Demelza's eyes twinkled in the dimly lit room as she retreated to the table, untying the string on the box and lifting the lid. I took a step forward cautiously, peering into the box. As I realized what was inside I looked towards a teary eyed Demelza, who nodded silently. I leapt over to her and pulled her close to me kissing her happily. I held her tightly and picked her up spinning her in a small circle before placing her feet on the ground. "That was quite the secret" I smiled and picked her up, supporting her back and legs. I carried her into the bedroom and tossed her on the bed, quickly kicking off my boots and trousers. I jumped into the bed and crawled over the small figure in my bed. I kissed her happily, still slightly in shock. "I am unbelievably happy" I rolled off of her and pulled the blanket over us. We both rolled to face each other as I gently placed my hand on her abdomen. I was going to be a father. Little did I know the act was more than I was expecting.
The next morning during breakfast we sat across from each other giggling. I was still on top of the world, more excited than I had been since our wedding day. By the time I had stopped staring at my wife, adoring her beauty and willingness to love me, my food had gotten cold. I quickly ate what I could and cleared our plates. "What would you say to spreading the good news to my cousin?" I raised an eyebrow as I leaned against the table. "Are you sure?" Demelza questioned, a twinkle of worry in her eyes. She wasn't quite sure my family had accepted our marriage. I squatted in front of her and took her hands. "My love, they don't hate you" I smiled m "besides, they'll love you even more if you make an effort not to avoid them" She gave a weak smile and nodded "Verity has most likely already told them" she smirked as I stood up and pulled her to her feet. "It's alright, they'll get the news from us as well" I kissed her forehead and walked to the barn, saddling my steed. She met me shortly after with her cloak around her shoulders. I mounted up and scooted back in the saddle, pulling her up in front of me. "You're glowing" I whispered sensing her uneasiness. Demelza smiled before kissing my cheek.
I spent the entire ride thinking about my everchanging future, two years ago I was fighting in a war, watching friends die in cold blood. The Ross Poldark then had never intended on falling in love, much less having children. That Ross was also unhappy, thinking only coming home to his sweet Elizabeth would fill the void in his life. Now he had watched his cousin marry Elizabeth, married his kitchen maid, and had a child on the way.
As we turned into the pathway to Trenwith I was delighted to see Verity coming in as well. "Good morning" I beamed as Demelza laughed at my silliness. "Quite the night huh?" She chuckled as she looked to Demelza, who gave an approving nod. "Indeed" I replied as I noticed Francis and Elizabeth meeting us outside the door. "You haven't told them have you?" Demelza said in a hushed voice. "No, no" Verity shook her head "I was sure you'd want to tell them yourselves". Demelza gave a nod as we stopped at the door. "Cousin" I smiled as I dismounted, lifting my wife down. "Ahh hello Ross, Demelza" Elizabeth gleamed as she took Demelza's hands "I must show you the new piece of needlepoint I've been working on" she exclaimed as she pulled Verity behind them. I stood smiling beside my cousin who led me inside and into the parlor. "What brings you by?" He asked, his voice serious, obviously having a few drinks behind it. "some news" I sat down in a chair by the window. "What kind?" He eyed me, pacing back and forth.
From another room we heard the squealing of the three women, Francis quickly raced to find them, leaving me to follow behind. "What on Earth?" He yelled as he entered the doorway. The women laughed "there will be a new Poldark" I bellowed proudly as I came up from behind, stepping into the room and claiming my wife. "I see" Francis stiffed as he eyed Elizabeth sternly. Elizabeth cleared her throat sensing the tension in the room. "Shall we celebrate with tea?" She squeaked, scurrying down the hallway to notify a servant.
