Ross and Demelza Part 3
He helped me off the horse as we reached home, his hands around my waist. The gentle grip of his toughened hands around my middle reminded me of our intimacies just the night before. I removed those thoughts from my mind as I turned towards the house. He grabbed my hand pulling me back towards him.
" Where are you going?" he questioned with a gleam in his eyes.
" I'd better put the supper on" I replied not sure how to reply to his teasing. Never had he spoke to me in such a way. I liked it but I was unsure how he would like me to reply.
"You'd better get to it, I couldn't stand Prudie's cooking" he said still holding the glint in his eyes. I smiled and turned away. Again I felt him tug me back by my hand. " We'll talk later, Okay." He kissed my forehead causing shivers to run down my spine. I smiled once more seeming to have lost my tongue which unsettled me considerably. What was he doing to me? I was never lost for words.
I started the supper singing to myself with a grin on my face as I peeled the potatoes. I was filled with so much joy yet so much guilt. Had I trapped Ross in a marriage he didn't want? Maybe Ross would change his mind and tell me I could never be his wife. I was confused, uncertain of the future and what was to come. I was mostly happy but still it felt tinged by fear, fear of the unknown.
Later that evening I brought Ross his supper. I didn't know whether I was to eat with him tonight as had become a regular occurrence. " Shall I eat with you or in the kitchen tonight, Sir" I asked tentatively.
" In here, you are soon to be my wife. I cannot have my betrothed eating in the Kitchen. " he replied.
" Yes, Sir"
I returned a few moments later with my own plate of food and sat down at the table. The candle lit up his face, making him look even more handsome. I stopped staring before he noticed.
Then he spoke " Call me Ross from now own, I will not have my wife calling me sir"
" Yes si... Ross" I replied stumbling over the new name.
He smiled " It will take a bit of time to get used to, as will a lot of things I suspect now we are to be wed"
Several minutes past before either of us spoke again. When we did I almost forgot about the change that had occurred between us and we talked and discussed just like we had on so many previous evenings. It was getting late and Judd and Prudie had gone to bed when Ross said " I'm off to my own bed, its getting late"
In that moment I panicked. Do I join him? Will he think that to forward? Is it wrong of me to go with him?
I spoke up a little sheepishly " Do ee want me to join you?
" Do as you please, Demelza. You can go to your own bed or you can join me." he replied.
I looked down at my lap considering what was for the best. I had enjoyed last night and I wanted that again but it also made me nervous entering the unknown of his bed once again with me who had no experience and he who knew all. Apart from the fact we would not marry for weeks.
I hesitated and I looked at me " Would you like to join me?" he said with eyes filled with the same look that had filled them the night before.
" Yes but..." I said.
" There are no buts with me, Demelza if you want to join me do if not don't. I will not judge you for either decision, I will marry you in about 4 weeks time either way."
I stood up and he stretched his hand out to me. I grabbed it as we climbed the stairs, excitement and nerves filling me.
