Everything There is a Reason

Making UP

Elizabeth had enough abuse from Ross Poldark. If he did not want to take responsibility for this child, she would see his bitterest enemy would raise it. She knew it would tear him apart to see this child raised by George so that is just what she was going to do. I most definitely would teach him a lesson that, in her mind he well deserved. Who knew maybe in the future George would meet with some unfortunate accident as Francis had. Then Ross and she can rekindle their relationship. After all, how long could he be happy with the scullery maid?

Elizabeth went back to England the following week. It had been at a month since Elizabeth left, and things were still not as they should be for Ross and his wife. Demelza had moved back to the bedroom but she still would not have relations with her husband. Ross knew he could force her but what would that solve? Demelza was sitting on the bed reading a letter. "Who is the letter from," Ross asked? "From Hugh Armitage from London. It was his carriage that brought Dwight and my home when you know," Demelza said. Ross was pale. He knew Hugh, he traveled in the same circle as Caroline. He was a handsome young man closer in age to Demelza than he. He was also known for his libertine attitude. He like it when women posted a challenge. Was his wife his newest challenge, Ross wondered. Ross said, "what does the letter say?" Demelza said, "Elizabeth Poldark has married George Warleggan." Ross breathed a sigh of relief; he thought the woman was finally out of his hair. Maybe now Demelza would forgive him. "Well, she did see much of him before when she was in London," Ross stated. Demelza said, "so she was a harlot sleeping with George, and you still bedded her?" Ross paled again when was he going to learn to watch how he worded things? Ross went to wrap his arms around her and she pulled away, "Demelza she knew there was no way I would ever leave you and the children."

Demelza thought is he stupid or does he think I am an idiot, "did you not leave me when you first took her to bed? Nay Ross that is not right you left me as soon as you decided London was more suiting for the lifestyle you wanted. I don't know if I can do this anymore. I have tried for the children." Demelza's voice drifted off. Ross grabbed her hands, "Please Demelza it can't be too late for you and me. I made a mistake one I will never make again, I promise." She pulled her hand away, "you promised me once before to forsake all others, it seems to me you were just waiting for a chance to bed her ever since I came here, her in her fancy clothes and soft hands. She never did a lick of work. I felt, no feel, like you always considered me your servant. My hands were never without callouses, always rough, my clothes were what I could make, some made from your old shirts. My children's too, but I thought you were in London doing important business for the people here in Cornwall all the while you were partying and having a grand time. Do you know what I was doing while you played? I got up at first light did the barn work, started the bread did the day's laundry, and got the children their breakfast, many days I did not eat because I had to get everything done so as soon as the children finished, I would dress them and have Jenny watch them so I could go to the mine. I came home at noon, brought the laundry in, helped with the children, and started supper so the children could eat. Then I went to the fields to help until evening and worked in the fields working side by side with the farm hands to make sure our harvest was enough to help the people around here. I stopped in the house long enough to help feed the children and clean up the dishes, then went into the barn to do the milking and the meeting of the calves. I would come in at sundown and put the children to bed. Then I would clean the house, all but the children's rooms. For Jenny did that during the day. I folded and put the clothes away. Then got a bite to eat, it was the first time I could find the time to do so. Then I would go to bed alone wondering what my husband was doing, telling myself it was worth the extra work since I knew you were working to help our people. I wonder if your precious Elizabeth or Caroline would do all that for you? Sometimes I wish I would never have left Dwight's." She went to get up but Ross caught her, "Demelza I am so sorry I didn't think, I should have known but I didn't think."