Chapter 11

Exhaustion

Reading the biography of Ellingham's great-grandfather and learning of his mother's callous behaviour was very enlightening to Edith. He rarely talked about his family, but she thought it only an aspect of his great need for privacy. They were very circumspect in their relationship, and Ellingham avoided anything that would lead to gossip. Of course, he was frequently the subject of gossip, more likely envy, because of his intelligence, skill and doggedness, often referred to as invincibility.

Now at Larchmont Hall, Edith ran to catch up with Ellingham who was walking determinedly toward Mum's horse surgery. A bit breathless on reaching him, she grabbed his hand and repeated: "Please stay here for a few days, Martin. Ignore me if you like, but you need rest. You'll soon have terribly long hours in training."

As Edith was finishing her plea, the village constable and her mother emerged from the horse shed, with Mum leading a large brown horse who was limping slightly. The horse had been found a week ago wandering in the village, and the PC had brought it to Larchmont Hall for stabling. Yesterday, a farmer claimed the horse, and the constable was there to ensure the steed was given to the rightful owner.

Shading her eyes, Mum called to them: "Back so soon from the village? I thought you two were having lunch."

"No, we've changed our plans, Mum. How are you PC Tierney?"

"Is that you, Edith? Missed you last night at dinner. You done with London and all that? Coming back to work with your mum, are you?"

"No, I'm doing lady's medicine and will be training in Canada for a few years. We'll see after that."

Looking at Martin, he asked: "Well, then, what do you think of her going off to Canada?"

Martin spat: "She can do as she pleases."

"She's been doing that since the day she was born. Right isn't it Rose?"

Mum laughed: "Afraid so." Turning to her daughter, Rose continued: "If you've not had lunch, please ask Lolly to make up sandwiches, Edith. PC Tierney and I will join you. Heaven knows when this horse will be fetched."

Looking quite sullen, Martin said: "No, I'm returning to London. Thank you Dr. Montgomery for your hospitality. I must be off."

"Nonsense, Martin. I can't imagine what Edith's done now, but stay on here for a time. You're knackered and need to restore yourself. Use one of the cottages if you wish to avoid my charming daughter. I'll have Lolly fix it for you."

Ellingham was exhausted. Usually resilient and able to press on, he had awakened at ten the morning after graduation, barely able to move. Edith was reading in a nearby chair, and he managed to mutter "good morning." She brought tea to him and rubbed his back for several minutes until he slept once again.

When he awoke in mid-afternoon, Edith had returned with a bag, ready for her trip to Larchmont. She had brought with her takeaway from a Thai restaurant they favoured and insisted on spoon feeding him a thick noodle soup he especially liked.

Martin could not remember ever receiving such tender care and was a bit overcome by Edith's behaviour. At hospital, he often saw a relative spooning food into a patient's mouth and could not imagine how it felt. Now he knew. It was quite a loving thing to do.

After checking his pulse, heart rate and performing a cursory exam, Edith pronounced him fit and only exhausted. The strains of the last six years had overtaken him, and she prescribed rest. Would he come to Larchmont with her? Being away from London he could recuperate before becoming a house officer in July. Her uncharacteristic concern was a hopeful sign.

Edith rang her mum, saying that she and Ellingham would board the train to Larchmont the next morning. Rose Montgomery asked to talk with Martin and made him feel very welcome. Her husband was remaining in London and her five sons were off doing who knows what in the four corners of the world. It would be good to have Martin at Larchmont Hall. Once more, he hoped that Edith would some day be like her mum.

Not only was she a skilled vet, Rose Montgomery was a warm, interesting woman who made Martin feel less awkward and quite comfortable. She had the wisdom of Auntie Joan, the intelligence of Auntie Ruth and was nothing like his mother.

Despite their political differences, he admired Edith's father as well. The conservative MP would wind Martin up about his socialist views and cheerily remind him that he would lose his socialist heart one day. On reaching his 40s, he would become rational – and a conservative.

A Christmas tradition at Larchmont Hall was the elaborate game of charades, complete with costumes, that Henry Montgomery organised each year. Martin would not participate, but silently watched the spirited play of the Montgomery family and assorted visitors. This was the sort of life he yearned for as a child – and even now - but had experienced only in Cornwall with Phil and Joan.

Somewhat restored by the soup and inordinate amounts of sleep, he agreed to accompany Edith to Larchmont. Martin enjoyed the tranquility of the rural setting, if not the profusion of animals, and found himself looking forward to the unexpected holiday.

Edith undressed and crawled into bed with him where they alternated between dozing and recalling memories of med school. Edith was successful in avoiding a discussion of their future, but knew she could not escape the topic in Larchmont.

For now, it felt good to be with Martin. She was about to embark on a difficult residency in a new city where she knew no one. Edith had only her intelligence and confidence to help her succeed as she had in the past. It was a bit daunting, but she need must carry on – without Ellingham. Suddenly, she was completely miserable at the thought of leaving him. Seconds later, she was bawling.

"Um, Montgomery, are you okay? You seem to be upset. Could I get you something?"

Shaking her head, but unable to stop crying, she buried her face in Ellingham's chest and sobbed even more.

"Let me bring you water, Edith. You're not feeling well."

"No, no. That's not necessary. I'm only being silly. I'm exhausted as well. Can't get a grip on my emotions."

"You should begin your period in a few days, Edith, so this emotional response is not unusual. I noticed that your breasts are also swollen and your stomach is puffy from water retention. Classic symptoms of pre-menstrual tension. Are you experiencing cramping?"

"Oh, good Lord, Ellingham, a woman can be emotional without getting her period."

"Yes, but you're never emotional Montgomery. It could only be because of your period."

"Maybe, it's because of you, Martin. Maybe I'm bloody emotional about you. Did you ever even consider it? How I feel about you?"

Initially dumbstruck, Martin paused before responding: "You've told me how you feel about me. Or rather what you don't feel about me. You won't even tell me where you're training in July."

"Martin, I care very much about you, and I've told you that. I'm only feeling a bit frightened at the moment. It's all caught up with me – finishing med school, starting at a new place, having to prove myself once again. I think it's a little overwhelming. Don't you?"

"No, it's not overwhelming. It's part of becoming a doctor. You go through all of this so that you may practise. Remember what old Dr. Beardsley said: 'you must learn a great deal to earn the right to use your common sense.'

"You're a brilliant woman. You're going to be a good gynaecologist. You'll help many patients. Don't think you won't. I have every confidence in you, Montgomery. You'll do well."

With that Martin, took her into his arms and, for the first time together, they made love instead of having sex. Edith never thought there was a difference. Martin always hoped there was a difference. That day, something changed between them - but neither knew what to do about it.

When they were rested and at Larchmont Hall, perhaps they could sort it out. Edith fell asleep filled with apprehension, and Martin soon joined her filled with anticipation. Med school was over, Edith had been truly loving and kind to him. There was no reason she would not marry him.

He could then focus on becoming a top cardiovascular surgeon. His career was much more important than hers. She could practise medicine if she liked. They would not need the money, and Edith had shown today that she was kind, comforting and caring. Was anything more needed in a wife?

Continued . . . .