Sunday morning dawned bright and clear, with the day starting off cool but promising hours of warm sunshine. Demelza was too worried to notice, however, and she was trying to keep her anxiety from Ross. She had at least slept well, being tired from keeping up the house and trying to help Ross with the other farm chores. He had put his foot down about her working in the fields, even beside him. Instead she had dusted, swept, and polished every surface in Nampara until the house seemed more fit to receive visitors in than Trenwith ever could. Not that Demelza desired that at all: Nampara was a sanctuary where she and Ross could continue to learn about each other without prying, watchful, and disapproving eyes.

As promised the draper had delivered the dress order the previous day, along with new underthings and hair ribbon. A second, smaller box had come as well, containing a small silk ribbon for Demelza to wear about her neck. Her two new dresses were not so drastically different in style that the one she wore most days, except that they fit her height perfectly and made of finer material. It was an embarrassment of riches, actually: with the frock that she had finished altering Demelza had three dresses to choose from, and no idea which would be the best.

Jud and Prudie had been avoiding the house since Demelza had announced that she and Ross were going to Trenwith. Well, they had been avoiding Demelza, and since she had been relegated to Nampara, they were avoiding it as well.

Her musings were interrupted by Ross returning to the master bedroom. "You're awake." He came to the bed and leaned over her to kiss her cheek. "Good morning," he murmured, then moved to lay a kiss on her mouth.

"Mornin', Ross," she said with a smile when he pulled away. "You should have woken me."

"You needed the sleep."

"Well, I have gotten less sleep the past few nights," she said with a grin as she sat up in bed. She only wore one of Ross's old shirts as a night rail.

"I have Prudie making you a dish of tea and some toast. She'll bring it up in a moment."

"Oh Ross, no need for that. I aren't some pampered lady to take breakfast upstairs!" she protested.

"Take advantage of it this morning: if we don't strike copper we'll not have many luxuries like this again."

Demelza could say nothing to that, but she had no point of reference for anything between the poor life with her parents and the luxury of Nampara. "When are we expected, Ross?"

"Mid-afternoon, I should think. We'll walk to Trenwith. Captain Henshawe and Zacky are at the mine today, though I have some paperwork for the mine I need to complete. I'll be in the study most of the day."

Demelza watched as he left the room. She hadn't had the opportunity to ask which dress she should wear. However, she had to dress in something in order to go through the day. Hopefully, before Prudie came upstairs and made a comment about her sharing Ross's bed and wearing his clothes. She quickly got out of bed and changed into her shift and her yellow-striped work frock.

Demelza breathed a sigh of relief to be dressed as a knock at the bedroom door was quickly followed by Prudie entering without invitation. She carried a cup of tea and small plate, and slammed both down onto the dressing table with an unnecessary amount of force. "Too good to come downstairs." It was part statement and part question, said under her breath and to Demelza's back, but it was clearly audible.

She sighed and turned to face the older woman. "Don't, Prudie," she said. "He'll put you out, if ye give trouble. I don't want that."

Prudie just huffed and left the room, though she did take care to not slam the door as she exited. Demelza ignored the food and ran her fingers across each of the gowns. The two new dresses were silk, but only the yellow gown had embroidery, with small flowers and vines. The maroon fabric was simpler, with no additional details. Her fingers traced over the seams of the maroon dress. It really was lovely, but she thought she would keep it to wear at Nampara. Her yellow-striped cotton gown could be passed on or broken down for other uses. That left the new yellow gown and the cream silk from Ross's mother. She and Mrs. Zacky had been able to remove much of the bulk from the frock and provide a slimmer silhouette. The yellow silk would be easier to keep clean as they walked to Trenwith, however. And it looked lovely with her red hair. Ross had chosen the fabric well.

Decision made, she went downstairs. Ross had gone into the study and shut the door. That was a clear sign he didn't wish to be disturbed. With the house being completely cleaned, and Demelza banned from actual field work, she was at a loss for something to keep her hands busy. As the day had continued to be warm and full of sun, she decided to replace all the flowers in the house and make up a bouquet of flowers to take to Trenwith as a gift. She really couldn't help her anxiety, but she hoped being outside and being able to hear the waves on the beach would ease her frazzled nerves.

Ross spent his morning and early afternoon working on calculations for Wheal Leisure. Several times he had wanted to throw the quill aside in frustration. Small, miniscule amounts of copper were being brought up from the mine, but in order for the smelting companies to even entertain the thought of purchasing a mine's copper, they had to be able to do so in bulk. Wheal Leisure was producing nowhere near the required amounts. The best idea he had been able to come up with to ask Francis and his uncle to be allowed to supplement the copper loads of Grambler for the auctions so at least some money was coming in to pay his workers.

With him telling Demelza that the woman about to be made his wife could no longer work in the fields, even if he did, the need for a farm hand was inevitable. He then remembered that he had told Demelza he would also hire Jinny Carter as a kitchen maid. Ross sighed and rubbed at his forehead with his hand. This marriage was certainly an expensive one, for all that he was marrying his maid. He stopped then and chastised himself for his thoughts. He thought briefly of his parents' loving marriage, and while he couldn't quite call the relationship he had with Demelza love yet, he thought that it would provide an opportunity for love. The were of similar mind and got along well, in and out of the bedroom. He smiled to himself at that as he remembered their previous evening together.

His smile broadened as he realized that they had only two more weeks to wait for the banns to be read. The first reading had been this morning. Ross thought about procuring a license from the bishop at Bodmin. It would require him to lay out a guinea to speed up the wedding. Demelza would probably welcome it: this limbo state betwixt and between could not be comfortable for her.

If he and Demelza did not have to interact with the rest of the world, there would be no question. But he could hear the gossip mongers of Truro in his head discussing their relationship even now. Demelza didn't deserve that at all. Another time he was ashamed of his class, as if the Jim Carter incident had not done enough. He threw his quill aside in disgust. With these thoughts he'd never get anything done on his figures.

Ross came out of the study to a quiet house. Coming into the kitchen, he first noticed a large number of cut flowers on the table and then Prudie pretending to tend the fire. "Where's Demelza?"

"Upstairs, Cap'n Ross," Prudie said, though she didn't turn around to address him.

Ross took the stairs to the bedroom two and a time and said, "Demelza!" when he reached the top. The bedroom door was cracked and he opened it to go inside.

Demelza half-turned to face him in the doorway, though she was partially undressed and standing at the wash basin. "Yes, Ross?"

He strode across the room and kissed her fervently. "Will you be ready soon?" It wasn't what he had wanted to say at all.

"Yes," she replied, and pointed to the yellow silk she had laid out on the bed. "All I need to do is put on the dress." His smile could outshine the sun, it seemed to her. She could truly sense that he wanted this to work.

"Let me change quickly and we can go." Ross stripped out of his clothes and changed into a high-necked gray waistcoat and breeches, and pulled out a blue overcoat. Previously he had only worn those clothes when going into Truro, she thought. She stepped into the frock and pulled it up to fasten the bodice at the front. Her hair was already combed and styled with the ribbon Ross had purchased for her. As she moved to tie the other silk ribbon at her throat, Ross gripped one of her hands.

"Ross?"

He pulled out one of the drawers and rummaged about in it for a moment. "Here." He put a small object in her hand. "Wear that on the ribbon."

The pendant was small, the top shaped like a bow. From that a flower-shape fell, decorated with tiny red garnets. "Oh, Ross. It's beautiful."

"I found it in one of the chests; it, too, belonged to my mother." He pulled her hand near to one of the flowers on her dress. "I think it will look nice with the fabric."

She nodded. "I think you are right." She threaded the pendant onto the ribbon and he tied it for her. Turning back to face him, she asked, "Do I look presentable?"

Ross shook his head. "No, not presentable." She stared at him, waiting for him to continue. "You look lovely." He kissed her again, this time on her cheek, and held out his hand to her. "Ready?" She nodded.

When they reached downstairs, Ross helped her with her cloak and put on his greatcoat. Demelza found the bouquet of flowers that she had put together earlier and prepared it to travel to Trenwith. Prudie and Jud were nowhere in the house and neither were in the area surrounding Nampara. Ross sighed. "Some days I do wonder why I keep them on to drink my rum and not work."

Demelza couldn't answer him. She had no no idea why Ross did even half of the things he did and her stomach was too busy tumbling around to think of anything else. She held onto her betrothed's arm as they walked the three miles to Trenwith, though most of the trek was made in companionable quiet. Ross only noted that Grambler looked to have fewer people working the mine, and that the church at Sawle, where the banns had been read that morning, looked quite empty.

Upon reaching the drive up to Trenwith, Demelza pulled at Ross's arm and asked if they could stand for a moment while she caught her breath. "It wasn't that long of a walk," he said.

"Ross," she said. "Let me try to calm down a bit. My heart feels like it could fly out of my chest."

He took both her hands in his. "It will be fine. You will do wonderfully, you'll see."

She took a deep breath and nodded. He returned the nod and led them to the front door and pulled the bell. A servant quickly let them in and took their overthings. Ross led Demelza into the front reception room and they were met by Verity as hostess. "Verity!" said Ross. He bowed slightly to her, and Demelza took this as a cue to curtsy. Ross's smile confirmed to her that it was well done, or at least not poorly done.

Demelza had met Verity on a number of occasions before, though not since the relationship between her and Ross had changed. Verity and her suitor Captain Blamey had met at Nampara for awhile before the duel between Blamey and Francis that had torn them apart. That had been over a year ago and still Verity looked haunted.

"My dear. I'm so glad to meet you. You look lovely," said Verity.

Demelza managed to choke out a small "Thank you," before then saying, "These are for you and your family," as she thrust the flowers at Verity.

"Thank you, my dear." Taking the bouquet, Verity gave a few crisp instructions to a hovering servant before returning to the couple. Then Verity grasped Demelza's hands. "Father and Aunt Agatha are in the parlor. Francis and Elizabeth will be joining us soon," said Verity. "Will you come with me?" Demelza nodded. "I've been so excited since Father told me you were to join us for supper."

Demelza could hear Ross footsteps following as Verity led them through the warren of rooms on the first floor. The differences between Trenwith and Nampara were like night and day. Trenwith was brighter, she couldn't deny it. There were more windows, and a majority of the walls were plastered and painted or papered in light colors, a stark contrast to Nampara's bare stone. However, between the dark wood paneling in some of the rooms, as well as the general coldness of the house, Demelza found that even though Trenwith was impressive, she much prefered Ross's home. She also couldn't imagine needing so many rooms! The thought of having enough guests to fill each of them overwhelmed her.

The parlor was lit by three windows, numerous candles, and the fire in the hearth. It was almost too warm for a lovely June afternoon, but Demelza thought it was in deference to the two older people in the room. The older woman, Aunt Agatha she assumed, dozed in a chair by the fire while Charles Poldark sat at the table reading a newspaper. The grandfather clock chimed four o'clock, Ross came in front of her and cleared his throat. "Uncle. Aunt Agatha." He gave a little bow, reached for Demelza's hand, and pulled her forward. "This is Demelza." She gave a little curtsy and prided herself that she didn't fall flat on her face. "We are engaged. The first reading of the banns was this morning."

Charles didn't look at all surprised, but he obviously hadn't shared the news with Agatha. "Engaged? Why did no one tell me of this? No one tells me anything!" Verity also looked shocked, but pleased at the same time.

"We're telling you now, Aunt," said Ross. "Uncle invited us to supper and I wanted to introduce you to Demelza."

"Come now, and sit by me, bud," said Agatha, gesturing to Demelza with one wrinkled hand.

Ross gave the hand he held a squeeze and let go. Demelza sat in a chair next to the old woman and sitting sideways, faced her.

"Now, bud, where are ye from?" asked Agatha.

Demelza shot a quick look at Ross under her lashes, but his face held no assistance at all. "Illuggan, ma'am."

"Who do we know from Illuggan, then?" Agatha paused in her musings. "The Carhews? The Perrians?"

Demelza's answer, whatever it may have been, was cut off my Charles's snort of derision. She could feel herself blushing as she said, "No, ma'am."

Further awkwardness from Charles or Agatha was interrupted by Verity, who said, with great excitement, "We're so pleased, Ross. Congratulations to you both. When is the wedding to be?"

"In two Sundays, after the third reading of the banns," replied Ross.

"So soon?" asked Verity as she sat across from Demelza and Agatha.

"I see no reason to wait," said Ross. He came behind Demelza's chair and put his hands on the back of it. Demelza could feel the heat of his hands at her back even though he wasn't touching her.

"Indeed," said Charles with a grin. "I think it an excellent idea, and I'm sure Francis agrees with me."

"Father!" scolded Verity.

As if the mention of his name had summoned him, Francis and Elizabeth came into the parlor. Ross gave another small bow while Demelza stood and gave a small curtsy. "Welcome," said Francis, though he stayed near the doorway instead of entering the room completely. Elizabeth hovered near the doorway as well, though she carried a vase with Demelza's flowers.

"Thank you for having us, cousin," Ross said as he went to Francis and shook his hand.

"A drink?"

"Yes, please,' said Ross. The two men moved to the sideboard to pour drinks.

"Elizabeth, sit over there," said Agatha, pointing to a settee across from her. "You, bud, " she said as she patted Demelza's hand, "sit next to her. Verity, in the chair next to them. I want to see how you all measure up."

"Aunt Agatha!" Verity exclaimed.

"Go on, child."

Before following Agatha's directives, Elizabeth put the vase on the small table between Agatha and Demelza. Ross watched, dumbfounded, as the three women settled themselves on the settee and chair under Agatha's assessing eye, like birds roosting. Demelza was an interesting mix of the two, with Elizabeth being the fairest in coloring and Verity the darkest. None of them were comfortable with the scrutiny, he could tell. He watched as Elizabeth took Demelza's hand in what seemed like understanding, and Demelza almost jumped in shock and surprise at the touch. His gaze moved to his uncle and he saw the older man watching with a frown. Could nothing please Charles Poldark when it came to Ross?

"A might coarse, compared to Elizabeth. And Verity. But doubtless she'll polish up sufficient."

Demelza could feel her face flush. Oh, this had been a terrible idea. What had Ross been thinking?

"Thank you for the flowers, Demelza," Elizabeth said. "They're very pretty."

Oh. What would she say to her? "You're welcome. The flowers around Nampara are all starting to show their colors, it seems a waste to not show them off."

"Mama despaired at my ever becoming proficient at flower arranging. I do not have the eye for it."

"Nor I," said Verity. "Perhaps we will have to come to Nampara so you can show us?"

Verity's smile was so sincere, but oh, Demelza did not want them to come to Nampara! Her lack of reply must have been an issue, as Ross instead answered for her. "That would be lovely. You are both welcome to visit at anytime." Demelza could only nod in agreement.

This interaction was interrupted by Charles clearing his throat. "What news of Wheal Leisure? Struck copper yet?"

Ross shook his head. "Not yet, Uncle, though some small amounts are coming up. That was something I wish to discuss with you and Francis, actually."

Demelza watched the older man out of the corner of her eye. "Indeed? Let us leave the ladies for a bit and adjourn to my study?"

Ross nodded. His gaze moved to Demelza's and he could see the desperation and begging in her eyes to not leave her alone. It couldn't be helped, however, and better to leave her to her devices now, in such a small, family setting so she knew she could handle it.

Demelza watched at the men exited the room, speaking of copper and mining. Aunt Agatha, after her "measuring up," was already dozing in the late afternoon. This left the three women to entertain themselves. "How is your little boy, Elizabeth?" she asked. The child seemed the safest topic.

"Geoffrey Charles is my joy," the other woman said. "Between him and their father, Verity and I keep quite busy here."

Demelza could only nod. She still felt betwixt and between, and probably would even after she and Ross married.

"Do you have any experience with children, my dear?" asked Verity.

"Oh, yes," Demelza replied. "I have six younger brothers."

"Six?" Elizabeth and Verity both gasped the word together. "I can't even imagine," said Elizabeth. Demelza gave her a questioning look. "I am an only child," she said.

"Oh. I can't imagine that," said Demelza. "But my mother died when I was young and I acted as their mother until I left."

"Your father?" asked Elizabeth softly.

"Too busy in the mines keeping us fed," Demelza said simply. "And the boys to soon all follow in his footsteps."

Elizabeth looked as if she wished to have her child in her arms. "I am busy enough with one; I cannot imagine six running around Trenwith."

Verity giggled then. "It would be similar to when Francis, Ross, Claude, and I were young. We got into all types of mischief."

Elizabeth and Demelza both stared at her. "Who is Claude?" asked Demelza.

"Oh." Verity let out a soft breath. "Claude Anthony, Ross's younger brother. I was almost 13 when he died, not even a year after their mother." She looked to Demelza. "He hasn't told you?"

Demelza shook her head. "Talking about the past makes him sad."

Verity just nodded. "Ross and Francis were away at school when he passed. It was not a good time." Her gaze moved to focus on her hands, as Elizabeth and Demelza shared a sad look.