CHAPTER FIFTEEN REMEMBRANCE
The Characters, places and situations of Doc Martin are owned by Buffalo Pictures. This story makes no claim of remuneration or ownership, nor do I make any attempt to infringe upon any rights of the owners or producers.
Thank you for reading. Your reviews and comments are most appreciated. There may be spoilers for Season Six.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN REMEMBRANCE
Louisa and James's good friend Emily were taking a walk. We had finished supper. James and I were in the sitting room. I had a pretty uneventful day but I imagined James was a bit weary after hiking for over six hours above the cliffs all day. Oh, to be young again. He and Emily came home looking more energized by the day than tired.
"Dad, for someone who doesn't drink alcohol you have a rather well-stocked cabinet here. What's this, an 18 year old Laphroaig? I must have a wee dram of this. Where did this come from?"
"Friends, medical reps and even some Portwennians over the years."
"Well, introduce me to some of your friends. I want to be on their gift list!"
I nursed my wonderful espresso and James was enjoying his Scotch. We understood that sometimes the best conversation is silence. It was good just to relax in the presence of each other. Of course in this presence was also Jack - James's Jack Russell Terrier.
The first person to greet me in Portwenn so many years ago was not a person. No, it was that mangy black dog who became my shadow. I could never get rid of that pesky dog. Then there was Buddy, my Aunt Joan's white-haired pooch. I think he spoke the king's English because I often gave my derisive opinion of him and he responded by urinating on my shoe.
Once James and Joan came into our life, I was doomed. They attempted to bring home all manner of living creatures which I put forth the greatest effort to eradicate from our house. In the end I am afraid they gained the upper hand, much to their mother's amusement.
James must have been around eight when I arrived home one afternoon to find the kitchen table piled high with all of my copies of the British Medical Journal. I was surprised the table could stand all the weight. Louisa walked in at about the same time.
Louisa said, "What is this all about? It is going to be a little hard to have supper on this table tonight."
"Louisa," I replied, "I have no idea. James what is the meaning of this? You know you are not to be in my office."
"Dad, I have been doing research. You always say animals breed disease and are dirty and so we can't have a pet. Would you show me an article in one of these magazines that says that? I have been reading and what I read tells me that having a dog can be good for children. It can even cause them to be healthier than people who don't have a dog. I really want a dog Dad."
I did not like to be cornered. I was becoming angry and I let it show. I became harsh with James.
"James I want these magazines returned to my office in the order you found them. I have said there will be no pets allowed in this family and I stand by my decision."
"But Dad, won't you look at the articles I found? Look, this issue has an article that says people with heart trouble do better if they have a dog."
"No James, I will not read the articles! I will hear no more of this." As I said this, James had the most confused look on his face.
From the other side of the table my daughter's voice was heard to say, "Daddy, I think you are mean. I want James to have a dog."
"Joan, you need to go to your room and do not return until supper!"
I looked over at Louisa and she seemed shell-shocked. It was obvious this was not destined to be a comfortable evening in the Ellingham house. Later, we ate, pretty much in silence which was quite unlike my loquacious family. Our table is usually a happy one. The children just picked at their food. There was friction and resentment in the air. I wanted nothing more than to retire to my room and be able to be away from it. Thing is, it followed me through the door, or better said, she followed through the door. There would obviously be some things laid to rest before I could rest this night.
Louisa is quick to get to the point and it is not about James having a dog.
"Alright, Martin, what is this about? You do not speak to the children like that. It is just not your manner. When you respond like this, it usually has to do with your past. You know this is true. What is going on? I was really mad downstairs. Right now I am not angry. I am worried. This is just not you."
"Louisa, I really do not want to talk about it. It is one of the most painful memories I have from my childhood. I know I spoke unreasonably to James but perhaps with a night's sleep it will be better for all of us in the morning. He will see that is really better if we do not have a dog."
"No Martin, he will not be over it in the morning. You will have to have a rational conversation with him and really listen to him. How do we get beyond this Martin?"
"Oh god, Louisa, When I was only five years I found a kitten on the street and brought it home. It was very small, a calico and very affectionate. When my mother saw it she became irate. I remember her words, 'Where did that filthy animal come from?' she said. She called the maid and told her to get rid of my kitten. I begged her, 'Please, Mummy, no. Please no.' Her response was to slap me and put me in the cupboard under the stairs until my father came home."
"Oh Martin. No. No! This is so terrible."
"I told you Louisa. When my father arrived that evening he lectured me on how animals are dirty and cause disease. I was never to be around them. That night as many other nights he told me he did not want to see a whiney crying son and sent me to my room.
"Louisa, I caused the death of that kitten. I just don't want my children to go through the pain of loss that comes with a pet dying."
"Oh my dear man, when will these pains go away forever? Why must they return to hurt you so?"
My eyes were wet and I was exhausted. Louisa was almost inconsolable in her crying after my story. We finally settled, lost in our own thoughts and prepared for bed. After all, the new day of work would not make allowances for family upheaval.
And I would have to face my son in the morning. What would I say? What would I say.
Just before we went to sleep, Louisa put her hand on my face and said, "Sometimes when I make a demand, you acquiesce. God knows, I would like to do that now but I won't Martin. I believe James should have a dog, but if he does you will have to tell him that you wish it or at least allow it. It will have to be your decision. I love you."
"Thank you Louisa. What would I do without you?"
"I don't know Martin. I don't even want to think about it. Sleep well."
"You too. Good night."
I was a bit relieved. Without Louisa's demand I would have a bit of a reprieve.
But I still had to talk with James. At the very least I knew I must read the research he had done.
It was some four months later that James came in on a rainy Saturday soaking wet carrying a small black dog. At first I didn't know if the animal was alive. James spoke first.
"Dad, I found this puppy in the street. He is hurt. Can you help him?"
I wanted to simply tell him to take the dog back outside, but could not do it. I would be no better than my heartless mother.
"James, go put on some dry clothing. We will see what we can do about the dog."
I placed a plastic cover on the utility table and retrieved my medial bag. The dog was not seriously hurt. He was suffering from hypothermia and had injured his leg. Fortunately the leg was not broken so we treated and bandaged it. When dried and fed the animal was quite animated. Of course James was over the top that he was OK.
"Thanks Dad."
"Of course James, but you do know we need to find the owner of this dog. He has a collar."
That put a damper on his spirits even though there had been no talk of our keeping the animal.
A few days later a Mr. Pettigrew came to our door and announced, "I understand you may have found my dog."
I invited him in. We entered the sitting room and I went to find James.
"James, there is a man here who says he is the owner of the dog. You need to bring him to the sitting room." In a way I regretted having to tell James as he looked quite forlorn. If the owner had not come I was finding it very difficult to tell James we would have to find the dog a different home. On several fronts my emotions were still rebelling, but my better judgement was executing a huge override.
When James came bringing the dog, Mr. Pettigrew said, "Well little fellow, where did you get off to? What's your name son?"
"James Henry Ellingham, sir."
"Smokey seems to have taken a liking to you."
"Is that his name, Smokey?"
"Yes. Seems to fit doesn't it? Blackie would have done, but I like Smokey. His leg is bandaged. What happened to him?"
"I don't know sir. I found him in the rain Saturday and he was hurt."
"Well, son, I can see you have taken good care of him. Do you have a dog, James?"
"No sir."
"Well James, every boy should have a dog. I have several, and I believe this little fellow would like to be with you."
"Dr. Ellingham, I would like to give the dog to James, with your permission, of course."
I looked at my son and if a look could be a prayer he was praying hard.
"Well, thank you, Mr. Pettigrew, but...but are you certain?"
"Absolutely. I am determined. It would be a great pleasure for me."
I did not hesitate in my response. "Well I can assure you that James is a very responsible boy and you can be sure you have placed your dog in good hands."
"Not my dog anymore. James, it is my greatest pleasure to give him to you."
"Thank you sir."
And then James looked at me. He did not have to say "Thank you," as the look on his face was so much more eloquent.
A bit of trivia: Can you find the brief line from Jane Austen?