From Cornwall with Love

Chapter Four - A moment of happiness

Mr Penvenan was kind enough to give me some refreshment and conversation for a short time. He seemed a wholesome and kind man, on first meeting but I held some reservation. The two of us walked out together when he stopped me.

"I hope that you are not to downcast about your husband's coming trial." he stated

"In all honesty, I fear the worst. If one only knew who the judge would be." I countered

"Oh, that's no secret, ma'am. Tis Justice Wentworth Lister." he answered

"Oh, are you aquatinted  with him?" I fake wonder

"Oh, we know each other. He'll be supporting Unwin Trevenaunce at the election tomorrow night. A stern fellow, though generally accounted fair." I hummed before respond

"It does puzzle me how a judge can be expected to listen to a case and get to the root of it, all in a few hours. Does he ever ask for the truth in private before the trial begins." I offer lightly making him chuckle

"Perhaps he should."

"I know as the wife, I will side with my husband, come what may. I just wished that Ross were treated the way they would want to be, heaven forbid. But that is the opinion of a wife." I went to go. "So will you be at Bodmin for the assizes?" wondered

"For the election, yes." Just then a carriage rolled into the estate

"Well, I hope that we will meet again. Thank you for the refreshment." I left after the carriage arrived. Glancing back to give a small smile and returning home.

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I practiced on the harpsichord and the notes and music calmed my nerves. Ross left for Bodmin tomorrow and I was afeared of what would happen.

"Who is this fine, lady? And what has she done with my wife?" I heard Ross and turned around

"Be off with you." I scoffed

"Ah, there she is. For a moment there I thought I'd lost her." he made his wave over to me

"Because she pinked up to the works with drop girls and powdered?" I joked gazing up at him.

"Clearly I don't need to worry about you, when I'm gone. You'll have a line of suitors from here to Penzance." He commented making me roll my eyes in amusement as he took my hand in his.

"Don't be so dramatic. Like anyone else could handle me." he smiled mournfully. I stood and wrapped my arms around him.

"I love you." I told him

"As I love you." he kissed me softly.

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When I awoke the next morning I was alone. I rubbed the sleep out of my eyes and claimed out of bed and dressed myself. Henry was happily playing with Demelza when I greeted him. That's when I noticed Ross out of the window, chopping wood.

"I'll be back." I kissed Henry's head once more and made my way outside. Watching for a moment I took him in on the weight of today.

"How rude! You leave me in bed like the Queen of Sheba while you attend to all the chores." I jested trying to make light of the day in someway. My nerves were all over the place with what was to come. I made my way over to him.

"Is it not my duty to cherish my wife while I'm here? And to provide firewood for when i am not?" he rolled up his sleeves as he met me halfway. I rested my hand on his cheek as he leaned into my touch. I cherished these moments before the storm, not matter what came they would feel me with happiness.