The following morning I sat with Henry cuddled up in my embrace as I read to him. The door to the parlour opened and Ross stepped through.
"Abigail." he cleared his throat. I stopped looking up at him and he gestured to out of the room.
"Why don't you show honey your book, yes." I handed him his toy and let him to it. Ross and I stepped into the study. He gently took a hold of my arms
"I wanted to apologise. I've been distracted of late. But there are things I've been wishing to say to you." Finally, I thought. A conversation to clear the air.
"And I you." I reply he steps away
"About our finances." My mouth open and closes. This was not the way I was expecting this conversation to go. And finances were never a good subject.
"Oh." I turn slightly to re face him
"My shares in Wheal Leisure are the only thing of value we have. I've begun work in this new tunnel to try and improve our chances of the mine becoming more profitable, but still, our own coffers are almost bare." he informed me raising his arms nonchalantly.
"It doesn't need to be like that. You're head purser at the mine. Why not just take a wage?" I question.
"I prefer to plough every last penny into the mine. We have, however a more pressing concern." he started "Last year I asked Pascoe to find me a loan of £1,000. The interest of 40% is due this week."
"You did, what now? That's £400." I calculate
"Yes."
"And pray tell how is even half of that sum to be found? Even a quarter of it? What is to be done?" I question folding my arms. Ross shrugged with no particular idea
"Ride to Truro, see if Pascoe's managed to get the loan extended for another year. In the meantime, the more I work at the mine, the better our chances of reaching Trevorgie." He stood up to leave
"And the interest?"
"Look around you, see what you can bare to part with. Then look again." He walked out and I groaned in frustration turning to look out of the window to see the cows, when the idea struck me.
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I arrived to see Sir Hugh awaiting me with a brand smile and compliments to tow. Desperate times called for desperate measures and sadly this was one of them.
"Mistress Abigail! Have you come to steal my heart?" he jests making me laugh
"Not this time, I've actually come to see your cow." I smile. I notice that Captain McNeil waits at the top of the stairs to the entrance.
"Of course, of course. This way." He guided me towards his prized cow. I had a look over her
"She does look a bit sick, Sir Hugh. What treatment has been administered?" I question making my way back over to him.
"Well all manner of blisters, clysters, salves and poultices. All to no avail. But i have no doubt you'll offer better advice." he tried to charm
"I doubt that. In all honesty, it might be better to start over with a better beast. Lucky for you, I think I might have just the cow for you." my head tilted. We walked through the gardens as I told him about Emma
"This cow you speak of, your Emma."
"Our pride and joy, sir. Amongst our animals that is. We could not let her go except at a goodly price." I suggest
"Oh, not if the rumours are true. Your husband financial difficulties. Of course I...I'm always happy to help a friend. And I could be persuaded to pay the goodly price if the terms were right." i felt his hands rest on my back
"And what terms would you require?" I question resisting the urge to recoil in disgust.
"Oh merely a kind of interest. Payable here and here. And here." he pulled me into his embrace
"Sir Hugh, you forget yourself. My dog has better manners." I try to push him off, he found this funny.
"Woof, Woof."
"Sir Hugh." We hear the voice of Captain McNeil "I believe you're wanted at the house urgently." he saved me from further groping and I was let go. Sir Hugh chuckled and left. i held a hand against my speeding heart
"Sir Hugh has shown himself to have unruly hands." I comment
"Should you decide to brave his company again, I will personally undertake to protect you from his enthusiasm." he promised
"I'd be much obliged sir." I breath, giving him a grateful look
YOU ARE READING
From Cornwall with Love
FanfictionWhen Ross Poldark came back into Abigails live, he turned everything around. Her life changed and she came out as a grown woman who was now a wife and mother. She has experienced love and loss, she has become a warrior for her family. But she faces...
