Martin drives Louisa and their baby son back to her house in Portwenn,where the locals bring them presents. Diana Dibbs, Martin's nervous replacement,has already arrived,with her husband Gavin as her receptionist but Martin is not impressed by her competence - especially as she seems to have numerous ailments herself. Then he learns that Joan has died,causing him to stay for a week for her funeral. During that time he finds himself having to see to all the patients that Diana has misdiagnosed in addition to saving her life when she collapses. It looks as if he is still Portwenn's doctor,whether he likes it or not.