AN: Sorry for the delay I lost internet for about a week which was frustrating.

Chapter 2

Part 13

Demelza had her head in her own thoughts when the rumpus started at Nampara. What had begun as a quiet meeting between Miss Verity Poldark and Captain Blamey had turned into a brawl between Blamey and Francis Poldark. She followed the rest of the household and Poldark family to the field in front of the house to see about the to-do, which was far worse than any ruckus Jud and Prudie got themselves into.

She stared open mouthed at the pair who were ready with pistols in hand to fight a duel, over the honour of Verity Poldark. Ross was retraining Verity she half noted. She had seen men fight before, father was notorious when he had drink in him for starting something up the kiddleys, but this was something new.

It happened so fast. With a gasp Demelza covered her mouth with shock, she hadn't really expected them to fire the weapons at each other. Captain Blamey was clutching at his arm and Francis was laying supine on the grass. She knew quick thinking was needed and hurried back into the kitchen to fetch the pail, then rushed out to the pump in the yard to draw some water.

Back in the house she could hear Ross frantically calling to Prudie for assistance, she gathered up her skirts and hurtled up the stairs trying hard not to spill any of her supplies as she went.

"I'll help sur. I'm not a feared." Demelza stated with a quiet confidence. She began to tear the linen into strips for use. Dipping them into the water she handed them to Ross.

For one second Prudie and Ross looked at her in surprise and she just brushed them off with a shrug before they sprang into action. Prudie scurried off downstairs to fetch more supplies that Ross needed.

"Hold that there," Ross ordered to Demelza, indicating she put pressure on the linen over the wound.

She watched as he washed his hands with the soap and water Prudie had appeared with and then disinfected the kitchen knife in the flame in the grate.

"Hold….with your other hand." he said giving her the knife as he prepared the rest of the things he needed.

Attention back on the subject in question Demelza watched as Ross began the task of saving his cousin's life. She handed things to him when asked and made sure she absorbed it all like a sponge, in case the need arise another time when she might have to perform such a task as this.

Not even when Ross stitched up Francis' neck did Demelza shudder or squirm, instead she asked questions now and again about the job in hand and was pleased when he didn't snap her head off, but gave a curt but informative reply.

They worked well side by side, a team that needed no sharp instruction or effort on either part and eventually the deed was done. Francis was patched up as best as Ross could manage. Which all things considered was a fine job indeed.

"Will 'ee live sur." Demelza finally asked as Ross straightened up and eased his aching back.

"I expect so," Ross replied dryly.

"Yur cousin do owe 'ee his life. Where'd you learn to do such things?" She asked. Demelza had been amazed at his skill and swiftness during the procedure, she tidied away the mess that had been created.

Pacing Ross replied. "On the battlefields of Virginia."

She finished clearing and soon Charles Poldark had his men come and remove Mr Francis to Trenwith in the carriage, but not before Miss Elizabeth did arrive and upset Mr Ross. Demelza who did know her place, mainly stayed hidden away in the kitchen. Alone. Jud and Prudie having probably taken to their beds or to the drink with the shocks of the day.

When all had stilled and the visitors had all gone home, Demelza walked through the house and found Captain Poldark sitting in the parlour at the table looking very desolate indeed with his head in his hands.

Hearing her he looked up and enquired. "Do I have half wit branded across my forehead?"

She gasped slightly as he reached out suddenly and grasped her wrist in his hands. Fingers of steel and yet she knew he would not hurt or maim her. She looked at him straight in the eyes holding his stare.

"No," she assured him and he released her.

"I fell for it again. Build a castle out of winks and smiles and all the while…" He confided his deepest feelings.

Demelza gazed at him with empathy in her heart for none tried as hard as he to help others. It was such a shame that he could not find happiness for himself when he tried so hard to help others, who took him for granted. And she of all people knew about being taken for granted.

"I should be grateful," he continued slapping his hands palm down on the table and looked straight at her before standing up and walking to the door. "Fetch Jim, Prudie and Jud. We have work to do."

"Yes," she whispered to herself. "We do, we'll have to work together to put a smile on your face again."