AN: Originally posted on Tumblr for Carolight Fic Week - Alternate Universe. This is just a small start for hopefully a multi-chapter/series fic.

Unbeta'd. All mistakes are mine alone.

Disclaimer: Not mine. All Poldark characters belong to Winston Graham, Debbie Horsfield, Mammoth Screen, and BBC. I'm just playing with them.

Unhappiness

"You're not happy here," said Caroline Enys, looking out at the rain outside, while she absentmindedly scratched Horace on his chin.

Dwight looked up from his desk where he was researching something from a book. "What do you mean?" he said distractedly. Hearing no reply, he looked up at her. Seeing her beautiful countenance, he smiled. "I am a happily married man, with a most distracting wife."

They had retired to the library after supper. Him at his desk and her by the fire before she moved to the window when thunder had been heard in the distance which had frightened Horace. They had eloped six months earlier and had already been well-situated in Bath at a small rented house, in the nicest neighbourhood they could afford.

Turning away from the window, she walked toward her husband and returned his smile. "You're happy to be married as you show me nightly." Her free hand caressing his shoulder while she stood behind him. "But I know you're not happy with your paid work."

She had been concerned about this since before the elopement. When they had arrived at Bath after their brief honeymoon at Exeter, he had been taking up temporary paid work with the help of his friend, Paul Hardwicke, while he waited to take over Dr. Marquis's practice to treat the wealthy. It was the only way to ensure that he could keep Caroline in a manner similar to what she was accustomed. In the intervening months, she had been noticing that he spoke most eagerly about the weekly clinic he ran in the poorer quarters of the city whereas he never spoke about his paying patients.

"As we agreed when we eloped, I must treat the wealthy in order to afford to treat the poor and to ensure we have all the creature comforts." He tried to brush it aside and return to his research, but his wife would have none of it.

Moving to sit on his lap, she pouted, "But you work daily sometimes late into the night. After which, you spend time researching ailments. Horace and I miss you greatly." Caroline figured she would try a different tact later.

Unable to fend off a pouting wife, Dwight first placed his quill down. Looking at her expressive eyes, he asked, "Have I left you all alone?"

His wife nodded dejectedly. "Indeed you have."

"Why don't I put word out that I will be unavailable on Friday and we take a tour of the area?" His hands caressed her cheek and he leaned in to kiss her. Pulling away slightly, he asked, "Where would you like to go, my dear?"

"I should like to visit Prior Park." Caroline ran her hand over Horace's head. "My uncle and I were guests of the previous owners when I was younger. The gardens are breathtaking. I understand that the present owners have opened it up to the public for a small fee. Perhaps Minnie can make us a picnic hamper." Minnie, short for Mrs. Miniver, was their cook and housekeeper.

"I'm certain that can be arranged." Dwight pulled her in for another kiss, his work long forgotten.

Horace took advantage of his mistress's preoccupation to jump off her lap and run to the kitchens. He knew where he wasn't wanted.

With Horace gone, Caroline shifted to put her arms about her husband's neck to deepen the kiss and they spent the remainder of their evening pleasantly engaged in activities which required as few words as necessary.

AN2: Sorry this is so short. More fic to come but the follow up to this one might be a bit longer.