True Love

Doing Their Own Thing

Demelza pulled the laundry off the line and took it inside, then heated the iron and pressed them all. Ironing the clothes helped them dry since it was cold outside. Most of the clothes were frozen dried but the heat of the iron took the moisture out and left them looking new. She looked at each item and determined if any needed mending. Ross's had a two shirts that had small tears but they could be fixed so she put them in her basket, Joshua had a pair of britches, and two shirts, and she had the dress that she had on when she bathed Garrick so she had a few items to work on! Having the house cleaned, supper started and a cake baked, she sat down to do the mending.
Joshua called Zacky into the mine office. He told him that he wanted to employ another household servant. He explained that Demelza needed someone to help her with the chores since Prudy and Jud has been disappearing doing the day. Zacky told him his eldest daughter worked at Grambler but maybe willing to work in the house. He explained that Jinny was with child to Jim Carter who was already working for him in the farm but they needed to find a home before they got married. Zacky said it would be better if he talked to his wife. Joshua said he would talk to Ross they may be able to help find them a place on the farm to live.
Joshua then went to the kiddley where he found Jud and Prudy," having found them there Joshua came to the decision they could no longer be trusted to do their work. He went to them, sat down they looked up at him and said, "Master Joshua we just came here to get a drink! He called the waitress over, "can you tell me how long these two have been here?" She said "they be here all day, sur!" Jud and Prudy hung there heads. Joshua said, "yu have not worked for over a week and I can no longer employ you. Since I consider you my friends I have a cottage you can stay in but you must maintain it.  You will get small stipend since you stayed in my employee so long, but it can end at anytime if my profits end!" They tried to talk Joshua out of his decision but he needed someone who wanted to work and these two were not those employees.
He made up his mind that he would let Jim and Jinny replace them and when Jinny's time came he would hire another if not before! That being settled he went to the Martins home and explained to Mrs Zacky, what he proposed, for Jinny and Jim. He asked that Jinny give him her answer that evening. He went to the fields where Jim worked and told him that he would like him to replace Jud and if Jinny was agreeable she would replace Prudy. He would provide a home for them and their meals would be provided. Jim explained Jinny's condition. Joshua explained Zacky already told him and when the time came he would employ one of another until she returned to work. Jim agreed that he would talk to Jinny and tell him that evening. Joshua decided to head home for the evening.
Ross stopped by the Red Lion and came upon George Warleggan who true to form tried to goad Ross into a battle. Ross looked at him and said, "you really don't want to vex me today George," he went to find Margaret, upon finding her he took her to the room upstairs where he was going to relieve himself of some pent up emotion. Afterward he slept and upon waking he looked at Margaret and realize she was not the answer he needed! Margaret, thought, he would make a fine husband even though she knew his branch of the family didn't have the money that was Francis's but Elizabeth had laid claim to that one. So maybe this one was available. She tried to broach the subject but Ross got up and put his clothes on and gave Margaret her money and left. She thought maybe it would be an idea to visit him at his home in the near future.
Ross went to the jewelry shop thinking that Demelza probably didn't have any. He picked out a nice emerald bracelet because it matched her eyes. Once wrapped jeweler said "dies the recipient have a May birthday?" "Ross responded "yes how did you know?" He was told emerald is the birthstone for May. Ross was pleased with his choice.
After his purchase Ross went and purchased his self some new shirts. Being there he decided he would get a new suit for the wedding to show Elizabeth what she lost. After ordering his clothes he decided he would go back to Nampara after all.
Demelza was surprised that Ross had returned in time for Dinner. She was glad she made enough for everyone with enough leftovers for the following day. As they sat down to eat Joshua brought up about Jud and Prudy. Demelza said, "oh sur don't be getting rid of them because of me!" Joshua reassured her that there were other reasons but yes the main reason was they were jerking their responsibilities pushing them to her, who was not a servant. Demelza hung her head feeling sorry for the old servants. Then Joshua told them of Jim and Jinny's predicament telling them they would be taking over Jud and Prudy's duties, if they were agreeable they would inform them tonight. After eating another delicious meal Demelza brought in her carrot cake which again was a hit with the family sitting around the table. Both Joshua and Ross noticed Demelza quietness but considered it was because she felt guilty the old servants was let go. On all honesty it was because she was hurt that Ross didn't want her to go with him today.
Demelza cleaned the dishes, the dining room and then kitchen. She told the men she had mending to do and went to her bedroom. Joshua was going to say something when there was a knock at the door. Ross got up and answered the door. It was Jinny and Jim, with there answer. Ross led them into the parlor where they told the two masters they would be happy to take the position but before they shared the servants room they needed to get married. Joshua told them that would not be a problem. Jinny could stay in the servants room and Jim could stay in the barn until they were married properly. Joshua also told Jinny when her time came her they would hire another to help while she was mending, he told her to arrange it. They were told their wages and if they wanted they would either eat with the family or take their meals on their own but meals were included. Jinny and Jim was happy because they knew they would never be close to making what the Masters was going to pay.
They left and Ross told his father he was going to turn in. He went to Demelza's room but she wasn't there, he went to his room where Demelza was coming out. She blushed and said she was just taking two mended shirts back to his room. He told her thank you and then gave her the box that her bracelet was in. When she opened she stated to cry, Ross said, "I didn't want you to cry!" She said, "these be happy tears, thank you, I have never dreamed of having something so fine." She kissed him on his cheek and went downstairs.
Ross went in and found the clothes that was washed cleaned and pressed. Upon inspection he couldn't find the shirts that she mended. She was a wonder, he was glad he got her the gift since he had been home she brought him such joy. he rubbed his check where she kissed him that still tingled!
Joshua sat staring into the fire thinking that Demelza would be a perfect match for his son. There was so much that ran parallel to his relationship with Grace. The age difference, the innocence, the good heart, her loving personality, and how she always saw the good of the situation. Then there was the similarities between her and his late wife, gardening, cooking, the need to take care of things. Then he shook himself what may have been right for Grace and him did necessarily be what Ross and Demelza. Yes he wished his son would see Demelza's worth as a wife! Although if he couldn't love her then it would be better for her to find the one who could!
Demelza laid in her bed thinking of Ross, yes he had gotten her a bracelet, but she had no doubt it was a thank you gift, for cooking and doing things for him. He would never see her as anything especially as he still carried the torch for Elizabeth!