I picked up a couple of new shirts for Henry and a toy boat. The two of us stopped at a stall selling ribbons.
"Abigail." I heard my name and turned around. Groaning internally at the sight of my sister. I handed my basket to Demelza and walked over.
"Elizabeth, Harpy, sweet nephew." I greeted
"Aunt Abigail, it a pleasure to see you again." Geoffrey Charles greeted making me smile broader at the young gentleman he was becoming. Francis would have been so proud of him.
"I've been meaning to call upon you to thank you for your kindness these past few months." she stated
"In lending you my husband, you mean?" I sassed
"In a manner of speaking."
"You're welcome to him. Just as long as it never slips your mind where he actually belongs and send him back to me when you're done with him." I gave her a tight smile.
"Mistress Poldark." I heard the annoying tones of George. "Another escape for your husband in court. What a charmed life he leads." he comments returning to the carriage.
"Well he is married to me." I give Geoffrey Charles a wink which makes him grin. "Remember sweet nephew your fathers warnings. Beware of the wolf in sheep clothing." I warn in French and he gives a slight nod.
"Abigail." Elizabeth scolds making me smirk. I kiss my nephews check and curtsy before walking away.
---------
I am sat sewing up a hole in one of my day dresses, while Ross looks over the sample for the mine.
"This new find, what will it mean?" I wonder
"In a word...nothing." he summarised "Perhaps if we'd struck a massive bed of tin, requiring a minimum outlay and promising a quick return."
"Tin fetches less than copper right?" If I remembered correctly it was a far drop between the two. Which is why not many sell it these days and mine for copper instead.
"Considerably. And besides what good would it do? The tin industry is much depressed." The tone he took was like he was talking himself out of it.
"Pity."
"But there it is." he tapped the table then stood to get himself another drink.
"Did I mention that I saw Horace Treneglos at the market?" I think out loud
"no, is he well?"
"He sends his compliments. Was even kind enough to buy some treats for the children, on his instance. He also says it's a shame you've sold all your shares in Wheal Leasuire. I said he must be mistaken. For if you had, you'd have told me." I didn't look up as I carried on sewing. Ross sighed.
"I've been meaning to mention this for some time. But not sure how to begin." he came and sat back down. "As you know, Francis sank his last £600 into Wheal Grace."
"Yes." I drawled
"And when he died, he left Elizabeth with considerable debts. To relieve her poverty, I...bought all his shares in Wheal Grace through a third party knowing she wouldn't accept the money as a real gift." he admitted
"Why?" I questioned
"Because I felt under a burden of obligation, to Francis and his family, which is now discharged. Of course at the time we had Trencroms's money coming in, but since the ambush.." he trailed off and I didn't say anything. "Are you angry?"
"That you helped Elizabeth?"
"And Geoffrey Charles." he added
"Leaving Henry, Rebekah Grace and me to fend for ourselves. Tell me if my Papa hadn't favoured me and left me an inheritance would you have still let us fend four ourselves?" I ask calmly as I never stopped sewing.
"You have me to fend for you. They have no one." I scoff
"I doubt that. From what I hear George has been very obliging."
"Doubtless he would be, if Elizabeth would let him. But she will not." he was certain of it, but I did not mention the letters I have been receiving from Aunt Agatha. And what I saw this afternoon."George's ambition before Francis died was to drive a wedge between our two families. And the easiest way to do it was by befriending there's. By helping Elizabeth, he is merely continuing the same tactic."
"Yes, Ross."
"Although it wasn't my aim in helping her, it does have the effect of strengthening her hand against him." I leant back in my chair.
"Yes, Ross." I say again having enough of this conversation.
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...
