Chapter 15

Joan raised her glass in a toast to her sister, "Here's to a wonderful two months, getting to know my new grandson and spending time with you, my dear Ruth."

Whilst Joan was in London, the two sisters met for brunch each Sunday at Ruth's favourite restaurant. They would discuss the events of the past week, reminisce about their childhood, share memories of their mother and father, whatever crossed their minds. Afterwards, the two would visit one of the local museums or take in a matinee showing of one of the local theatre productions. They had done the same when James was born and it worked out well. Joan felt that it also gave Martin and his family some quiet time to bond without her in the house and it gave her time to spend with Ruth and to enjoy a few of the cultural attractions that London had to offer.

Ruth raised her glass as well and responded with a wry "Yes." Joan was on her third glass of wine this afternoon and was becoming sentimental. "It's been lovely reconnecting with you as well." She took a small sip and asked, "You're heading back to Cornwall this week?"

"Wednesday morning. I'm booked on the 10:03 out of Paddington."

"Would you like me to come see you off?"

"I should be able to manage. I just have the two bags and, with their sturdy wheels, they are both easy to manoeuvre once I arrive at the station."

Joan wiped a tear from her eye, "Oh I will miss all of you, especially the boys. Robert is starting to talk and just this week he has started smiling."

"Talking? Really Joan, I find that hard to believe." Ruth tucked her head and gave her sister a sceptical look.

"You know what I mean, screwing up his little mouth and making sweet little sounds, 'oohs and aahs'." She shrugged her shoulders and grinned, "He's such a poppet."

Ruth smiled at her sister indulgently as Joan continued, "But it's time. The farm is calling me home. Geoff and Sally tell me they have been harvesting the greens for several weeks now, and the sheep need shearing. I've contacted the shearers to come in the week after next to do the job."

Joan had hired the young couple, Geoff and Sally Teague to tend the farm whilst she was in London. They were a young couple from the village who had studied agriculture at university, and they had returned to Port Isaac in hopes of finding work on one of the farms in the area. She had hired them to help with the animals at the beginning of the year and they had done some of the early tilling for the vegetable patch. She had arranged for them to move onto the farm whilst she was away in London in order to care for her animals and tend her vegetable garden. They had been quick learners and she was satisfied they would keep the farm working productively whilst she was gone. They phoned her every other day with an update and she felt confident that all was well, but it was time for her to return, despite her wish to stay with Martin and his family.

"I hate to leave, but at least Louisa will be down for the summer holidays with James and Robert. Only two months away." She sipped the last of her wine and then added, "You should come down as well … maybe for James' fourth birthday?"

Ruth stared out the window thinking about her nephew and how his life had changed these past several years. "I'll consider it. How are Martin and Louisa holding up these days?"

She asked Joan this question every Sunday when they met for an early brunch. Ruth had been sceptical about their marriage from the start, and it was as if she hoped, or perhaps feared, they would finally realise they were unsuited and separate. The last two months had been full for Joan, mostly with happy family time, and she responded to Ruth's question as she always did, "They seem to be doing well."

She dabbled at the remains of her meal, spearing the last asparagus stalk with her fork. "It seems so long ago that you met me at the station and the taxi dropped us off at Martin's house."

"Yes," Ruth chuckled at the memory, "and James greeted us exuberantly, 'Gammy, Graunty, we have a new baby in our house.' He was so excited."

"That he was," Joan agreed. She had packed her bags and made arrangements for care of the farm several weeks before Martin finally called with news of Robert's birth. She could still remember his call, "Aunty Joan, the baby arrived earlier this morning at 8:36. He weighed 8 pounds 6 ounces and is 21 inches long. He is perfectly healthy. Do you have your mobile handy? I will forward some pictures to you."

"Oh Marty, another little boy. How exciting. Have you given him a name yet?"

"Yes, Robert Martin. Robert after Louisa's father, and Martin after … well … mmm"

"Robert Martin Ellingham. That's a lovely name." Joan began to ramble "I remember Louisa's father, a fine man. Such a shame when the sea took him. It was so hard on Miriam and the children."

"Aunty Joan, I must ring off. I still need to notify Ruth and Miriam."

'Yes, yes. I will plan to come down tomorrow as planned … that is, if it's still convenient." Suddenly she remembered to ask, "Louisa? How is Louisa? Any problems with her labour? Will she be able to go home soon?"

"Yes. Louisa is doing well, and she plans to come home this afternoon despite my advice to remain in hospital for observation overnight. I will care for her tonight and tomorrow. After that, our nanny will care for James in the morning as is usual when he isn't at school, and I have hired a nurse for the next two weeks to assist Louisa during the day when I can't be home. But we will welcome your assistance if it's no bother."

"Of course it's no bother! You know I can't wait to see him."

"Well, let's cut this short. I'll send you the photos and you can see him momentarily. Let me know when your train will arrive tomorrow."

"Yes, yes. I'll let you" … Click! Martin cut her off, and she shook her head. "When will that boy learn some manners? Ah well … best call the train and buy my ticket."

Martin and Louisa had given her a beautiful and functional set of luggage just before James was born. The wheels were sturdy and handled beautifully on all surfaces. Still, once she arrived at Paddington station, she had to heave her bags off the luggage rack, and then struggle to exit the train. "Where are the porters when you really need them?" she muttered as she wrestled her bags down the steps. She took a deep breath as she reached the platform, straightening her shoulders whilst she grabbed the handle of each bag and started to walk towards the gate, all the while searching for Martin's head above the crowds. There was no sign of him anywhere, when she heard the high-pitched gravelly voice of her sister calling out, "Joan, Joan."

There, off to the side, just outside the gate stood Ruth waving frantically. Joan nodded her head in recognition and shouted out, "Ruth!"

As she hurried over to give her sister a quick awkward embrace, she cried, 'I was expecting Martin."

Ruth rolled her eyes, "Yes, well. He's busy, and I told him I had nothing better to do, so here I am. Let's find a taxi and head on over to introduce ourselves to the newest Ellingham."

Joan continued, smiling at the memory, "And Martin … so proud when he brought Robert down to meet us. He had that little grin that he gets on his face when he is happy."

"Yes, I remember." Ruth accepted that they were going to trip down memory lane, at least for a few more moments this morning, and since they weren't going anywhere soon, she reached for one of the restaurant's delicious cinnamon buns. "It is good to see him so happy. He was pretty miserable for so many years. Having a family has done him a world of good."

Martin was out shopping for the evening meal when they arrived at his home, and the nurse answered the door. Before they could introduce themselves to the nurse, James came running into the foyer shouting, "Gammy, Gammy." Joan put down her bags and scooped him up into her arms as he cried, "Gammy, I have a new baby brother. Do you want to come see him?"

He turned to speak to Ruth as well, "Graunty, his name is Robert and he is very little. Mummy says he looks just like I did when I was new."

Joan chuckled, "Well James, Graunty and I would both love to see him … if he isn't asleep?" She tilted her head and, raising her eyebrows, looked at the nurse, who smiled back and replied, "He is due for a feed any minute now. Why don't you leave your bags here and visit with James for a few minutes until he is awake?"

She continued speaking as she led them into the lounge, "By the way, my name is Sondra. Mr. Ellingham had to step out for a moment, but he did tell me to expect you. He should be back any minute now. Mrs. Ellingham is resting, but I will let her know you have arrived."

Just then they heard the baby crying. "Please excuse me," Sondra trilled as she trotted up the stairs.

At the same time, the front door opened and Martin entered burdened down with several bags of groceries. Joan rushed over to help carry the groceries into the kitchen.

Martin tipped his head in frustration toward the stairs, "Why is the baby crying? Where is the nurse?" He dropped the bags he was carrying and rushed to the stairs, obviously upset that no one was tending to Robert.

"Martin, stop." Joan admonished him. "Robert just started crying and the nurse is upstairs with him now." Sure enough, the baby's fussing stopped. "I believe she has everything in hand. Why don't you sit down and let me fix you a cup of tea? Hmmm?"

'Yes. Good." He sat for a moment and then jumped up, "I'll just go check on Louisa."

He reappeared a few minutes later, much calmer. "Louisa is feeding the baby. I told her you had arrived and she is anxious to greet you. I will help her bring Robert down in a few minutes when she is finished nursing him."

"There's no hurry Marty. I'm not going anywhere soon, and Ruth is here as well. Now, sit down and enjoy your tea." Joan poured the tea into the cup she had set out for him.

"Mmm … I think I'll have an espresso instead. Why don't you offer the tea to Ruth?"

Ruth and James had moved into the kitchen when they saw Martin run up the stairs. "I'd love a cuppa Joan." Ruth reached over and slid the cup across the table. "Do you have any milk?"

Martin went to the counter to prepare his espresso whilst James entertained Joan and Ruth, telling them all about his accomplishments at school. Martin busied himself sorting and putting the groceries away. Joan observed that he seemed fidgety, pulling pots out of the cupboard and putting them back again. She looked over at Ruth and raised an eyebrow. Ruth nodded her head and spoke up, "Perhaps you should go check on Louisa, Martin. She might need help making herself presentable after feeding the baby."

"Yes. Right." He was off in a flash.

Shortly after, they could hear halting steps on the stairs. "Be careful Louisa. I don't want you to slip and hurt yourself. Joan and Ruth could have come upstairs to visit."

"Honestly Martin, I'm fine. I need to get out of that room, and the sooner I get moving, the faster I will recover."

"Mmm …. Yes."

At the sound of his mother's voice, James pushed away from the table and the biscuits he was eating and ran to see her with Joan and Ruth not far behind him. Martin had Robert tucked into the crook of his arm whist steadying Louisa with his other. He handed Robert to Joan as soon as they reached the bottom of the stairs and then escorted Louisa to a chair in the lounge. "I'll just go and bring you a cup of tea."

"Martin, that's not necessary. I'm fine."

"You need to keep up your fluid intake. I'll just prepare it for when you are thirsty." He left for the kitchen and Louisa smiled sheepishly and shook her head, rolling her eyes as he left.

Ruth leaned over and whispered, "Let him coddle you dear. It won't last long and it makes him feel useful."

Louisa responded with a wan smile, "I suppose you're right."

"Of course I am."

Joan had settled onto the sofa and had already started cooing at Robert with James glued firmly to her side. "He does look just like you did, James, when you were a baby. And now you're all grown up, a big brother."

James grinned from ear to ear and reached over to grab the baby from Joan's arms, "Can I hold him?"

Louisa answered James, "Why don't you let Gammy hold him a little longer since she just arrived?"

"Okay." James gazed longingly at the baby and then rose and went to sit next to his mother, and Ruth scooted over to take his place next to Joan to examine the baby close up.

Martin returned with Louisa's tea and then stood behind her chair, surveying the scene, somewhat flustered, but proud nonetheless with that tentative smile that occasionally crossed his face when he was particularly happy. Still he was restless with so much activity in his home and he soon leaned over Louisa, murmuring, "I'll go start the dinner preparations."

Joan reached for the last of the cinnamon buns and buttered it liberally, continuing the conversation, "They do seem to be a happy little family, although I still worry about Marty. He works too hard, so much responsibility at hospital and he insists on helping out with the night time feeds. He looks exhausted."

Ruth ticked her head to the side, shrugging her shoulders, "That really shouldn't be a problem given his early surgical training, all those long nights as a registrar. I'm sure he is able to cope, and the night time feeds will ease off eventually."

"Still," Joan replied. "He's not a young man any more. But you are right. Already Robert is sleeping five hours at a stretch. It will get better." Joan lifted her glass and swirled the last of her wine, gazing longingly at her glass, "I suppose I shouldn't have another glass of wine, but it is awfully good."

"No," Ruth raised her eyebrows and shook her finger at Joan, "No more wine for you. We will be leaving soon, and I don't want to have to carry you out!"

"I'm perfectly fine." Joan retorted, tossing her head defiantly.

Ruth lowered her head and raised her eyebrows, "I'm sure you are." Then she changed the subject, "Has Robert settled down after that bad bout of colic he had a few weeks ago?"

"He seems to have moved past that now. He's been fine for the past week. I watched him and James last night whilst Martin and Louisa went out to dinner, and he was good as gold, grinning and waving his little arms whilst we ate our dinner."

"That's good. I've heard that colicky babies can be inconsolable. I can't imagine Martin coping with that well. He's always liked his life quiet and orderly."

Joan laughed, "No. Robert frequently tried his patience. I remember one evening Louisa was upstairs helping James prepare for bed and Martin was pacing the floor with Robert slung over his shoulder trying to pacify him when his mobile rang calling him back to hospital. He practically tossed the baby into my arms as he flew down the stairs and out the door. Louisa watched him go from the upstairs landing as she pulled James' pyjamas on, 'Pity those poor registrars and nurses who have to deal with him tonight. He will be a bear. Better them than me.'"

Ruth cocked an eyebrow, "He does have a reputation… deserved, I am sure. I can't tell you how many people ask me when I first meet them, 'Are you related to Mr. Ellingham?'"

"I usually answer before they finish the question, 'Yes, he is my nephew.' That always takes them by surprise."

She leaned across the table to add, "They are almost always curious, and they have to ask, 'You know his reputation then?' to which I reply, 'Yes … surliest surgeon on staff.'"

"They will lean in and inquire, always in a confidential tone, 'Is he always like that?' They want to know."

Ruth enjoyed telling this story, lowering her voice an octave and then returning to her regular pitch as she related her encounters. "I don't know what they expect me to say …. Yes, he's horrible to everyone?"

What do you say?"

"Sometimes I just give them a look or say 'Nooo …', and sometimes I'm tempted to say, 'Oh no. He's a sweetheart at home.'"

Joan chuckled, "Well he can be a sweetheart, but he can also be rude and brusque, even to me and Louisa, but he doesn't mean to be ugly."

"No. I thought Louisa might be able to soften his edges, but it hasn't turned out that way."

"Although … actually … he is quite gentle and attentive at home."

"I suppose he is. He would have to be, wouldn't he?" Ruth glanced at her watch and signalled to the waiter for the check. "Time for us to go. Ready to see the new exhibit at the Tate?"

"I suppose." Joan replied with little enthusiasm. Ruth was always trying to broaden her taste in art. Perhaps it would take this afternoon, but Joan wasn't optimistic.

That night, as she readied herself for bed, she thought about her conversation with Ruth. Her two months spent in London with Martin's family had been beneficial for the family, but also for her. After Phil died, she had thought she would spend the rest of her life alone. True she had close friends in her small village, friends with whom she celebrated holidays and birthdays; and as much as she cared for them, it wasn't the same as a family who loved and cared for her. Before Martin married, he and Ruth were off in London, and she rarely spent any time with either of them, a few phone calls at Christmas and her birthday, but that was all. Christopher wasn't worth a moment's thought, gone to Portugal and good riddance. But now that Martin and Louisa had wed, she suddenly had a family who doted on her and she loved every minute. And grandchildren … who would have though a tough old gal like herself would be blessed with grandchildren. She hugged herself savouring her good fortune. She would have to snuggle and spoil them rotten for the next two days, building up memories to last until the summer school term when they would join her in Portwenn.

When it came time to return home, Martin rode with her in the taxi to the station. She had discouraged him from accompanying her, but he was insistent, "I want to make sure you don't have any problems manoeuvring through the station. It's the least I can do for all the help you have given us."

"Very well. If you're sure you have the time." She could hear Ruth's voice in her head, "Let him coddle you. It won't last forever". Ruth had given Louisa that advice, and Joan decided it applied to her as well. "I will let him coddle me. I want him to feel needed." She had to admit that his help with her bags made the trip to the station easier, especially when he found a porter to help carry her bags to her train car. How he managed that was something of a miracle, or more likely one of the advantages of being a tall distinguished looking man with an air of authority. Whatever it was, she didn't hesitate to embarrass him by giving him a big hug and kiss on his cheek as she bade him good-bye with a tear slipping down her own cheek.

She settled into her seat and opened her tote bag. She had taken many pictures during her two months with the family and she had printed the best of them to place into an album during the long train ride home. There were several photos from the day of her arrival. The first photo was of a beaming James sitting on the sofa with his arms wrapped tightly around Robert. He was determined to prove to his mother, who was hovering nearby, that he could safely hold his brother. Then there were the photos of Joan holding Robert with James sitting next to her, then one of Ruth in the same position, and finally one of Martin with Louisa, James and Robert. It was the only one she had with all four of them, and it was her favourite. She placed it on the first page of her album and started to sort through the many other photos she had taken throughout her visit.

By the time the nurse had left them for her next assignment, life in the Ellingham household had settled into a routine. Martin rose early and left for hospital between 6 and 7:30 am depending on whether he had early morning procedures scheduled. When James awoke around 6:30, he ran into his parent's room and climbed into their bed to cuddle with his mother for a few minutes whilst she fed Robert. Martin would prepare breakfast on the days he didn't have procedures and help Louisa prepare Robert and James for their day. Joan took over breakfast duties on the days he left early, watching Robert whilst Louisa dressed James for school.

James' nanny tended to him during the weekday mornings, playing with him on the days when he had no school and walking him to his school on the days he did. For the first two weeks the nurse tended to Robert, changing his nappies and watching him if Louisa needed to rest. She also took care of the washing; goodness knows there were bundles of laundry to be done with a new-born.

Joan found herself running errands during those mornings, to the grocery or the chemist, the cleaners or the bakery, whatever was needed. If the weather was fine, Louisa would join her and they might take a picnic lunch to enjoy in the park down the street from their home. In the afternoon, she would watch James as he played with his toys or blocks, and she would read to him from his favourite books. On pleasant days, she would take him to the local playground, along with Robert in his pushchair. The nurse would often join her on these outings, giving Louisa a quiet house to enjoy a long nap since she never had a full nights' sleep. Later after the nurse had left, Louisa would join them, joyfully engaging with James on the play equipment whilst Joan played with Robert. Although she was up several times each night, Louisa was feeling much better. There were many photos of James playing in the park and a few of Louisa holding Robert on her lap as she gently swayed on the swings. There was one taken just a week before she left where Robert had a big toothless grin on his face as his adoring mother gazed down at him, and another of Joan herself holding Robert with James sitting at her side. She decided that she needed to save those for a frame to place at her bedside.

In the evenings, Martin usually arrived home by 6pm, and the early evening was devoted to dinner with the family and bath time for James. Martin usually read James a bedtime story and had begun to include Robert if he was awake, with the adage, "It's never too early to instil a love of books in a young child." After James was in bed, he might spend an hour in his study reviewing his notes for the next day, or he might enjoy a quiet hour in the lounge sharing a cup of tea and gentle conversation before the entire family retired at 9:30.

Weekends were much more relaxed. Martin still rose early, but did not leave for rounds until 8:30 am, after he had prepared a big nutritious breakfast for them all. He was rarely gone more than an hour and the rest of the day was family time, cooking with Louisa, taking the boys to the park or to one of the local museums. Of course, Joan usually spent Sundays with Ruth, and Ruth joined the family for dinner twice on Saturday evenings.

Three weeks or so after Robert's birth, Martin approached her one evening as they were doing the washing up after supper, "Aunty Joan … umm." He had a tea towel in his hands that he was nervously folding and unfolding. "I was wondering if you could watch the children for a few hours tomorrow evening?"

"Of course I can."

"I'd like to take Louisa out for dinner. We wouldn't be more than two hours."

"That's an excellent idea. I'm sure she will enjoy going out."

He continued to fiddle with the tea towel, adding, "And we will have our mobiles if any emergency should arise."

"Yes Martin. I'm sure I can handle the boys for a few hours by myself. Have you asked Louisa if she wants to go?"

"I wanted to check with you first. I'll mention it to her tonight before we go to bed."

"Good."

That night out did them both a world of good. Louisa was glowing when they returned, even as she asked Joan about her evening and the boys. Martin took her coat to the cupboard and when he returned to the lounge, Louisa took his hand and led him to the sofa where she snuggled up next to him. Joan watched them with amusement. Martin was obviously uncomfortable with such open affection in front of Joan, and he slid a few inches over on the couch with a disapproving look. Louisa wasn't to be discouraged and she just nestled further into his side until he was no longer able to move away. Happily settled next to him, she began to describe their meal to Joan with Martin adding a comment here and there as he became more comfortable. The evening was such a success that they went out twice more during Joan's visit. It was obvious to Joan that Martin had learned a thing or two about keeping his wife happy. And from the look on his face those evenings and the following mornings, it was apparent that Louisa had learned a few things about keeping her husband happy. Yes, her assurances to Ruth that the two were doing just fine were right on.

Unfortunately, Robert developed colic week or so after their first dinner date. James had never suffered with colic and it was a challenge for all of them to try to comfort Robert in the evening when he was screaming with pain. Louisa was distraught, but Martin would console her by assuring her that sometimes babies just cry. His crying seemed to start shortly after Martin arrived home each evening, right as they were taking their evening meal. Joan knew it was good that she was there to help them through that trying time. It took the three of them to attend to James, prepare dinner and try to sooth Robert. Martin seemed to have the most luck. He'd sling Robert over his shoulder and carry him around the house, patting his back, or he would hold him tummy down and rub his back. That would calm him for a while, but then he would start again. He'd wear himself out by the time James was ready for bed and they would all go to bed early. Fortunately, that phase lasted only three weeks. Both Martin and Louisa had researched the condition and discovered that some babies suffer for a month or longer, so they felt fortunate that his colic resolved itself so quickly.

Joan continued to slip her photos into the album as the train rumbled through the countryside. She took a short break to eat the sandwich she had brought and to enjoy a cup of hot tea from the buffet bar, but by the time the train pulled into Bodmin Parkway station, she had completed her album, had stowed it away in her bag and was ready to disembark. Geoff was waiting for her to exit the train and rushed over to take her bags to the truck. They had a good ride back to the farm with Joan describing her visit and Geoff updating her on the status of the farm. With each turn on the road, old familiar places sprang into view, heightening her desire to be home. Soon enough, they turned off the A39 in Wadebridge and were traveling past the rolling farms of so many of her friends on the way to the coast, to her own farm. Moments later they turned onto the gravel drive leading to the yard. Home … she was home. Yes, she would miss Martin and his family, but their life was in London. Her life was here on the farm, and she was glad to be home.

Author's Note: Sorry for the delay in posting this new chapter. It's been a long month with many agreeable holiday activities interfering with more creative activities. I hope you enjoy this chapter.
Happy New Year and best wishes to all in our Doc Martin Fan Fiction universe for a good 2019.