I am back! Very happy to receive your Reviews, and also very sorry to publish this late.About this chapter... It is going to be long, and there will be a drama moment.I have many ideas for this story and to see that you like it gives me so much inspiration, so thank you!


- What is it, Demelza?

She felt her heart miss a beat as her father ended to read aloud the invitation they had just received. She suddenly realized that her father had asked her a question, and managed to answer:

- Nothing, Father. I am only surprised.

- Are you?

She had nothing to answer to this. A servant had come in the living room a few minutes before, bringing a silver tray with several letters. His father had silently read them. Demelza was quietly focused on her crochet - even though she had never been talented with yarn craft - until she heard Thomas's voice say: "A message from Nempara!". She had stopped automatically. Nempara? Captain Poldark's estate?

Thomas was so eager to read that he almost tore the paper as he opened the envelope. Captain Ross Poldark was inviting him and his children - as long as they wished to join him - to come and see the family mine this Thursday. The letter also said that the Captain had taken the liberty to invite Sir Penvenen and his niece as well. Demelza could not believe her ears. Was he doing this for her?

No. Probably not. Even if she deeply wanted to see him again, she really started to get bored by this situation. Ross Poldark was definitely a mystery, and she was tired of it. But, despite all of her resentment, she could not contain the joy that was bursting in her heart. She was invited to Nempara. With her family. And her best friend.


Captain Poldark had dug in for many hours this Thursday morning, surprising all the other miners. He did not show any trace of strain at all. On the contrary, he seemed excited, untenable. He had left for lunch, saying to his men that he was welcoming visitors in the afternoon. And now, here he was, waiting near the road crossing the mine area, wearing a fine long black jacket and his iconic tricorne hat, looking pensively at the sea. He was rapidly joined by Sir Francis.

- How are you today, cousin? Francis asked as he gave his horse reins to one of the workers.

- I am doing well... trying, at least.

Francis rapidly saw the stress in his cousin's behaviour. But he said nothing. He knew Ross very well, and, therefore, he knew any kind word would be useless. All they had to do was to wait.

Ross felt his heartbeat fasten as he heard the distant sound of a horse-drawn carriage approaching. However, he kept his eyes focused on the sea, because it was the only thing that allowed him to remain calm right now. He heard the horses stop, and finally managed to turn his head. Francis was already near the carriage, ready to welcome its passengers. Ross waited.

Perhaps she will not come. Perhaps she is disappointed. She does not want to see me again.

So many thoughts were coming to his mind at the same time. He barely smiled when Sir Thomas Carne went out of the carriage, followed by Sir Ray Penvenen. The two men seemed happy to be here, an enchanted smile coming to their face as Francis gave them a joyful greeting. As Sir Penvenen looked at Ross, he made a move, suddenly getting a grip of himself. Ross joined the group and greeted Sir Carne and Sir Penvenen. As the latter was thanking him for his invitation, Ross realized that Lady Caroline was now out of the carriage as well, standing beside her uncle, and looking at him as if he was nothing more than a dusty beggar. But he did not care at all, and even smiled to her as he saluted her. Lady Penvenen simply answered with a polite mundanity, her tone was cold as ice.

- Good afternoon Sir Francis, Drake said as he left the carriage as well. Captain.

Ross greeted the young boy. And, finally, he saw a red-haired young woman at the level of the carriage door. The sunlight caressed her pale face, adding a lovely glint to her clear blue eyes. She was wearing a refined purple hat, but her face was still shining. Lady Demelza. She looked at him at the moment she left the carriage, and, once again, Ross was incapable to leave his eyes out of hers.

- Lady Demelza, I am delighted to see you here! Francis exclaimed as she made her way to him, a stunning smile on her lips.

- As I am, Sir Francis, she answered. Captain Poldark.

She looked at him once more, a grave expression on her face, and made a quick bow. She boldly lifted her head and tied her head in front of her stomach as she said to him:

- My brother Samuel asked me to present you his excuses. He is very tired these days, and his condition did not allow him to join us.

She had spoken with a confident tone, that surprised Ross. He tried to decipher the emotion present in her look. Was it anger? Indignation? Anyway, she seemed to be ready to hide it from him.

- Your brother is all excused, My Lady, Ross said.

The visit was very pleasant. Ross and Francis showed to their guests all the main buildings of Wheal Leisure, presenting the main workers as well. Sir Ray and Sir Thomas were very interested in the area, often asking questions about the capacity, the work conditions, the price of coal these times, etc. Ross felt relieved to see that his cousin was capable to answer to all of the questions aside with him. It showed the capacity of the Poldark members to stay solid, assuring a great image in trade.

Plus, it allowed him to observe Lady Caroline and Lady Demelza, who were staying aside from the group, walking in the main paths and watching the workers. Demelza seemed to be very thoughtful. Sometimes, she seemed to stop listening to Lady Caroline, focusing on the green grass, or the wind, and even the see. Her hair was dancing with the wind, and it was as if she had always belonged to this place. She was speaking with the workers, smiling to them with a joyful light in her eyes. She was looking at every part of the mine with what Ross hoped was admiration. She seemed to be pleased. And he deeply wanted it to be so.

Caroline was trying to do the talking to her friend, but she rapidly comprehended that the task would be difficult. Demelza was so contemplative this afternoon, and Caroline could easily suspect why. There was something weird between her and Captain Poldark. As if something had happened between those two. But despite all of Caroline's attempts to obtain Demelza's declaration, her friend had remained silent. It was the first time Caroline had the feeling to be set aside, and she hated it.

- This place is amazing, isn't it? asked Demelza as the reached for Caroline's hand.

- It is just a mine, answered Caroline.

- Oh, come on! Look at the position! Have you ever visit a mine situated just atop of cliffs? The sea is wonderful from here.

- I do not think the workers really have the time to admire it the way you do.

Demelza looked at her friend with concern.

- Is something wrong, Caroline?

- You tell me.

- What do you mean?

Caroline sighed before stating:

- I have all the means of the world to think that you are hiding me something. Something in relation to Captain Ross Poldark, to be exact.

Demelza stopped. They were near the main building of the area. She took a look at the group. Her father, Drake and Caroline's uncle were listening to Sir Francis. Captain Poldark was beside his cousin, folding his arms. They were far enough.

- Indeed, something happened. I decided to avoid this man.

- Are you serious?

Caroline's tone betrayed her enthusiasm, making Demelza roll her eyes.

- What made you change your mind? Caroline asked.

- Nothing in particular, lied Demelza. I simply realized he was just being polite with me, nothing more.

Caroline squinted, not sure if she had to believe such a weird explanation. But she did not say a thing. For now, this was more than sufficient. She truly hoped Captain Poldark would remain well away from her best friend.

On the other end of the mine, Ross was trying not to let his attention to Lady Demelza be too obvious for his guests. But he was very concerned. She seemed to be angry at him. Not that he was surprised by such behavior, after all, he had been nothing else than an oaf in her present. First by colliding with her as a drunkard, then taking the liberty to kiss her as if she was nothing more than a servant. She had all the rights to be mad at him. But he could not help it. He had to talk to her.

- I fear, my dear fellows, that this marks the end of our visit. I hope you enjoyed it, Francis said.

- 'Course we did! exclaimed Drake.

- Indeed, my son speaks the truth. You can both be proud of your mine, Sir Francis and Captain Ross.

Ray also thanked them, assuring he was as delighted as the Carnes.

- Now, I think we must reach the girls, add Sir Thomas. It appears they made their own visit.

- If I may ask, my lords, Ross requested, would you like to have some tea to Nempara before leaving us?

Ray and Thomas looked at each other but finally accepted. After all, Thomas had confessed to his friend about his desire to see all of Captain Poldark's possessions, "just in case of any matrimonial affairs". He had noticed the interest of the Captain for his daughter, and knowing that the Poldarks had a famous name in the county thanks to their influence, he really hoped his suppositions were true.

As Demelza entered in the carriage, she felt Ross's look on her. He was on his horse, which appeared to be as dark as the Captain's eyes. A shiver went down her spine as the carriage started to move. Despite all her indignation, she was incapable to look away from him. He was majestuous on his horse, and handsome, as always. She wondered how it would feel to be on a horse with him. Finally, the Captain focused on his mount as Sir Francis joined him and they both started to trot aside each other, leading the conductors.

Stop it, you silly girl.

Demelza looked back at the carriage interior, feeling Caroline's suspective glance.


The way to Nempara was not very long. As they were approaching, Ross galloped to be the first to arrive. He knew Francis would wait for the other to get out, letting him the time to check everything was in order. He had let strong orders to Jud and Prudy. They had to clean the entire house, to make enough tea, to check the sheep and clean their enclosure. He felt relieved to see that everything was in order.

- Jud! Prudy! he shouted as he entered. We have visitors.

Prudy was the first to arrive, and Ross noticed she had made an effort with her appearance. For now, everything was faultless. Ross smiled to her before going to the front door, waiting for the group to arrive.

- Sir and Lady Penvenen, Sirs and Lady Carne, welcome to my humble estate, Ross said in a brief reverence.

Sir Thomas and Sir Ray were already trying to admire the aforesaid estate, although they were still sitting in the stopped carriage. Ross happily opened the door as Francis waited for everyone to get out, his hand behind his back. Once again, Demelza was the last, and Ross rapidly managed to take her hand in order to help her going down the little step. She first looked at him with surprise, but let him do so. Once she was standing, Ross quickly let go her hand and led the guests to the main room.

- I am afraid my house is more humble than Trenwith, said Ross while Prudy was serving tea to the group.

- More humble, indeed, answered Caroline with pride.

Ray sent a dark look to his niece. What was wrong with her?

- But absolutely charming, rectified Sir Thomas.

Ross smiled to him. He and Francis were standing while Sir Thomas and Sir Ray were sitting in the finest armchairs of the room. Drake, Demelza and Caroline were all sitting on the sofa, silently looking around the room. As Francis started to talk with the gentlemen, Ross silently observed each of the guests. If Lady Caroline seemed disappointed to be here, her uncle was listening to his friend with nothing else than warmth in his eyes. Drake and his father seemed also pleased to discover Nempara. As for Lady Demelza, she seemed to be, once more, very thoughtful.

This place was amazing. Demelza could not help but admit it. It was plain but comfortable and quiet.

The lady who would be the housekeeper of this place shall definitely be happy.

And, even if she was now too resigned to admit it, she still wanted to become this lady.

- This house, Captain Poldark. I assume it has always belonged to your family?

Sir Thomas's voice brought Ross out of his contemplation.

- Indeed, Sir, he answered. First, this place was just a simple barn, but my grandfather started to build this house, and my father achieved its construction thanks to the family mine's prosperity.

- I see. I must congratulate you for all the efforts you have made so far. Many people told me that your estate was badly impacted by your absence due to the War, but all I see here is a great household.

- I thank you, Sir Thomas.

They both shared an honest smile. As everyone ended their tea, Ross felt Francis's insisting glance. With a slow head move, his cousin silently showed him the window.

- Well, stated Ross as everyone ended their tea, the sun allows us to go outside. I would be very happy to show you the surroundings, if you wish to, of course.

- That is a request we cannot refuse! uttered Sir Penvenen as he rose from his seat.

This time, Ross was the only one to know every secrets about Nempara. Therefore, he was the only one to guide the group, presenting any places he judged interesting, trying his most to focus on anything else than Lady Caroline's obvious boredom. Nonetheless, the wind started to rise considerably, and Francis asked the guests to go inside. One of the most deceitful elements of Cornwall: the weather. As everyone was going back to the main house, Ross saw Demelza near the sheep enclosure.

Without saying a word, he made his way towards her. Anytime he was approaching her, he had feeling that she could be afraid of him, and therefore tried to be as gentle as he could - at least, he had tried. Here he was now, standing behind her, admiring her lovely red curls moving around her neck as she was removing one of her gloves to caress a lamb.

- What a wonderful estate you have, Captain Poldark, she said, making him jump.

How did she know he was here? Once more, she was letting him agog.

- I thank you, My Lady.

Demelza closed her eyes, feeling her cheeks burn.

She suddenly turned over, looking at the main house as she started to make her way toward it. She did not even look at him this time. Was she really going to avoid him eternally?

No way, thought Ross.

- I am very glad you enjoy your time here, you know, he said.

She said nothing, but her heart was racing.

- Feel free to come back anytime. You shall always be welcomed.

- I do not think it would be proper for a lady to go to a gentleman's house on her own.

- Of course it would not be proper. This is the reason why I would also invite one of your family members as well.

- What makes you believe I would want to see you so often?

She had stopped and was now facing him, her eyebrows pleated. There was animosity in her voice. Ross moved forward, his eyes locked on hers as he answered:

- Well, if you do not want to come back here, it is your right.

- Exactly.

- Have I offended you in any way, Lady Carne? Ross asked as she was about to leave him.

Was he serious? Demelza turned over, feeling lucky they were far enough from the main house and that no one could see or hear them.

- Are you making fun of me? she demanded, visibly annoyed.

- I am not, Ross answered, his face full of incomprehension.

- Don't you dare to lie to me!

- I am not!

She stopped, facing him once more. What was wrong with this bloody man?

- Then tell me, what do you want?

- I beg your pardon?

- Stop doing this thing, Captain. Stop acting like you were not well aware of what you are doing. I know the truth.

Ross could not believe his ears. What was she talking about? She seemed to be furious, but, most of all, hurt. Ross could also feel anger grow in his mind. He hated to see someone yelling at him, no matter who the person was.

- What truth?

- I know you were about to marry Lady Elizabeth Poldark right before leaving for America.

- Who told you such a...

- But you when you came back, she was already promised to your cousin. I know it. And I am pretty sure you still have something for her, not that I mind, really.

This was the first time Ross was seeing her like this.

- I can assure you that...

- Is that true? she demanded, lifting her head with disdain.

He sighed heavily as he understood her strong need for answers.

- Yes, this part of the story is true.

She seemed shocked as if she had hoped, deep down, that it was not.

- But I can truly admit I do not love her anymore, Ross added, stepping towards her.

She lifted her eyes in silence, her mouth closed.

- How did you dare?

- Demelza...

- How could you make me believe you had feelings for me without telling me this?

- I told you I would tell you everything in time, just...

- You kissed me! she shouted.

There was a silence, after what she said:

- Was it another of your trick? Another way to obtain my trust? A way to be ensured you would have my heart, and then access to all the goods marrying a Carne would bring you?

- Is that what you think of me?

This time, he seemed offended by her suspicions. They were looking at each other with fury, feeling the electricity between them. Was she really thinking he would be capable of doing this?

- Prove me I am wrong, I beg you. How could a man like you fall for a young heiress like me?

- I thought you knew more than that about me.

- How can I? I just saw you thrice, and you told me nothing about yourself.

She had a point.

- Do you think I am doing all of this just to trick you, Demelza?

He was now looking at her as if she was the most important human being of the planet. He looked considerably angry, but still his voice was soft as silk as he stated:

- Do you think I would kiss you the way I did if I was in love with another woman?

She was speechless, feeling tears gathering in her eyes.

- I did so because I wanted to. Because I saw you in pain and I could not see you like that. And yes, I am well aware it was not proper at all to act that way. I know who you are. I know your rank, your family, your title. But it is not the reason why I tried to get along with you.

- That's enough, she whispered as she tried to leave.

He grabbed her hand before she could make any move, making her shiver.

- I am doing all of this because I want you beside me, more than anything. And this is all I have ever wanted since I set my eyes on you the first night I met you.

His words directly touched her heart, and she felt a tear going down her cheek. She could not move. Everything around her seemed to be blurred. Everything except his face and his eyes.

- However, as you said, you have all the right to doubt it. But, Lady Carne, I beg you to trust me, and to allow me to obtain your trust once again.

He was so close to her, she thought he would kiss her at any moment now.

- I am not going to touch you, not if you do not allow me to. This, I promise. Just tell me what to do, and I shall act. If you want me to disappear from your life, I will. If not, allow me to continue what I was trying to do. All I want is your trust, My Lady.

- Are you... Are you sincere?

- I am.

She shyly managed to put her hand on his cheek - knowing he was still keeping her other hand -, caressing his face in perfect silence. She tried to decipher his look. He seemed to be sincere. She felt joy growing in her heart, dispelling all the anger she had felt the minutes before. If all of this was a dream, she begged her mind not to wake up.

- Then, Sir, I give you my trust.

He smiled at her but did not move. As she let down her hand, he started to guide her towards the house.

- I would love to extend this conversation, he said as they walked, but I think our absence would trouble the others. Plus, there is something I would like to discuss with your father.


Hope you liked this Chapter! I cannot wait to read your Reviews, feel free to let me know what you would like to see in the next one!