From Cornwall with Love

Chapter Thirty Four - Friend or Foe

The children and I had gone out to play and collect flowers. Upon our return with laughter and cries of happiness. Did I see Caroline waiting for us.

"Caroline." I gave a small curtsy.

"I was passing and it struck mE as remiss I have never paid a call." Henry ran over and handed her a flower "How sweet. I see your teaching him to be a gentleman like his father."

"Even more so. Henry, why don't you ask Prudie to find you a jug for your flowers. Take your sister." Henry took Rebekah Grace's hand and guided her out "You'll be leaving for Bath, soon."

"Oh, did Dwight say so? And here I am thinking that he might have change his mind." she commented

"Why would he?" I wonder sitting across from her

"You know men. So changeable. Do you not find?" she asks offhandedly

"I think Dr Enys is like as and to remain steadfast." I answer

"Is that your experience of husbands? I mean, generally, to be relied upon." I chuckle

"How about some tea."

"Why not." I ring the bell

"And how fares Captain Poldark's mining adventure? Is that also secure?" she inquired

"Far from it." I answer with a small laugh

"Oh, dear. Well, I suppose one can't have everything" I hummed

"I suppose one cannot." I reply "Caroline, marriage is about give and take, learning to live with and care for someone other than yourself. We were raised differently but have many things in common our independence for once. The best advice I can give you, is to work on balance."

"Balance of what?"

"Who you are and who you will become. As unmarried women, we're strong, independent, resourceful and outspoken. With marriage , have to rely on that other person as much as we relied on ourselves. It can be difficult." I advise

"You make it sound such a horror."

"I did not mean it that way. Dwight is a good man, you must be patient with one another and look to each others strengths." Demelza came in with the tea and served for us.

----

The next morning I readied myself and my horse to travel to Sawle in hopes of news.

"I'm off to Sawle, ask of news." I told Prudie who was feeding the chickens "The children must not nap. I want them to sleep through it." I mounted my horse and was about to leave when Elizabeth turned up.

"May I speak to Ross?" she hoped

"He's away from home, what do you want?" I huffed steadying myself

"Did he not receive my note?" she wondered and I glance back at Prudie

"Do we know of any note, Prudie?" I ask her

"Yes, Mistress. I do give it to Mr Ross myself into his very own hand." she answered and I turned back to my sister.

"Happy?"

"Oh. Then I expect he was to busy to reply." she thought

"Yes, I expect he was."

"Are you well, sister. I have not seen you in some time. Geffory Charles misses his cousins as I miss my sister." she smiled

"Elizabeth, I'm the Mistress of Nampara. Unlike you I go above and beyond what that requires. More so when my husband is on business with or without you. Now i'm quite pressed for time so, good day to you." I click my tongue and ride off

-3rd Person-

Abigail ride off leaving a smirking Prudie behind. Elizabeth looking stunned turns her horse around and returns to Trenwith. Prudie however makes a quick bid inside to tell Demelza what had just happened

"You missed quite the show with our Mistress." she chuckled

"Why?" Demelza scowled as she needed the dough for the bread sprinting more flour as she went.

"Mistress Elizabeth stopped by to ask after the Captain. These words stay between us, A note did come for him but he was already gone and I may have forgotten to hand it over to the Mistress. Anyway, Abigail was asked after and in return gave a hostile earful to the Trenwith one...." Purdue retooled the entire encounter that had happened moments ago. Demelza smirked

"Good on her. I dislike it when she's hurt. There is something about Mistress Elizabeth that rubs me the wrong way. Always has done. What Mister Francis or Mister Ross sees in her is beyond me." Demelza slide the tray with the bread in to cook