A New Beginning

Chapter 6

After the service was over Ross and Annabelle invited their guests back to Poldark House for a dinner to celebrate their marriage and the christening. The two were driven back to Poldark House in a stagecoach and when they arrived they walked to the main entrance where their servants met them. Ross turned to Annabelle and smiled then scooped her up in his arms and carried her into the house.

"Got to keep to the traditions," Ross said.

"I LOVE our new home," Annabelle said looking around.

"I do too and George is going to be green with envy," Ross said.

"Yes he will," Annabelle said

"He will be coming to the christening. I hope you don't mind," Ross said.

"No its fine. It was only polite to invite him," Annabelle said.

When the guests began to arrive Annabelle watched for Rodger's family. They hadn't come to the wedding but were attending the christening. It would be the first time she'd seen them since having to flee London. When Rodger's family arrived Amber greeted them warmly and introduced them to Ross. They were all pleased she'd found herself such a lovely new husband and that Grace would have a father figure in her life. When George arrived Annabelle greeted him politely and he greeted her just as politely. Ross was also civil and polite to George knowing he had to be.

Once all the guests had arrived the christening got underway. Annabelle and Ross proudly presented Grace to their friends and Annabelle's former in laws. Annabelle felt a pang of sadness that Ross' family were not there but resolved to take Grace to meet them at the soonest opportunity. Grace was blessed and water sprinkled on her forehead. The short christening service was then over. Annabelle introduced Grace to her grandparents and uncles and aunts. Everyone wanted to have a hold and to meet her personally. She had been very good throughout the christening, sleeping peacefully and she continued to do so. Finally, after everyone had met Grace, Annabelle had Demelza take her up to her cot so she could finish sleeping in peace.

"Let me know when it's time to feed her," Annabelle said.

Demelza nodded and quietly slipped away with Grace. Annabelle re-joined Ross who was talking to some of the other men.

"I must say your husband has very fine taste," George said, coming up to Annabelle.

"Thank you, "Annabelle said.

"Not only has he a beautiful wife but your new house is amazing," George said.

"I am sure it isn't anywhere near as fine as your own house," Annabelle said.

"I would be lying if I said you were right," George said.

She could tell it had taken great effort to get those words out.

A few hours later Demelza appeared and told Annabelle that Grace was wanting to be fed. She excused herself and followed Demelza upstairs. Grace was crying so Annabelle quickly picked her up and sitting down on her bed loosened her gown to expose her breast. Grace quickly latched on and began to feed. About half way through the feeding Annabelle heard footsteps approaching her room. Looking up she expected to see Ross but it was George.

"What are you doing here?" Annabelle asked.

"I just wanted to see some more of you," George said.

Annabelle began to feel uneasy and reached for the bell to summon Demelza.

"There's no need to do that I just want to talk," George said smoothly.

Annabelle nodded but had a feeling he was lying. Grace was still feeding so she kept her attention on her while George watched closely. Once Grace was fed Annabelle quickly covered up and put Grace back in her cot where she went back to sleep. As she turned back to George he took two swift steps forward and propelled her backwards on to her bed... Ross was oblivious to what was going on upstairs as he was still socialising with the guests who had stayed. Annabelle's former in laws had departed as they weren't staying for the dinner to celebrate Ross and Annabelle's wedding.