his hands. "Martin, I'm sorry. I know who I sounded like just then. For me that was a genuine request that you be careful, and not an attempt to thrust you away." She reached up to kiss his cheek.
He looked at her and gradually the frozen look abated as he took in what she'd just said. He returned the embrace, carefully, and reiterated how beautiful she looked.
Having shown Martin that she could walk in her sandals they went along to the restaurant, arriving with ten minutes to spare. The waiter showed them to their table and brought the drinks menu. Louisa looked at it and several non-alcoholic fruit cocktails caught her eye. She opted for the watermelon cooler with sprigs of mint. Martin asked for bottled water, as per usual.
The waiter left their food menus and went away to get their drinks.
As they scanned the menu, Louisa quite fancied the look of the seared scallops with the tiger prawns but decided against shellfish. Instead she plumped for the Sea bass fillet, chive & parmesan risotto cake, carrot puree, asparagus spears, baby corn, carrot crisps & chive velouté.
Martin was taken with her selection and ordered the same for himself.
They sat back, looking about the room. It looked like an old-fashioned restaurant with a beamed ceiling but the tables were set for couples. Martin would have preferred a little more room between the tables, but Louisa liked the proximity and the fact that tall candles were lit on each one.
"You could have had meat, Louisa." Martin told her.
"Yes, but what we've ordered looks good, as well as being nutritious!" she sparkled at him so he would know she wasn't criticising him. "Anyway, I'm kinda used to eating at this time now and a heavier meal would be too much. Especially as I'm looking forward to dancing with you."
"Ahh. I see. Ulterior motives and machinations. Hmm." He entered the spirit of the evening and they relaxed together.
The drinks arrived and after her first sip she offered the glass to Martin to try. He pulled a face and declined. "I'll stick to the water."
She shrugged her shoulders, "Your loss. It's quite refreshing, actually."
While they waited for their food Louisa asked him what he'd enjoyed most about their time on the Scilly's.
"Having you all to myself," was his prompt reply.
"Apart from that. Although I've enjoyed being with you all day and not, for the most part, having to share you with anyone else. I enjoyed the trip to Tresco and the Abby gardens. Especially the Valhalla Museum with the ship's figureheads."
"Yes, and seeing the wildlife as we toured around. Sometimes you just forget that there is more to life than seeing umpteen patients with chesty coughs!"
"Let's forget about them, please Martin. Tonight is special because we're together, we're going to have a lovely meal, we're going to dance and then… we're going home. I promise you; you'll enjoy tonight!"
Martin gazed at her and a feeling of, what was it, love swept through him. She was absolutely lovely, and more to the point, she was promised to him for the rest of their lives. He was about to take hold of her hand across the table, when their food arrived. He hastily withdrew his hand into his lap and waited for the meal to be served.
Louisa enjoyed the food and exchanged loving glances with him. She was feeling a certain tension building up and anticipated dancing with him. Being held by him.
They sat for a while after their meal waiting for their tea to arrive. Eventually they heard a band strike up and went to find the dancing area. It was in a small room, but the wooden floor was polished and adequate for the dancing. They found a table to sit at and just enjoyed the sight of other couples dancing. Louisa was tapping her feet in time to the music, but knew this was not the type Martin would be comfortable with.
When the tempo slowed, he got to his feet and held his hand out to her. They walked onto the floor and he held his hands out for her. She stepped slowly into his embrace and began that timeless movement in synchronisation with the music.
There were others on the dance floor, but they receded into the background as Martin and Louisa danced. He was careful not to exaggerate their movements and thereby managed to keep her off his toes.
The music slowed and she moved closer into his embrace. More people had joined them so that they were kept together and slowed almost to just swaying in time. As the music changed, they went back to the table to await a more suitable interlude. Martin looked around briefly, but couldn't see anyone else as lovely as Louisa.
Louisa was thoroughly enjoying her evening. "Martin, could we do this occasionally when we're home in Portwenn, please?"
"I'm not sure of venues, but yes, if we find a suitable one, away from the village I'd like that. Hm"
After a few more dances, Louisa looked up at him. "I'm ready to go home now, Martin. Are you?"
His breath caught as he understood what she meant. Struggling for words he just nodded and they went to the table to pick up her coat. Outside, when they got away from the lights, it was a beautiful starlit night.
"Ohh. Isn't that wonderful, Martin?"
With his eyes solely on her he agreed. They meandered back home and once inside Louisa turned to him, stepping close she pulled him down for a long kiss. "Thank you, for a lovely evening." She put her coat on the hook then, taking his hand she went to the bedroom. She looked up at him and waited for his reaction.
Stepping close he put his hands upon her shoulder and toyed with her hair before sweeping her into his arms. "I love you," he whispered. There was an answering flash in her eyes and her arms went under his coat to pull him closer.