Apologies for the delay, I've had a busy week.
After the last chapter, series 9 takes place. I pick up the story from episode 8 and continue imagining what series 10 would have been like, which had not yet been filmed while I was writing. To avoid confusion, I later used the original name of Louisa and Martin's daughter.
All rights belong to Buffalo Pictures, I only play with the characters.
CHAPTER 10
At the beginning of the ninth season, we find our protagonists in Portwenn.
While Doc finds himself forced to undergo an annoying series of tests and supervisions due to his hemophobia, the relationship with his wife proceeds steadily between the new daily life and the growth of James Henry.
The main traits of their characters have not changed, but they have learned to come together and adopt small strategies to make their relationship work.
There is harmony in the Ellingham household, to the point of wanting another child.
Everything seems to be moving in the right direction, but the latest test Martin is subjected to calls into question his integrity and patience. He thus decides to resign from the medical profession just when Louisa announces that she is pregnant.
They walked in silence up the hill towards home. They had attended the small reception for Al and Morwenna's wedding. Louisa had managed to convince her husband to stay a little longer and the girl seemed to particularly appreciate it.
«I think Morwenna is very fond of you, Martin…and Al respects you too.»
He looked at her puzzled for a moment.
«Mhmm.»
"Papi…" James caught his father's attention and stretched out his little arms towards him to be lifted.
His mother stroked his little head, smiling.
"Our young man is tired, isn't he, darling?"
"Yes." he confirmed with a cheeky smile.
Martin picked him up. It had been a busy day for him... the emergencies, the operation that almost ended in tragedy, his resignation... but the news of his wife's pregnancy had made him... happy.
When Louisa proposed having another child, he barely stopped himself from immediately saying yes. He had thought that it would be better to let her decide and not influence her... after all, the most demanding part of it was up to her wife.
The idea of her giving him another child had thrilled him. Thinking that she loved him enough to carry his baby, with all the inconveniences that this entailed, had filled him with an immense love for her. It was like a tangible sign of the bond that united them…a living proof of their feelings…and it would exist forever, no matter what, like James Henry.
He took her hand, looking contentedly ahead of them, and Louisa moved closer to his side.
She was worried about Martin's resignation. Now that she no longer had a job either, she had started studying again and was pregnant, it would be a problem. What would they live on? She certainly wasn't enticed by the idea of returning to teaching at that very moment. Since she had stopped, she had much more time for James and Martin and she had hoped to experience this pregnancy more peacefully than her first. She sighed… they would find a solution.
After dinner, having put the child to bed, they sat on the sofa in the living room. It was already dark outside... the doors were closed... and there was only the light of a lamp to illuminate the room.
Martin shyly reached around her shoulder and pulled her close.
"When did you take the test?" he asked her.
"This morning, shortly after you left for Truro."
"And how long has it been since you had your period?"
"For about a couple of months."
"Well." he added softly.
"Are you happy, Martin, to have another child?"
"Yes." he looked at her and tried to express better what he felt «I'm very happy that we will have another baby, really. This time I want to be there…for you and for him…or her. I will take care of you…and all of you. Thank you, Louisa."
She smiled at him.
«It's thanks to you too, you know?»
«To a minimal extent. You will be the one to carry my child." he kissed her forehead «You... you love me enough to do something like that... I still can't believe it... I'm not sure I deserve it.»
The woman raised her suddenly bright eyes to his.
«You deserve all my love, Martin…you are special to me…and I know you will take care of us as always.» she caressed his cheek and he kissed her. They held each other for a while.
"Care to tell me what happened in Truro today?"
He told her about the surgery which had almost ended in tragedy, about Doctor Newton's words and how he really didn't feel like lying and making compromises to save his job.
«No…of course…you're too honest. You would never do that." she commented "So now you're no longer a doctor..."
He sighed. Hearing this worried him more than writing his resignation.
"No." he confirmed. He saw his wife's face… joyful until a few minutes before… become worried.
"This isn't the best time, is it?" he looked at her… guilty expression.
«No…I think not…but it's done now. We'll figure something out..."
"I'm sorry I created this problem."
«But it's not your fault... I mean... you didn't look for a blood phobia... and I would never ask you to lie to save your profession.»
"Thank you. You're very...understanding."
She nodded, but couldn't hide how upset she was. Yet she was agreeing with him... Martin didn't understand. Then he realized what her doubts might be.
«You must be calm, Louisa, especially now…»
«It's easier said than done…» she interrupted him «If neither of you works…»
"No, don't get excited, there's no need." he insisted.
She looked at him confused.
«You don't have to worry about the economic side. I…well…" he cleared his throat. «It's all right. We have this house, we can keep the two cars and you can continue studying. From this point of view we will live as before."
«Are you sure, Martin? In short... we will also have another child..." She was agree that her husband had grown up in comfort and that he had maintained that standard of living, but she knew the economic constraints well and perhaps he was minimizing the situation a little too much.
"Absolutely yes. Working as a surgeon has allowed me to make investments...sooner or later we will have to discuss this point...it would be important for you to be aware of everything...in case...you know...if something happened to me.»
"Don't even say it." Louisa pressed herself to his chest and Martin hugged her tenderly.
«It would be useful to be prepared… in any case, from a legal point of view, everything is settled. Then there is the inheritance that my grandfather left me... of which at the time I only used a part for my studies... and a rented apartment in London, which no one knows about, especially my mother.»
"I thought you sold it to help Joan."
"Yes, but I still have one."
"Oh." she sat up, heartened. Perhaps the situation was less worrying than she had imagined… at least from a financial point of view.
«What I mean is that... we can both afford to stay at home and, above all, that you need to relax and just think about the baby.»
Louisa remained silent, reflecting on this new perspective. She had never found herself unable to do without working. Yes, Martin had allowed her a certain stability... but she would never have believed that their situation was so solid. In fact he had tried to talk to her about it in the past... and she had sensed that she could allow herself a certain well-being... but these topics bored her and she had always postponed the conversation on the topic. Perhaps it would have been interesting to delve deeper...indeed...the time had come to be united from that point of view too. She would have asked him to take care of her savings and manage their assets as he saw fit… certainly he was more informed than her on the subject. No more walls…not even economic ones…between them.
"Are you still worried?" he asked, bringing her back to reality.
"No." she answered him softly. «Not for practical matters at least, but for you yes. What will you do without being able to practice your profession? You studied a lot and worked hard for years... it's a shame that you have to give up.»
Martin sighed, considering the matter for a moment.
"I do not know. At this moment I don't know. I think I'll take a short break to figure out how to proceed...»
Louisa noticed that his eyes became sad. She gave him a kiss and smiled encouragingly.
"I think it's a good idea. A little rest will do you good. We will have more time to all be together... to prepare for the arrival of another child and organize ourselves.» she caressed his cheek. "And then…when the time comes…I'm sure you'll excel at whatever you decide to do."
Martin's face lit up. Knowing that he had her by his side made him feel capable of facing any situation.
"Thank you, Louisa."
«It's been a long day… how about we go up to the room?»
"Yes." he was tired, but Louisa's suggestive look sparked his hope of something more than a night's sleep.
The next morning they were joined by Ruth for breakfast. Martin informed her in detail of his resignation. His aunt praised his honesty, but also suggested that he had been too reckless… that perhaps it would have been possible to settle the matter another way, without him having to lie for Newton. Martin frowned. He was tired of justifying his choices... to the commission... to his mentor... to anyone. He knew that they would have suspended him anyway and he had no intention of participating in yet another series of rehearsals, phlebotomy courses and who knows what other stupid things.
He didn't say that his blood problem was becoming unmanageable and that he had no idea how to deal with it. In this sense, a break could have been useful for him to find a solution.
It was Saturday and there were no patients to send away, but Martin still retreated to his office to tidy it up and figure out what the next steps would be.
Louisa went out with Ruth and James for a walk. They climbed Roscarrock Hill and followed the coastal path for a short distance, before stopping on a bench. James and Buddy played in front of them.
"Louisa, what do you think of my nephew's decision?" as always, however delicate and discreet, Ruth did not prevaricate.
«Well… it was a shock as soon as he told me… especially at this moment…»
"You mean now that you've left your job to study."
«Yes…also…but not only…»
The old woman gave her a questioning look…there was an element of the painting that she didn't know, therefore.
"I'm pregnant." her face broke out into a radiant smile.
Ruth gently patted her hand and congratulated her.
"This is truly wonderful news, dear."
«Yes, I'm happy and it wasn't even necessary to worry so much... you know... at my age... I was prepared for the fact that it might not happen, however... but don't tell anyone yet, we prefer to wait a little longer.»
"Of course."
James came over because he was thirsty and Louisa took a bottle of water out of her bag. She helped him drink and ruffled his blond hair, before he went back to explore the lawn with Buddy.
«Maybe a break from work will do Martin some good. His hemophobia has gotten worse lately, you know. I saw him very worried about this."
«Yes, a holiday could be useful…but he didn't take a month's leave…he really resigned, Louisa.»
"It's true." she confirmed, looking down.
Probably neither of them fully understood the significance of his gesture. Martin was a doctor. He was profoundly so and this was not a job like the others. It wasn't like quitting being a mechanic to sell fruit and vegetables. He was his profession... after all, his dedication and his skill were some of the characteristics that had made her fall in love with her husband. She sighed.
"I'll call Chris on Monday and ask him what he thinks. In the meantime, enjoy the good news, my dear."
"Thank you, Ruth." she smiled at her.
"Forget about it. Martin is important to me." she admitted to a Louisa astonished. «I have never been a present aunt...I was busy with my life...but, you know, as you get older, you reevaluate your priorities and, if you weren't able to understand it before, later you realize that affections are the most important thing."
It was almost lunch time and they decided to return. They stopped in front of the house to exchange final comments, while the boy ran inside looking for his father.
«You know… I was also very worried about the financial side… well… we're both out of work now…»
Ruth laughed good-naturedly.
«I'm sure Martin is fine from this point of view. He has always been an attentive and intelligent young man. He will certainly have invested the proceeds of his work profitably and will also have managed his grandfather's inheritance well. The Ellinghams are a family that has always enjoyed a certain amount of well-being...only my brother was capable of losing everything in bad business...while Joan chose a different life...but luckily Martin soon began to take care of his business.» she gave Louisa a gentle pat on her arm.
«Yes, he mentioned it…at least this shouldn't be a problem.»
"Here you see? Don't worry, dear. In any case you can always count on me. I made my investments too...and I sold a few books...as well as everything else..."
"You are very kind, Ruth." she smiled at her.
«Oh…» she mocked, waving a hand in the air…then she became more serious. "You are my family."
Before she knew it, Louisa hugged her and the older woman shyly hugged her back.
«I'm really sure that you will have something to live for. Now it's about keeping an eye on my grandson."
«You are so dear, Ruth. We're lucky to have you." she looked at her affectionately. At that moment Martin came out with the child in his arms.
«I stopped by to buy some fish. If you want to stop by, Ruth, there's plenty…I just need to get it in the oven."
«With pleasure, nephew and…congratulations on the wonderful news.»
«Uhmm…yes.» he lowered his head to the side and watched the two women enter. His face relaxed and he almost smiled when he met his wife's gaze.
When outpatient appointments resumed on Monday, Martin spent the morning referring patients to Wadebridge. Morwenna would be absent for the next two weeks. She and Al had gone on their honeymoon somewhere and, on Louisa's advice, he avoided informing her that she had lost her job.
The news that the Portwenn doctor had resigned spread quickly through the town. Soon Bert came to demand information for his daughter-in-law and was also asked to keep quiet. When the flow of nags slowed, he started calling to cancel subsequent appointments and posted a notice on the door.
At midday Martin showed up in the kitchen particularly annoyed by the insistence of his now former patients. After James's nap, Louisa persuaded him to take a walk on Polzeath beach. They stopped to have dinner in a restaurant in the village and returned home when it was almost dark. The child had fallen asleep in the car, so Martin gently picked him up and carried him straight to his room. Louisa, meanwhile, made sure to shut everything down. It had been a good move to distance him from the chatter of the inhabitants of Portwenn... he had relaxed and his mood had improved.
Later…in bed…the lights already turned off…they both observed the shadows cast by the window on the ceiling. There were many events to process. Martin took her hand under the sheets.
"Louisa?"
"Yes, Martin."
"Are you sorry that I'm no longer a doctor?"
She sighed…weighing her words…and turned to him.
«Yes, of course I'm sorry. Like I told you, it's your job. You worked hard to get to where you are."
"And where am I?" he snorted. «I'm just a general practitioner...in fact, I'm not even that anymore.»
"Are you reevaluating your decision?"
"No. Yes. I don't know."
«Maybe it's normal for you to be confused right now. Why don't you call Chris tomorrow and check in with him?"
«Mhmm…let's see.»
He seemed very disappointed and uncertain to her.
"Louisa?"
"Tell me, Martin."
"Is it okay with you if I'm no longer a doctor?"
What was he trying to tell her?
"For me? I told you…I feel sorry for you.»
«Mhm.»
«Explain better… I don't think I understand what you really want to know.»
He cleared his throat.
«Well… I think… doctors have a certain prestige… it is well known that they enjoy a fairly high status…»
«Martin…»
«I mean that…probably…the fact that I was one of them…had a certain attraction on you…»
"Are you saying I was interested in your economic and social position?"
"No. Although...I recognize that I don't have many other qualities, so...I would understand..."
«Martin…»
From the tone of his wife's voice, the man suspected he was on slippery ground.
"What I'm trying to say is…" he hesitated…he actually feared the answer.
Louisa lay on her hip towards him and waited patiently for him to express his concern.
«…will you love me even if I am no longer a surgeon or a doctor?» he asked in one breath.
Louisa was moved by his need for reassurance and placed her hand on his chest, caressing him. The great Martin Ellingham…esteemed professional…the terror of any student…unflappable and intractable…was showing her an incredibly fragile side. At first she almost got angry... to insinuate that she had aimed for his money and a social position... that she was so frivolous as to get tired of a husband just because he no longer had a prestigious job... he didn't know her at all, at that time.
Then she understood…it wasn't about her…her reactions…it was about her man, who was going through a difficult time and just needed to feel her close…to know that he could count on her presence.
"I…I have nothing else to offer you, Louisa. I am sorry." he added demoralized.
She reached over him to turn on the bedside lamp. She leaned on her elbow and looked him straight in the eyes, enunciating the words.
"Listen to me carefully." she tapped her index finger on his chest to punctuate her statement. « Whether you are a surgeon…a plumber or a fisherman…it doesn't change how I feel about you. Yes, I have always admired your determination and courage as a doctor, but they are qualities that are yours no matter what you do."
He looked at her with eyes so wide that they seemed round and full of amazement.
"How can you say you have nothing else to offer me? And everything you've already given me…everything you are? I love the man, Martin, the man that you are, and I don't give a damn about anything else."
He continued to observe her spellbound. He never imagined that he could love someone so much or that love could give him that feeling of happiness and fulfillment that he had felt since Louisa was in his life. He took her face in his hands, brought her closer to kiss her and held her tightly to him, holding her in his arms as if she were his most precious possession. With her by his side, he would face anything.
On Wednesday morning they went to their scheduled appointment with Dr Ryden, who examined Louisa and did her first ultrasound, confirming that everything was fine.
James was at nursery, so they left the car and walked to the coastal path. The day was splendid... the sea calm... and the sky blue. She took his hand and intertwined her fingers with his. Martin instinctively sat up in satisfaction. They walked for a while, until he insisted that she rest on a bench and she gladly agreed.
"Would you prefer another boy or a girl?"
He shrugged doubtfully.
"I would not know. The important thing is that everything goes well." he commented in that velvety tone he reserved only for her.
"Yes. I think so too. I just want to have him here."
They looked at the view in silence. At a certain point Louisa looked for his hand and placed it on her belly. After the initial surprise, he relaxed. He softened his fingers and began stroking her with his thumb.
He looked at her with those round, blue eyes wide open…the corners of his mouth raised…his expression amazed.
Louisa suddenly felt the need to tie her life even more closely to his... to consolidate a nucleus to which all four would soon feel they belonged and which all four could count on in every situation. Being a family... it was what she had always dreamed of, more than any career or recognition... and he was giving her the chance. She placed her hand on his. Tears pricked her eyes.
"Are you OK?" Martin was immediately worried.
"Yes, I'm fine." she looked towards the ocean and continued. «I used to come here often…as a child…then as a girl. At home the situation wasn't always easy, especially when mom left. It happened that dad disappeared for long periods and I was left alone. Of course the villagers kept an eye on me, but… I lacked a real point of reference to lean on.»
The man reached his arm around her shoulder.
«Walking on this path, I fantasized about a perfect life. I imagined marrying a charming prince…intelligent and rich. I dreamed of graduating and building a career in teaching and, in due course, of having children, a nice house and maybe… a dog.» she smiled remembering herself.
«…you met me instead…» added Martin. «I know you deserved much more and that…»
Louisa put a finger over his mouth to silence him.
"No. I don't want to hear you say those things anymore." she scolded him sharply.
"It took me a while to figure it out and I'm sorry, Martin. I was unable to sustain a stable relationship. When things got complicated, the pattern I was used was to escape. I couldn't accept that you cared about me...because no one had ever done it before. I was afraid... afraid that in the end you would leave this little village girl for the prestige of a job in London and...fora woman worthy of that world.»
"What? No!" he looked at her seriously. «Ever since I met you, I always and only wanted to be with you. Of course… I wasn't very good at proving it… »he admitted«… but I won't leave you. » he concluded firmly.
«I'm sure you won't. I grew up. Now I understand that I can stop and…just enjoy your love.» she smiled tenderly at him.
«Now I know that I have everything I ever dreamed of, Martin. A man who loves me and takes care of me, who I can count on in every situation. A very sweet son and another on the way ... »she gave him a kiss. «…and a nice little house, a dog and a new job prospect. Thank you for giving me all this, Martin."
He looked down shyly.
«Oh no…I'm the one who has to thank you for allowing me to be part of your life.» he whispered.
"I love you."
"I love you too Louisa."
He held her tighter. They stayed like that for a long time and when it was time for lunch, they headed home.
From the top of the hill they noticed two distinct men waiting in front of the clinic door. They soon recognized Dr. Parson and Dr. Bernard Newton.
«Good morning, Martin…Louisa…» Chris greeted them immediately.
"Chris."
Newton held out his hand and Martin shook it cordially.
"Martin…Mrs Ellingham." Louisa smiled back.
«Dr. Newton…what can I do for you?»
"We need to talk to you, Martin." Chris began. «Maybe in a quieter place…»
"What about?" Martin seemed to be in a hurry to get to the point and ignored his friend's invitation.
Newton laughed amiably.
"Right, let's get straight to the point, Martin. No ceremony with you."
Martin looked at him expectantly…Louisa next to him.
"Well. I have reflected on the whole issue raised by our last intervention and have come to a decision." the elderly mentor abandoned his pompous tone and switched to a more conversational one. "I've decided it's time for me to retire." he concluded with a dejected grimace.
"I understand." Martin looked down for a moment.
«I must apologize, Martin. I was wrong to suggest that you keep quiet about my problem in exchange for a positive opinion. My behavior was not professional... nor gentlemanly, I'm afraid."
"No."
«Dry and concise…as always, my friend.» the man let out a smile. «Yes… I spoke to the members of the commission and specifically asked them to ignore yur resignation from the order. I still have some authority in this field… so they accepted and now it's up to you.»
"My blood problem seems far from solved." Martin admitted.
«I noticed it, however… the commission will turn a blind eye if you take action to find a remedy in the meantime.»
He remained silent, looking at Newton, who sighed and decided to speak to him frankly.
«Come on, this is your chance. You're a doctor, Martin. The best surgeon I have ever trained…a keen diagnostician and a trained professional. Medicine can't afford to lose a man like you. Go back to doing your job, don't give it up because of a boastful old man terrified of losing his fame."
He continued to stare at Newton. Then he turned to look at his wife... she smiled sweetly at him and she thought that he felt isr heart bursting from the love she aroused in him.
«You were the best of all and your fame will remain intact.» he finally spoke. "Yes, okay."
«Oooh, finally. Believe me, Martin, that's right."
Martin held out his hand.
"Thank you, Dr. Newton."
"Of course..." he scoffed. "I was just trying to fix a mistake caused by my behavior."
Caught up in their conversation, none of those present noticed the large group of Portwenn residents coming up the hill.
«As citizens of this village, we have the right to express our will and we want Doc to remain our doctor!»
All four of them turned, interrupted by Bert's high-sounding voice.
«Exactly and as a representative of the law I support this request.» Penhale interjected.
«You cannot deprive us of Dr. Ellingham, he is our lighthouse… our hope…» was the turn of Mrs. Tishell's dramatic appeal.
"He's a pain in the ass, but he's a great doctor."
"The best we've ever had…"
«You want to take away a trained doctor to foist on us some incompetent drunkard. We are farmers and fishermen, but we too deserve a good doctor."
«No one knew how to cure my Jimmy, Doc understood the problem in a few minutes and cured him.»
"He ran in the middle of the night to save my husband…and there was a downpour outside."
«The ambulance was lost…you remember…it loaded Mike into the car and rushed him to the hospital.»
The voices rose spontaneously one after the other.
«He's rude and has terrible manners, but he's honest... he tells us things straight to our faces... we don't like beating around the bush, we're simple people, used to a hard life.»
«Leave us Doc!»
Chris walked to the edge of the stairs and raised his hands to calm the residents of Portwenn.
«It's all right. No one will take Dr. Ellingham away from you. From tomorrow…"
"Monday." Martin cleared his throat and Chris turned to look at him for a moment and then turned back to the people below him.
«From Monday you will find him as always in the surgery.»
Satisfied with having achieved the result, they slowly went down the hill one by one to return to their tasks.
Martin was slightly embarrassed…he didn't expect to be defended by the villagers. They certainly did it so they wouldn't have to go all the way to Wadebridge...
«Good, Martin. Nothing has changed. Next week you start working again and we'll forget about this story." Chris reassured him.
«Who knows… if you manage to overcomeyour haemophobia and want to return to surgery, I would be happy to put in a good word.» Newton added.
«I...well...I don't intend to be a surgeon again, I'm sorry.» he stated seriously.
"Oh really? What is the reason for this clear stance?"
«Being a surgeon again would mean returning to London, having busy shifts and little time for my family. I prefer to have breakfast with my wife and son every day and spend time with them every evening after work. I understand that a career can be a goal for many doctors, but my only ambition today is to take care of the people I care about. I apologize if I disappointed you, Dr. Newton."
The elderly doctor was silent for a moment.
«Oh no, son. I understand and I think you are absolutely right. If I had made your choice many years ago, perhaps today I would still have my wife with me and I would have seen my children grow up, instead of hearing them on the phone once a year at Christmas." he gave Martin a friendly pat on his arm. «Yes, it's good... you have always been very intelligent and much more sensitive than you let on.» Newton looked at the man before him with respect and approval. Martin was shyly silent.
They all looked at each other unsure how to proceed. It was Louisa who saved them from their embarrassment.
"We were going down to the harbor for lunch, why don't you join us to celebrate?" she proposed cheerfully.
"Well, this seems like a wonderful opportunity to finally deepen your knowledge, Mrs. Ellingham." Newton immediately commented.
They walked calmly towards the town. Martin approached and took her hand. Louisa noticed that his face was finally relaxed… almost smiling.
"Call Ruth." she told him. "Invite her to join us, so we can break the news to her."
"Yes."
It was a pleasant and lively lunch. Bernard Newton was a charming and sly interlocutor. Even Martin chimed in with some appropriate comments and there were no awkward pauses. At the end of lunch, they moved to the pub to continue chatting some more. Louisa noticed the less than discreet glances of Mrs. Tishell, who seemed to have followed them, and beckoned her to join them. She seemed very interested in Doctor Newton and she… who knows… maybe she would have shifted her sights towards him….
They parted with the promise to repeat that experience as soon as possible.
Martin and Louisa picked up James from nursery. The child walked between the two of them, holding their hands. When they began the climb, the little boy looked at his father and held out his hands. The man picked him up and they continued walking.
«Martin…do you really no longer want to be a surgeon? You liked it.. and you were good. If you were to overcome your problem, we could discuss it…we could come with you. Are you sure you can give up surgery?"
"Yes I'm sure. Life in London is different…chaotic. The hospital shifts would be demanding and I would see you too little. I...I prefer to have more time for you and being a GP here in Portwenn allows me that."
She looked at him, searching for traces of regret in his expression, but found none.
«I like waking up with you next to me every morning and I like falling asleep with you every night.» he continued. «Why would I want to spend my nights in some uncomfortable cot with rough sheets that smell like disinfectant, if the alternative is you?»
"Why, if I can sleep hugging your soft, warm and fragrant body" he thought… but he didn't dare say it.
«I don't know who you are and where you hid my husband, but... I'm sure I'll get used to it.»
Laughing, Louisa clung to him happily.
«But promise me that we will talk about it again if you recover from haemophobia. You are not a man like the others, you have important qualities and it doesn't seem right to me that you should limit yourself for us.»
«It seems very right to me, however. For who if not for my family? You don't like London and you don't like that kind of life."
«No, but we could find a compromise... like spending the holidays in Portwenn... or coming back to live here after retirement, I don't know. What I know is that I would never want to be an obstacle for you... or for our children to be an obstacle."
"Louisa." he stopped and stared at her. "You will never be an obstacle and I don't mind doing what's best for you."
"Really?" she was moved, but she tried not to show it.
"Yes."
"Martin, I just want to be with you, wherever you are, and I want you to be satisfied with your life."
"I am." he replied with conviction. «You should consider that my priorities have changed in recent years… and so have my expectations. Don't underestimate the effect you and James have had on me."
"What do you mean?"
«Well…for example…now I prefer to prepare dinner with you by discussing the day, instead of a solitary meal in silence.»
"Oh…"
«And I like spending my time with you, even if we don't do anything. It's like this... I don't want to give up all this anymore."
«These are all things we can do in London too.»
"I've made my decision."
"Okay, but we'll talk about it again if necessary."
"As you like."