Everything There is a Reason

The Laird's Dinner

Ross and Demelza was surprised to see a number of people entering Lord Falmouth's estate Tregothan. Demelza was enthralled by the size of the estate, only to be outdone by the beauty of the inside. The gold chandeliers with the crystals, all the candles lit to make the room look like a fairytale. Ross helped Demelza out of her wrap and handed it to a servant along with his hat. The Footman took their names. When they reached the entrance to the ballroom the butler announced them, Captain Ross Poldark, Mistress Demelza Poldark. Demelza looked out over the room and noticed a very beautiful woman was eyeing her husband. She turned to look at Ross who was holding her hand smiling at her. Demelza said, "Ross there is a very beautiful blonde staring at you across the room. Ross turned to look his gaze met Caroling Pendvenon 's, who smiled at him. He dipped his head, "I think I told you her carriage almost hit me the other day. It is Ray Pendvenon's niece." Demelza said, "she is quite beautiful."

Ross guided to her to their host who was making his way to them. He whispered in her ear, "she cannot compare to my wife's beauty."  George Falmouth greeted Ross with a cheerful handshake which Ross returned and said, "I would like you to meet my wife Demelza," Lord Falmouth bowed to her and kissed her hand. "Your beauty has left me speechless." Demelza, blushed and said, "thank you my lord, but surely you have many women who has beauty that far exceeds mine." He smiled at her and thought what a charming unpretentious woman, let me introduce you to my nephew gesturing behind Ross and Demelza. They turned to greet the newcomer Ross was ready to grab his wife and run when he saw a man staring at his wife with lust in his eyes. Demelza said, "sir and bowed to him. Not taking his eyes off her bowed his head reached for her hand kissing it, he let it his lips hover. Then asked his uncle, "who is this divine creature?" His uncle noticed Ross getting angry at his nephew's insolence he said, "this is Ross Poldark and his wife Demelza." Ross grabbed Demelza's hand, he didn't like this young buck. Hugh said, "we meet at last my uncle tells me you have some great plans for the region." Ross answered, "so it would seem."

Lord Falmouth wanted to drag Ross away to meet to people he believed would help their cause. Dwight had come upon them noticing Ross's unwillingness to let go of Demelza's hand. He said, "Ross, should we go and meet the men of means to help us with our plans."  Ross thought I am not relinquishing my wife to this randy buck. Hugh Armitage said, "please go Mr. Poldark, I will assume the role of escort until you can come claim your wife again. After all I feel the talk will be boring to such a fine creature as your wife. she will be perfectly safe." Ross said, "I should hope so."  Demelza retorted, "on the contrary I find talking about ways to help those less fortunate is always interesting, won't you be joining them, Mister Armitage?" Hugh said, "Viscount mam," Hugh shaking his head; "I am only on leave until tomorrow eve, and I must report back. If my uncle needs my help in the endeavor, he most certainly will tell me." Dwight said, "go enjoy yourself Demelza we will meet with your dinner," Ross scowled at Dwight, Dwight raised an eyebrow. Ross kissed his wife's cheek and said, "if you need me send word."

Hugh placed his hand in the small of Demelza's back, she thought it was very discourteous of him to do so." She turned her head to see if Ross was still in calling distance, he was gone. She sighed upon hearing this Hugh said, "Don't worry I promised you husband I would make sure no harm befall you and I am a man of my word." Demelza nodded her head shyly then said, "even if the harm, is you?" Hugh smile sheepishly I will not harm you in any way, I promise. You are much too precious to do that." He thought she is one of the most beautiful ladies I have ever seen, yet she does not seem to realize her beauty, if she were mine, she would want for nothing and be cherished. He wondered if her marriage to Mr. Poldark was gratifying to her?

They were headed to the ballroom where dancing was commencing when Caroline Pendvenon approached, she was curious how this low born woman could snatch a man like Ross Poldark. Yes, she was pretty, but she had nothing to offer the man. Uncle Ray was very upset when he heard of their marriage, he had hopes of setting Caroline up with him. Caroline had always fancied the man thinking of Ross as handsome and someone that was tantamount her own nature. When she saw her with Hugh, she thought this is my chance to meet the woman that snag the man meant to be mine.