Chapter 14-Everybody Wants to Rule the World

"Garrick!" The female in the bed screamed as the fifty pound dog, jumped on her and her companion, practically knocking them to the floor. In their current state of undress, it would not have been a pleasant sight.

"What's going on?" Ross said his voice scratchy. Rubbing the sleep out of his eyes, he saw the sandy haired dog lying at the foot of the bed, looking expectantly at the woman next to him. Demelza had managed to keep the sheet up high enough so that his paws didn't scratch her skin but the look on her face was not one of a happy dog owner. She sat up and trying to hold on to the sheet for what she thought was modesty's sake, looked around for the dress and underwear she dropped last night. Seeing them on the floor next to the bed, she shimmied along the side of the mattress until she could reach down and grab them. Ross lay on his side, propped up on an elbow, watching the scene. He tried to contain his amusement and made sure to be ready to wipe the grin off his face if she turned around.

"Demelza," he said as he watched her try to get dressed while still under the sheet.

"Hmm?" she replied, her focus on getting dressed without being seen.

"Isn't it a little late for modesty?" He raised an eyebrow and looked at her as she turned her head. Seeing his smirk, she felt her face redden. "I mean we've seen pretty much every part of each other over the course of the night and even this morning, what are you trying to hide?"

She thought about what he said and realized he was right. Again. Damn it! Seeing how silly she must have looked she'd give him something to smirk about. Dropping the sheet, she stood up and bending over, slipped on her panties and the white dress,except that she took longer than needed to accomplish the task and never let her gaze falter as she did it. Then without saying a word, walked around to his side of the bed and kissed him. Looking down his body she saw that her show had the exact reaction she anticipated. It was great and gave her a sense of power she hadn't felt before.

"Good morning, love," she said is a soft sultry voice. "I'm going to let Garrick out in the yard for a bit and I'll be right back. Can you manage alone for a few minutes?" Now she was joking and he knew it.

"I think so. But don't take too long as I might have to resort to my own devices for…..things." He gave her wink and smacked her bum to send her on her way.

Ross lay back in the bed and stretched, letting out a yawn at the same time. Propped against the pillows, he smiled as he thought of the past 24 hours; not only about how his relationship with Demelza had gone from merely loving each other to being in love, for that was a milestone in and of itself. He also replayed the confrontation with Elizabeth in the greenhouse. Going over the events that led to him being in there, Ross wondered if he had given her any kind of mixed signal that he was interested in her. He knew Demelza warned him about "Lizzie" but had no idea she could be manipulative as she turned out to be.

He had wanted to be nice and so allowed her to take him on a tour of her house which was fine, until they ended up at her bedroom. That was the first sign that she had other things on her mind than just the architecture of the building. She surprised him by pointing out some unique woodwork but did not suggest they go and hang out in her room. Taking him back down to the first floor, they walked through the entertainment room, which included a pool table, so Elizabeth made a suggestion that they play a round. Ross had always loved the game but was not to keen about playing with her; he had already been away from Demelza long enough. He needed to see her and be near her. He didn't want to stay with Elizabeth anymore.

"It will take too long to play properly Elizabeth. I think we should go back and join the party. You are the guest of honor." Ross tried to sound sincere and pleasant. He made an attempt to lead her out of the room and for a minute she let him hold her arm. But instead of walking with him back to the party, she changed direction and led him to the greenhouse. Once inside, Ross had no idea what happened because he found himself up against the wall with Elizabeth pressed to him, so that there wasn't even any room for a breeze to pass between.

"I don't want to go back to the party yet, Ross," she said in a sickeningly sweet voice. She had her hands on his chest working them up his shirt, slipping a finger inside his shirt collar until Ross wrested her hand away and pinned it down by her side.

"Elizabeth, we really need to get back. I'm sure Demelza is…."

"Fuck Demelza!" Elizabeth pulled a step back and looked at him. Ross saw her eyes blazing with he didn't know what: anger, jealousy, passion? He certainly hoped it wasn't the last because this could turn ugly very fast. Without warning she flung herself at him, and tried to kiss him. Luckily he was faster than her and was able to hold her off at arm's length.

"Stop!" he shouted. "I said we need to go back. I am not interested in you Elizabeth. Not in that way. And if you continue this behavior, not as a friend either." Unfortunately she had grabbed his belt and was doing her best to undo it. That pushed Ross over the edge. He pushed her away and explained that he was in love with Demelza and that her antics wouldn't do any good. As he left her, he saw a look on her face that made him extremely uncomfortable.

He knew that it was not the last dealing he was going to have with Elizabeth and he would do whatever he needed to protect Demelza from whatever Elizabeth was going to back at them with. And Ross knew she would because he'd known these kinds of women before.

Glancing over at the clock he realized that Demelza had been gone for awhile. Wondering what was keeping her from him and his bed, he decided to get up and find her. Picking up his pajamas from the floor he slipped them on and walked out into the apartment. Looking around, there was no sign of her so he went through the laundry room and up the stairs that led to her part of the house and also the back yard. Peering through the door that led outside, he didn't see Garrick or Demelza. Not wanting to chance a run-in with Tom Carne, he quickly headed back to his place where he saw Garrick in his normal perch on the sofa. Demelza could not be far behind.

"Demelza," he called.

"In here," she answered, the voice coming from the bedroom. Heading back down the small hallway Ross entered the bedroom to a sight that made him smile. In his bed was Demelza, red hair loose and flowing, framing her face, wearing one of his t-shirts, waiting for him.

"I thought we might be hungry after, everything, so I brought us some sustenance." In front of her was a tray filled with fruit, muffins and tea. It was very British. "Do you like it? I tried to make it more like home for you instead of the usual American glutton fest."

Walking towards her, when he reached the bed he bent down and kissed her, eliciting a moan from her.

"And some clothes for me to change into. I figured we'd have to get dressed at some point," she said through a smile.

"You're amazing Demelza. You always surprise me. I love it. And you."

Reaching up to grab his face, she pulled him down, and moved over to make room for him on the bed.

"And I love you," she said softly. He picked up the tray and put it on the bedside table as she held the cover up so he could slide in next to her, the food forgotten for the time being.

On the west end of the peninsula, another couple was also waking up but with much less loving in mind. Elizabeth was already on her laptop trying to find out as much as she could about Ross Poldark. After last night's run in, she was determined to get even. No one, especially a nobody like Mr. Poldark was going to make a fool of her. And no one had ever turned her down for sex. To that end she was determined to ruin him and his relationship with little Demelza Carne. Unfortunately, in her quest for ammunition, she has come up with nothing concrete.

"What are you doing?" the male voice said as he entered the room with two Starbucks and a bag of croissants.

"Shut up, George. I'm trying to find something, anything on this Poldark bastard that I can use to get him out of Rockaway". She reached up and took the cup from his hand, sipping the hot, frothy liquid, never losing site of the screen.

George plopped down on the bed, pulled some pillows as cushion and moved next to her to watch what she was doing.

"It shouldn't be that hard Lizzie," he said. She turned and glared at him for using that nickname.

"Haven't I told you not to call me that? It's Elizabeth. Don't forget it". There was no mistaking her meaning as her voice was clear and concise; Elizabeth Chynoweth was taking no prisoners today. Turning her attention back to the screen, she Google searched again adding Cornwall to the mix. Her eyes widened as a batch of articles popped up with her victim's name.

Various stories on his father's death, the incident that happened before that and a multitude of pictures showing him with girls of all shapes and sizes. One though was in a numerous shots and appeared to be closer than the rest. Zooming in on a particular article in the Daily Mail, Elizabeth found her name and thought she might be the key to whatever was in Ross' life in Cornwall. She was the daughter of a banker, the last known girlfriend of Ross Poldark and his presumed fiancée. It seems she was the only witness to his attack before he came to the states.

"George, look at this. It seems Mr. Poldark left a broken heart back in the UK." She turned the laptop towards him so he could read it himself. "Wonder if she has any info we could use? There is no real information on this so called attack. I bet that's the reason he had to come here. He was running away from something."

"Could be. Or maybe he just got sick of living in a backwards area." Elizabeth looked at him incredulously. Sometimes she found it hard to believe that she was actually interested in George Warleggan as his money doesn't always make up for this lack of sense. But he was useful when necessary and she had a feeling this was going to be one of those instances.

"Please. Something happened that sent him fleeing. If we find that out, we can perhaps, use it against him. Maybe he's using Demelza for cover. Hiding out here, working at a bar, no one would find him."

A sinister smile came across her face and she finally got out of bed. Sauntering over to her closet, she contemplated her reflection in the mirror. Turning at all angles she wondered how Ross Poldark could have turned her down in favor of that tall, gangly tomboy. Opening her robe, Elizabeth gave a look of approval at her full breasts and curvy hips. Maybe he was gay, she thought to herself and that's why he likes waif like girls. The thought made her giggle. Demelza Carne: Beard. She was thinking of all the derogatory names she could use next time she saw her when she saw George over her shoulder coming towards her. She recognized that look in his eye and trying to keep it together, gave him a small smile. He reached up and slipped the robe from her shoulders and guided her back to the bed.

Lying down, Elizabeth let him do what he pleased. After all, I'll ask him to do something for me later. It's just like a business deal she mused.

Ross and Demelza were finally up and about after spending another hour or so in his bed which included the breakfast Demelza had put together, even though the tea was beyond cold. It seemed they did not want to leave the comfort of this room or each other. After showering and dressing, they took Garrick for a walk on the beach, holding hands and acting like giddy young lovers, which they were. They could not let the other get too far away and found themselves always reaching for the others hand. It was that constant connection that made them feel safe. Demelza was savoring the moment because she knew that later that day they would have to tell her father what was going on. Not the details of last night, but that Ross and she were together and he needed to accept it.

Seeing her face drop, Ross knew that something had entered her mind to distract her from him. He threw a stick for Garrick to chase and pulled her closer so he could talk to her.

"Demelza, what's wrong?" She looked up at him and was amazed that he could figure her out so quickly.

"How do you do that?" she asked. Ross grinned and gave her a quick kiss.

"I told you, telepathy. Plus your face went from sunshine to clouds in minutes. So what's up?"

"I'm a little nervous," she started to say.

"Again? I thought we got over that last night. And this morning," his tone was teasing and his look cheeky. She could have slapped him.

"Not about THAT, idiot. No, I have to tell my father what's going on. I can't keep sneaking out when I want to see you and be with you. We're not teenagers, like you said, Ross. I want this to be an adult relationship and that means being honest and taking the consequences." Taking a breath she went on, taking his hands in hers. "I love you so much. I honestly never thought I could feel anything like this. So I don't want to be ashamed about it. I know you and my dad didn't get along from the beginning, but I have to believe he loves me enough to let me be happy. And you make me happy." Tears she didn't expect started to fall. "Damn! Why do I cry every time I talk to you about how I feel?"

"Because it's real Demelza. And true. And for the record, everything you've said you can repeat for me. This feeling, this love I have for you goes beyond anything I thought I was capable of. I've been so jaded and cynical, that finding someone like you whose heart is generous and pure, was something I didn't think existed. I will do whatever it takes my love, to get your father to accept me and us. Will that work?"

They were now wrapped in each other's arms, Garrick lapping at their heels, but being totally ignored as they are in their own bubble, shutting out the rest of the world for a few minutes. Ross bends down to kiss her, gently, lovingly but still with enough passion to take her breath away.

"You're something else Poldark," her voice catching as stray tears found their way down her cheeks.

"I know," he responded and stepped away, calling Garrick as he did, heading back towards the house.

"Where are you going?" she shouted against the wind.

"Home. To talk to your father."

"Ross, no, not now." She tried to run and catch up with him but he kept walking. He knew she would try and put this off as long as possible but he just wanted it out and over with it. Stopping, he turned and waited for her.

"Yes Demelza, now. Look the sooner we get this over with the sooner we know what we're dealing with. Besides, after last night, I don't want to spend another one alone in my bed. I want you with me all the time."

"What are you saying? Ross my father won't go for us living together, are you nuts? You realize he's still a strict Irish Catholic. And while it's old fashioned, my moving in with you is probably not going to happen. Not yet. It's too soon."

"Demelza, I know all that. But if you spend the night, I don't want him banging down my door to save you from whatever moral indiscretion I've imparted on you. Look how mad he got when I just gave you a ring. I won't have him going after you if you're with me. He has to know what's changed and accept it."

She was going to try and rebuttal but none made sense. He was right to an extent. They had to tell her father some of this. But having him accept that they were sleeping together? That was not going to happen. She had to make Ross see that they needed to do this in steps. Make her father accept him as a person first.

"Ross, that sounds really good in theory, but you know the truth. He will kill you if he knows we're sleeping together. He'll see it as you taking advantage and me just slutting around. I don't want that, do you? This is more than just "fooling around", isn't it?" She emphasized that using air quotations and had her hands still in that position when he grabbed them.

"You know it is. So don't ever think differently. Look, Dem, I love you. And while we are still starting out, I'm pretty sure you know this is for the long haul. I'm not playing you or leading you on. And I'll make you father see that somehow."

Demelza gave him a tremulous smile, trying to look confident but still unsure she grasped his hand and squeezed.

"You don't think I'd sleep with you and let you get away, did you? You're stuck with me Poldark. Good, bad or indifferent."

"I'm all for that."

They made their way back to her house, ready to face Tom Carne, together.

As they reached the house, Garrick enthusiastically ran ahead and waited for Demelza and Ross to come open the door. Stepping on the weather beaten porch, Demelza turned to Ross and grabbed his hand, squeezing as tight as possible. She was scared and he knew it. This was not going to be easy but he would be there with her the entire time. Besides, they weren't asking her father's permission; they were just letting him know how their relationship had progressed and where it was headed. Ross wanted to make sure that Tom Carne knew how deeply he felt for his daughter and that he would never let any harm come to her. He felt the need to say and do this now because a feeling in his gut alerted him that something was brewing to ruin what he and Demelza had started. He couldn't put his finger on it but his instincts told him that it most likely would stem from his run in with Elizabeth. He had seen the hate in her eyes and knew she would be the type to lash out, quickly and painfully, not caring of the destruction she left in her wake, like a tornado. But unlike a natural disaster, where there is some sort of warning bell, this would come when least expected. That is why having Demelza's father know exactly what was going on would be a help if Elizabeth or George's play was to work through him.

Ross looked at Demelza and gave her a kiss on the cheek, whispering as he pulled away, "I'm here love. It will be fine." She nodded and unlocking the door, stepped into the hallway.

"Dad," she called, putting the keys on the entry table and walking into the living room. There was no sign of him but there was an aroma of something cooking coming from the back of the house. Garrick, who picked up the scent immediately, went trotting into the kitchen, and Demelza, after looking over her shoulder at Ross for moral support, followed. Entering the kitchen, she saw her dad by the stove cooking what appeared to be shepherd's pie. It was the first time Demelza had seen him doing this in what seemed like forever. Confused, she looked at Ross who shrugged his shoulders and let her take the lead.

"Dad, didn't you hear me calling?" she asked, walking up behind him. Tom turned and seeing his daughter, actually smiled. Taken aback, she stayed silent; she didn't really know how to deal with this side of her father since she hadn't seen it in so long.

"Demelza, my girl, come home for dinner?" His tone allowed the gentle Irish brogue he had to come through, almost sounding like a loving father. He was stirring the potatoes for the top of the casserole, concentrating on not letting them escape the bowl. Seeing Ross standing in the doorway Tom turned to him and asked, "Ross? Joining us as well?"

Ross looked at Demelza and was unsure how to respond. This was not the same man who a few months ago wanted to rip his head off. What had changed?

"Um, I would love to Mr. Carne if it's not too much trouble," he answered slowly as if waiting for the shoe to drop. He entered the kitchen to stand near Demelza and wrap his arm around her waist, fingers precariously low near her hip.

Tom turned back to the task at hand as he responded, "Good. Demelza be a lass and fetch me your mother's casserole dish. You know the one she used only for shepherd's pie."

Now totally confused, Demelza move mechanically to the pantry and found the earthenware pan that was her mother's favorite. White and etched with small shamrocks, it was used only on special occasions and for her most favored dish. She rinsed it in the sink and after wiping it dry, placed it on the counter next to her father. Taking a moment to consider his face, Demelza thought she saw the father from her childhood. He was calm and focused. No sign or smell of drinking at all. Demelza was beginning to feel emotions she hadn't known were still in her and reached her hand out gingerly to touch his arm. Stopping what he was doing, Tom Carne closed his eyes and took a breath. Demelza was unsure what was going on and looked to Ross for guidance. Since he was a clueless as her, she decided to say something to break the heaviness in the air.

"Dad, are you alright?" She was still holding on to his arm so Tom crossed his over and covered her small hand with his.

"Yes, Demelza, I'm fine." Breathing a little easier, Demelza tilted her head forward to look at him.

"Okay then. Ross and I need to talk to you. Can you stop that for a minute so we can sit down?" She started to move to the large kitchen table and motioned for Ross to join her. Tom put the bowl down and wiping his hands, turned to look at his daughter's face. Demelza stared back and him and saw that he appeared to have tears gathering. What the hell was going on? she thought. Something must be wrong.

Tom touched her cheek and followed her to the table. Sitting down he looked from his daughter to Ross and back again. As he looked at his daughter's eyes he saw her mother as a young girl. The girl he fell in love with who loved him back without question or reservation. It was a love that was a promise that ended too quickly. Losing her had tainted his heart and darkened his soul which he took out on Demelza and numbed in alcohol. Yet, looking at her now he also saw that she was feeling that same love and for someone else. Earlier that day his feelings were conflicted, bordering on anger when he had heard Demelza come upstairs at dawn knowing that she hadn't been in her bed all night. The fury that started to churn in him was more than he had imagined. She was his daughter, his little girl and to think that she was allowing this man to take liberties was something he could not accept or condone. He was ready to get up and teach her a lesson when he heard her humming, something she hadn't done and he hadn't heard since her mother died. The tune of "Molly Malone" drifted through the hallway reaching Tom Carne's bedroom and making the rage he thought he felt subside.

Later on that morning, while Demelza had retreated back downstairs, he had an unexpected visit from Dwight. It seemed that Dwight was going to take it upon himself to make a preemptive strike on behalf of Ross and Demelza. He knew how Tom could react if caught unawares and felt a little hint of what was to come would help. After an hour of Dwight telling him the basics and Tom saying no Brit was going to have his daughter, the meeting ended with the older man having asthma like attack that prompted Dwight to go upstairs and grab his EMT kit. After a quick examination he put it down to stress and improper care, not to mention the drinking. Tom said nothing and shooed the young man away to be left alone. Not one to fight with Tom Carne, Dwight took his leave but not without giving a backwards glance to the elder, who now looked frail and nothing like the man who a few months ago, marked his daughter with his grip.

Back in the moment, Tom waited for Demelza and Ross to speak. Seeing them look from one to the other, he decided to start the conversation.

"So Ross, it appears you are interested in my daughter. Is that correct?"

Not expecting that, the pair wondered where he got that idea. Had someone already said something? Ross' immediate thought was that Elizabeth had been up to no good, trying to start trouble again between Demelza and her father. Before either of them had a chance to answer, Tom continued.

"Don't look so shocked. I have ears; I hear things. And I have ways of finding things out. I might not be the most sociable person, but people still talk to me."

Now Ross was sure it was Elizabeth and was about to explain when he continued.

"Seems your good friend, Dwight thought it important that I know what was going on before gossip started." Speaking directly to Demelza he said, "You know how that runs rampant on the peninsula, eh girl?" Still in shock at the civility of the conversation, she nodded dumbly, croaking out a meek, "Yes, dad."

Now turning to Ross he went on, his voice a little firmer.

"So you love my daughter, Mr. Poldark? And you've come to this conclusion how? By taking her to bed?" He looked straight at Ross, unblinking and waited for a reply. Demelza gasped and now assumed she saw the old Tom Carne return.

"Dad! Please!" she cried. Turning to Ross, she said, "See I told you. It's not going to work Ross there's no reasoning with him. Let's go!" She rose to leave and made to grab Ross' hand when she felt another hand on hers. Looking down she saw her father's hand holding hers, something she hadn't experienced since she was a little girl.

"Demelza, please. I didn't mean it. Please sit down and let me say what I need to. Please." His eyes pled with hers and she softened. Ross also gave her look that said they needed to give her father a chance.

Reluctantly, she took her place at the table again and waited but was unable to look her father. Staring down at her hands, now twisting the ring on her finger she did all she could to control the tears that fought for release.

"Demelza, your friend Dwight must care a great deal about you. And you too Ross, to feel the need to come and talk to me. He must also feel that what you two have is worth his taking a chance on talking to an old man."

Both Ross and Demelza didn't know what to say to this and so let him continue. This whole scene was surreal and not what they expected.

"I can't say I'm thrilled with this. I always hoped Demelza would find a local boy from a family we knew and marry him. It's what is expected and accepted."

"But dad, "Demelza started to interrupt.

"Let me finish girl." He turned to Ross and with a look in his eye that Ross could almost call a twinkle said, "You'll find out soon enough my boy that Demelza has a knack for wanting to get the last word in even if the discussion is still going on." He then winked at Ross which Demelza caught.

"I have seen that, Mr. Carne." Demelza huffed at these two men conspiring against her.

"As I was saying it was expected that a Rockaway girl would meet and marry a Rockaway boy. And that's what would have been easiest. But Demelza has never been easy or done what was expected. There she's like her mother who if she were still alive would say that love should be what matters most, not convenience or expectations. "

Demelza and Ross listened as her father was making sense and speaking, it appeared, from the heart and without a hint of alcohol.

"While I'm not thrilled at how fast this relationship has moved, I can see a light in my daughter's eyes that hadn't been there before. Not even with that Frankie Gallagher." He looked at Demelza and with a sympathetic tone said, "I know you didn't love him, Demelza. I'm sorry that you went through what you did. It was never my intention to force you into something. Yet his fate seemed to be destined. As is this." Tom nodded towards the two of them and smiled. Now Demelza was thoroughly rattled and needed to find out who this man was and what he did with her father. "But I'll not have you sneaking in and out of the house to meet each other, is that clear? I know what young love is like and understand you'll want to be together. That I'll have to come to terms with. Just don't flaunt it. Don't need giving the neighbors material for gossip, is that clear?"

"Um, yes Dad. But what the hell is going on? I've never heard you speak like this. What's gotten into you?"

"Nothing girl. I told you. Dwight spoke to me and made me see that you were entitled to happiness. Just as I had long ago with your mother."

Ross took Demelza's hand and held it knowing that she needed to feel his presence. Tom saw the gesture and knew that this man, even though he was a Brit, loved his daughter. He couldn't argue with that. And she would need that love and strength in the months ahead to help her get through what he believed was coming. He would not have her be alone.

"Now, can we end this maudlin talk and finish dinner. I haven't worked like this in years and I really would like it not to spoil. Demelza, help me put this together. You remember how Ma did it, right?"

"Yes dad," she said rising and heading for the ingredients on the counter.

"Ross, how about you get yourself a beer? You can watch the Carnes in action." Tom's demeanor remained uplifting and so surprising that Ross did as he was told. Turning around she saw her father and the man she loved chatting away and that was enough. Looking at her father's face she saw a shadow of something, but couldn't quite put a finger on what that was. Demelza didn't know what to make of any of this and she was sure in time, something would break to change this good mood but for now she let it go.

Much later after Elizabeth had sent George on his way because she was done with him for the time being, she began another search for the elusive ex girlfriend as well as information on the Poldark family business, Carnmore to see what skeletons she could dig up Ross Poldark. If this girl was like any other dumped woman, she would be holding a grudge and would want some way to get revenge. Elizabeth figured that would be the first line of action; find her and see what she could reveal about Ross' past, including any other women as well as any other trouble he might have gotten into or anyone else he might have crossed paths with.

Lounging on her patio, overlooking the beach, she searched all international directory sites until she found what she was looking for and started to dial the number. A knowing smile crossed her face as she sat back, sipping a glass of pinot grigio and waited for someone to answer. On the third ring, she heard the click of a phone being picked up and waited for the person on the other end to speak.

"Hello?" A soft British voice said, not exactly what Elizabeth was expecting.

"Hello. Is this Ruth Teague?" Elizabeth asked.

"Yes." The woman on the other end now sounded hesitant.

"You don't know me but we have a mutual friend, Ross Poldark?" Elizabeth heard a reaction from the other side of the phone line.

"Ross? Has something happened?" There was genuine concern in her voice and Elizabeth knew that she could play on this. Apparently this woman still had feelings for him so it was time to dangle some bait.

"Not yet. But something is going that I thought you would be interested in. I think we should talk."