Chapter 17 - Ghost from the past

Both Martin and Morwenna turned around. Martin became white as a sheet of paper. A tall, rather skinny red haired woman of about Martin's age, with an arrogant look in her eyes stood in front of them. James didn't seem to like what he saw, he clung like a monkey at Morwenna, frowned deeply, but didn't cry.

'Well, well, Ellingham, you've found yourself a really young chick, don't you? What happened to the ponytailed headteacher?'

Martin wasn't able to speak, he was flabbergasted and not even sure he understood what she was talking about.

'How dare you make such insinuations! Our doc would never drag a girl like me! I could have been his daughter, you..you snake!' Picturing Al's lovely face in her mind, Morwenna added, 'Besides, he is not my type!'

'Wait a moment, young lady, do you have any idea who you are talking to?'

'No I don't and even if you were future queen Maxima of the Netherlands*, I couldn't care less. A woman insulting people in public, in presence of persons she doesn't even know, cannot be someone of high standards! As for your question, the ponytailed headteacher, formerly known as Miss Louisa Glasson, is at this very moment waiting upstairs in the room she shares with her beloved husband, Dr. Martin Ellingham'.

'My, Ellingham, tell me, does this little fury also comes from the little biscuit-tin village? Portwhy?'

Martin didn't say a word, he was still very pale and Morwenna knew that he was beating an attack of nausea. She recognized the symptoms now, he was sweating, swallowing constantly and not able to speak.

'Listen, miss Firelight, or whatever your name may be', Morwenna said, 'it's Portwenn. Yes, I've lived there all my life and I really think you should leave the doc - and his family - alone, NOW. Please don't tell me you're here for the conference?'

'The medical conference on anxiety disorders? Lord no, I was here for a job interview - didn't get it, they prefered a local cheese-head**. Pity for them, they won't benefit of my qualities.. Tomorrow I'll be off back to the UK at first light'.

Hearing that Edith Montgomery wouldn't assist the conference made Martin sigh with relief. The worst moment of nausea had gone, no risk to throw up in the hotel lobby anymore, but he still remained silent. Anyway, nothing he'd say now, would add value to what Morwenna had just said.

The elevator finally arrived, they were saved by its bell. Morwenna, with a grumpy little boy on her arm and Martin, with all of the luggage and the buggy, entered the elevator.

'You take the next one!', Morwenna instructed Edith firmly. 'And don't spoil the Doc's visit to the Lowlands*** anymore!'.

James gave Edith one of his grumpiest looks and then hid his face in Morwenna's neck, Martin still didn't say anything, but looked very unhappy.

Finally the elevator door closed and at least James relaxed a bit. Martin didn't. Soon, they arrived at their floor. Martin, usually a gentleman with the best manners, now nearly pushed aside Morwenna and practically ran towards the door of their suite. He rapped frantically on the door, too impatient to search for the keycard. Louisa hurried towards the door and opened it. To her big surprise Martin, looking desperate, put down the luggage and gave hear a bear hug, burying his head in her soft hair, inhaling deeply the fragrance of her hair and shampoo - without saying a word, holding her closely, looking for comfort.

'Martin?'

Louisa managed to look over his shoulder and looked quizzically at Morwenna. As soon as James got a glimpse of his mother, he reached out to her. 'Mumum', he babbled happily.

Finally, Martin loosened his embrace and Louisa was able to step back and look at his face.

'Martin, what happened, it's as if you saw a ghost!'

'He did see a spooky person!', Morwenna answered for him.

Louisa took James from Morwenna and gave him a hug. She looked at her husband, who was still very pale.

'Martin, why don't you sit on the sofa for a while and rest. I'll pour you some water and then I'll show Morwenna her room, OK? Do you want James to keep you company?'

Martin nodded, took James from Louisa and went sitting on the sofa, with James on his lap. The little boy snuggled close to his daddy and started to 'read' the small book Louisa gave him. Louisa assured herself that everything was OK now and joined Morwenna in the corridor.

'Let my give you a proper welcome first', she said,'and then I'd like you to tell me what has hapened.

She gave the young girl a hug and a kiss on her cheek, Morwenna returned the welcome gestures and hugged Louisa. Then Louisa opened the door of Morwenna's room and both women entered it.

'Oh, it's beautiful', Morwenna said admiringly. She had a room that watched out on the canal. Several houseboats floated at the other side and the light from the lowering sun was magnifiscent.

'Will you tell me what just happened, Morwenna?'

'It was weird, Doc had just welcomed me and we were waiting for the elevator, when a very unpleasant woman approached and called Doc just by his family name. He turned very pale and unpleasantly surprised. He hasn't said a word to her and I think just the sight of her made him physically sick. Anyway, she made an idiotic assumption and insulted Doc in public. I told her to bugger of and to leave you two alone. She is leaving tomorrow, first thing in the morning. By the way, James had an immediate aversion against her. He looked at her as if he saw water burn...'

'Who was she, Morwenna? Did she tell you her name?'

'No, but she was thin and tall with short red hair. Do you know who she is?'

'Yes, Edith Montgomery, she is someone he knew in the past, they studied together. I think she abused of Martin's helpfulness at that time. She has been in Truro for a short period and then tried to put a spoke in our wheel, without success. You did the right thing, thank you very much. I'll leave you unpack now. Please come and join us for dinner later, right?

Louisa crossed the landing again and reentered their own room. Louisa had to fight her natural urges to bombe Martin with questions, but she knew by now that it was better to leave him alone and to bring it up later.

'Martin, I reckon you don't want to run into her once more, so I suggest we order some roomservice for dinner. We'll ask Morwenna to come over to join us here, OK?'

'Mmm, yes, that'll be good, fine', Martin replied somewhat absent minded. He softly stroke his son's hair and stared in front of him.

As suggested by Louisa, they had a calm dinner in their suite. Louisa noticed that Morwenna looked happier than ever. She was actually glowing when speeking about Al. Louisa smiled and was glad for her - and for Al too. Morwenna also showed the pictures she had taken from the air.

'Oh Martin, look how beautiful!'

Finally Martin showed some interest. The pictures suddenly reminded him of his shopping earlier that day.

'Ehmm... I suggest that you and Morwenna take a taxi to the Keukenhof tomorrow. The weather forecast is fine for tomorrow and in this country and in this time of the year, you'd better not count on the weather Gods. So you'd best do something outside tomorrow and save shopping in Amsterdam for later. You can rent bikes over there and make a tour through the flower fields. They also rent bikes with special baby seats. Just be aware of the right size. Like baby seats for cars, they also have special categories of bike seats for babies and toddlers. James will love it in front of his mum on a bike. He chose this himself this afternoon...'

Martin handed a plastic bag to Louisa. Surpised, she took out the baby bike helmet. She smiled when discovering it. Always safety first for her husband, she thought.

'How thoughtful of you Martin, thank you! We'll take lots and lots of pictures won't we Morwenna?'

Later, when Morwenna was about to retire to her room, Martin cleared his throat and said:

'Morwenna, thank you for your help this afternoon. Ehmm, not a thing the whole village needs to know though, maybe best not even tell Al about it...'

Hearing the name of Al, Morwenna blushed, 'Of course I won't tell anyone about it Doc!

'Good'.

Soon, together in the comfort of their bed, Martin pulled his lovely wife close to him and swallowed hard. He owed her some explanations of what he felt this afternoon.

'Louisa, thank you for being here with me. When Edith turned up, I immediately felt sick'. He tightened the embrace a bit, 'It's not only a blood thing anymore, as it seems and that frightens me..'

Louisa was glad Martin shared his feelings with her. She kissed his cheek and stroke through his hair. 'I'm not a specialist, Martin, but it all has to do with your past, that's for sure. Your body seems to want to get rid of some burdens of the past.. Why don't you call Dr. Johnson tomorrow and speak with him about it?'

'Mmm...', Martin finally relaxed a bit. He said 'By the way, you should have liked to be there this afternoon. Morwenna's reaction was priceless!'

'How about her and Al?', Louisa asked

'He brought her to the airport. I told him she had a fear for flying..'

'My own dear cupid!', Louisa laughed, snuggling closer to him.

As an answer, Martin started to kiss her passionately...

To be continued - please let me know if you liked it

* this story is situated in the spring of 2013, a few weeks before the inauguration of King Willem Alexander. As most of you migth know, he is married to Maxima, originary from Argentina. They have 3 beautiful girls. The eldest, princess Amalia, will have her 11th birthday tomorrow 7Dec14.

**The Netherlands, being famous for its Gouda and Edam cheese sometimes mockingly call their own citizens 'Kaaskoppen' - cheese-heads, referring to their very blond hair and pale skin.

***The Netherlands are sometimes called the Lowlands as well