Trying Not to Love You-21
June 24th brought a glorious summer day with just the right amount of heat balanced out by an occasional breeze. The foliage around the church was in full bloom and the light, fragrant scents that wafted into the small room gave it a feeling of joy, mirroring the mood of those in attendance. The pews were filled with both gentry and villagers, all of whom had, in some way, become friends with either the bride or groom or both. News that Ross Poldark of Nampara was marrying his cousin's widow traveled through the county quicker than the discovery of a mining lode and was received with both surprise and gladness. Those who knew the circumstances of the engagement were happy that two people who had faced despair had found each other and, in turn, love. Most of those people were miners or old friends of Ross who had seen him grow up and knew that he had been unhappy since he returned from America. They were also the group that had come to know Demelza and found her to be kind, generous and feisty; a perfect match for Ross.
The other occupants were from the Poldark social circle; the gentry who had judged from afar because they assumed they knew the truth. If they didn't like what they heard, they made up their own. They were the people, who had whispered behind Ross and Demelza's back; who had taken Elizabeth's side in this phantom competition of the blame game and who thought that Ross was marrying Demelza strictly to secure the Trenwith estate. They were not the first invitees on the list but as Verity reminded him, against his standard moral code, that he needed to keep these people as friends if he wanted his business to prosper and his marriage to be accepted. And so here they were. The rich and the poor gathered together to witness the nuptials of Ross Poldark and Demelza Carne Poldark.
The groom was nervous; a rare emotion for him so it was a positive factor that his witness was a doctor. Dwight kept checking on his best friend to make sure he didn't pass out from the excitement of the day. Wearing his best burgundy dress coat, one that he kept for special occasions, Ross was ready for this day to get started. For his marriage to Elizabeth, he wore black. That should have been a sign right then and there of things to come, but today, he felt that a color that represented his heart was more appropriate. His white shirt and stock were crisp and his boots were polished but the most noticeable thing was that Ross cut his hair to a manageable curl. He knew Demelza liked it wild and unruly but even he convinced her that for church and this day, a trim would be needed.
After his proposal, he and Demelza spent a few days getting used to the idea that they were actually going to have the rest of their lives together. They enjoyed sharing walks and teas and supper, acting like a couple courting while planning their wedding. Demelza had wanted something small and intimate, with only the immediate family and closest of friends in attendance and at first, Ross agreed. Then as he thought about it, he decided that he didn't want to make it seem like he was ashamed of his new wife and wanted to share his happiness with the people in his life that meant the most not only to him but to Demelza as well. So he convinced her that they should have a full and proper wedding with all the trimmings. Seeing Ross's enthusiasm, she acquiesced but insisted that the party was not to be held at Trenwith but at Nampara, their home. Ross agreed that their new life should start in their own home. Weeks were spent coming up with lists of guests, food, and decorations.
Verity was of invaluable help with Demelza's personal preparation. Together they put together her dress and accessories all while keeping Ross in the dark and he hated it. He hated not knowing what was going on right under his nose but was excited by the element of surprise. And now that the day had come, he was impatient to see his soon to be wife although it didn't matter what she wore as long as she became his. As Dwight was to stand by Ross, so to Verity was to be Demelza's witness. They had truly become sisters during the past months and there was no one else either Ross or she wanted to stand by them as they were married.
Ross was anxious to see Demelza since they stayed apart for the past few days, only sending messages to each other to communicate. He was surprised when Dwight handed him one this morning on their way to church. After reading it, Ross folded it back into a small square and put it in his coat pocket. As he stood waiting he remembered the words Demelza had written.
Dearest Ross,
Only a few more hours until our lives truly begin. Take heart, my love, that I have never been surer of anything in my life than I am about marrying you. Becoming your wife, partner, lover, and mother of our children is my fate. And I promise to make you happy and to never give you cause to regret loving me. I cannot wait to become your wife. Meet you at the church. Don't be late.
All my love, always
Demelza
He watched as the congregation had finally settled into the pews after milling about greeting each other. Harris Pascoe and Nat Pearce sat towards the front on the groom's side along with Ross's Aunt Agatha representing the Poldark family. For Demelza, Sam and Drake took a position on the opposite side of the church along with most of the miners and their families from both Poldark mines. Demelza's father and stepmother were not in attendance at the behest of the bride. She wanted to make this about love, commitment, and the future, not about the past. Ross understood that and didn't press the issue. Now as he took his position at the front of the church he waited, trying to keep his fidgetiness to a minimum. He had turned to Dwight for some reassurance when he heard a buzz coming from the crowd. Looking up he saw Verity at the back of the church, just at the end of the aisle. She was lovely in a soft green gown with flower embroidery woven into the skirt and hem; her head covered in a wide-brimmed hat. As she made her way down the aisle to join Ross and Dwight she gave her cousin the slightest nod of approval and a smile that said, "Just wait until you see Demelza."
The wait was over as silhouetted in the doorway, the sun bathing her in soft light was Demelza. Ross strained to see over the crowd but he didn't need to bother because all of sudden she was walking towards him, taking his breath away. He noticed that she was wearing a dress he hadn't seen since he was a boy. It was one of his mother's that apparently she and Verity had altered to fit her tiny frame. It was of the palest blue, which offset her eyes and made them even more spectacular. The material was a fine satin and cut in such a way that it accentuated and flattered her figure more so than anything else he's seen her wear. Her flaming red hair was loose, falling down about her, framing her face in torrents of curls with just sprigs of wildflowers scattered through it. She carried a bouquet of some of the same flora, her hands holding a lace handkerchief as well. He noticed it was monogrammed with initials of some kind but couldn't tell exactly what they were. That diversion ended as his focus traveled back up to Demelza's face. As she approached, Ross felt his throat tighten and his eyes water. She was the most exquisite being he had ever seen and she was his.
Demelza walked slowly towards Ross, her hands shaking and her knees feeling just the slightest bit wobbly. She heard, rather than felt, the dress rustle as she took those steps that led her to her new life. At first, she was reluctant to wear something that belonged to Ross's mother, but when Verity said it would fit perfectly into an old wedding tradition, Demelza couldn't resist. It was made of the richest material she had ever felt and yet the softest. The color reminded her of the ocean that lapped at the shore, where the water was the lightest blue. It had needed alterations and Verity was kind enough to do them for her so that no one else would know what she was going to be married in. So the dress represented the "something old, something blue" part of weddings. In her hands, she carried a small bouquet of her favorite wildflowers that she gathered herself this morning. It was something she insisted on doing as she did every day when she went on her walk but it would also calm her nerves. In her hands she also carried a lace handkerchief; that was her "something borrowed" from Verity.
The aisle seemed longer than she remembered and her steps were hesitant. Perhaps it was because of the sixpence in her shoe; another good luck token that was given to her by Aunt Agatha. Or maybe it was because the new silk stockings she was wearing made her shoes feel as if they would slide off at any moment. Those were her "something new" and were a surprise gift from Ross. Verity handed her the package this morning as they had tea and Demelza was shocked that he would think to give her a gift when in her mind, he and his love were the only gifts she wanted or needed. When she opened the tissue paper, a small piece of parchment fell out of it. She smiled as she knew it was another note from Ross. The letters and notes they'd shared while they waited to be together were the best kinds of courting they could have done. She loved each note no matter how short or simple and she kept them in a box so that when they were an old married couple she could take them out and read them to remember. The note from this morning made her cry but instead of putting it in the box, she folded it and stashed it in her corset, close to her heart. She was sure that some would consider it improper but she didn't care. It was a silly gesture but eased her nerves to have Ross's words with her.
My most beloved Demelza,
Please accept these as a small token of my love. I didn't know if you had any stockings to wear with your dress and Verity suggested you might like a pair such as these. I also believe that you needed something new to finish your wedding tradition, so consider these the last piece. Except in my heart, the "something new" is our life together and the ring I will put on your finger. Dearest Demelza, if gifts were given to husbands on their wedding day then I would already have all I need since you agreed to share your life with me. I love you, dearest heart, and cannot wait to become your husband, partner, lover, and father of our children. See you soon. And don't be late.
All my love, always,
Ross
Now as Demelza got closer to Ross, her heartbeat gained momentum pushing against the parchment at her breast. This was really happening she thought as a smile came to her face. Then without realizing it she had reached the altar and saw Ross hold out his arm to her. Letting go of the flowers she took a hold of it and gave him a squeeze. Ross laid his other hand on top of hers and led her to the final few steps to the altar. As they came to a stop Ross whispered in her ear.
"See I'm not late."
Keeping her eyes forward toward Reverend Odgers, Demelza replied, "Nor I."
She let a smirk cross her lips as they waited for the ceremony to begin and ignored the disapproving look the reverend gave her, but it was not lost on Ross. Not wanting to ruin this day for Demelza he let it slide for now. That was not to say he wouldn't take it up with him at a later date. Right now this moment was about him and Demelza. He felt her trembling next to him and held her hand tighter for which she was grateful. Suddenly their attention was drawn to the monotone voice of Reverend Odgers as the ceremony began.
"Dearly beloved, we are gathered together to join this man and this-woman-in holy matrimony. If anyone knows any reason they should not be joined let them speak now or forever hold their peace."
The usual pause occurred as the congregation waited for a possible response from someone amongst their group. Ross briefly looked over his shoulder as if to warn anyone who might be thinking of voicing any sort of objection to reconsider. He caught the eye of Pascoe and Pearce and nodded, knowing that they would jump to his defense if needed as would Zacky Martin who sat on the opposite side. Satisfied that no one would dare ruin this day he turned back to Demelza and the reverend.
She leaned over towards him and said softly, "Are you sure you're not having second thoughts?"
"None whatsoever. You?" he questioned in reply.
Demelza just shook her head and said, "No."
Ross looked up at Reverend Odgers and indicated for him to move the ceremony along. Seeing that this wedding was going to happen despite his not liking it he continued. Staring down at Ross he began again, the disapproving tone in his voice obvious.
"Do you Ross Vennor Poldark, take this woman to be thy wedded wife to live together after God's ordinance in the Holy Estate of matrimony? Wilt thou love her? Comfort her, honor and keep her, in sickness and in health and forsaking all others keep thee only unto her as long as you both shall live?"
He turned his attention to Demelza and answered loud enough for everyone to hear, "I do."
Demelza gave him a radiant smile as tears started to form, making her blue eyes shimmer and his heart swell with love. He held her hand tight as the Reverend began her vows.
"And do you Demelza Carne Poldark, take this man to be thy wedded husband to live together after God's ordinance in the Holy Estate of matrimony? Wilt though love him? Comfort him, honor and keep him, in sickness and health and forsaking all others, keep thee only unto him as long as you both shall live?"
Squeezing Ross's hand she replied simply, "I do".
The reverend turned to Ross and asked if he had a ring. Dwight stepped up and handed Ross the simple gold band. He ran his finger through the opening and felt for the inscription he had requested. Holding it firmly so that he didn't drop it in his nervous state, Ross looked to the reverend for instruction on what to do next.
"Ross, place the ring on Demelza's finger and repeat these words: with this ring, I thee wed. And with all my worldly goods I thee endow." He spoke flatly as if he were bored with the whole event and was ready to move on to the party.
Taking Demelza's hand in his, he slipped the ring on her slender finger and repeated the words as the reverend instructed. Holding the ring in place, he rubbed it gently with his hand as if to seal it. Seeing that the ring was in place the Reverend took their joined hands and held them for a final blessing.
"That which God hath joined together let no man put asunder. I know pronounce you man and wife."
With the final words Ross, not caring who was there or that they were in church or that it was unconventional took Demelza's face in his hands and kissed her. It wasn't long but it was full of promise and Demelza reciprocated, her hands holding onto his arms. They broke apart when Dwight started clapping and a cheer went up in the crowd. As the guests rose and started to depart, Ross stayed focused on Demelza brushing his thumbs across her cheeks wiping away the tears that fell as she broke into a wide smile, lighting up her face and the small chapel. Dwight patted him on the back to remind him that they needed to go out and greet their guests. After giving him a hug, he pushed him to start walking out.
"Ross, I know that you and Demelza would love to be alone, but you have the rest of your lives for that. Now you have to out there and receive the congratulations of your friends. And then my friend, we celebrate," Dwight said.
Dwight looked over the newly married couple to Verity who smiled and worked with him to get the bride and groom going so the wedding could continue at Nampara. As Ross and Demelza led the way back up the aisle, arms linked and leaning against each other, Dwight and Verity followed. They exited the church and were greeted by a shower of petals and paper confetti being thrown at them with cries of "congratulations" coming from all sides. Glancing at each other, Ross couldn't help but give Demelza another kiss, the joy coursing through his body overflowing and he wanted to share it with everyone.
"My friends, Demelza and I thank you for coming here this morning and witnessing our marriage. And there will be time for speeches later but for now, let's go back to Nampara and continue the celebration," he shouted.
The crowd cheered again and started to disperse as they walked or rode towards the house.
Turning towards their best friends and witnesses, Demelza asked, "Verity can you and Dwight lead the guests back to Nampara? There is one more thing I need to do here."
"Of course my dear," she said as she gave her a hug. "I'm so happy for you Demelza."
Ross took Dwight by the shoulders and thanked him again.
"Dwight thank you, for everything. Demelza and I wouldn't be here today if you hadn't-well-just been a friend," Ross said his voice filled with emotion.
"My friend, it makes me glad to see you so happy," Dwight said. "You've found a perfect match in Demelza. She's a remarkable woman."
Both men looked over at the ladies, who were in quiet conversation, bright smiles on their faces.
"Indeed," Ross replied.
"Dr. Enys," Verity called over, "I believe we are in charge of getting the celebration started. Shall we?" Verity held out her arm and waited for him to join her.
"Perhaps you'll be next Dwight," Ross said casting a look over at his cousin.
"I don't think matchmaking is your calling, Ross. Just focus on your own new wife."
With that, Dwight tipped his hat and strode over to Verity and Demelza. He kissed Demelza's hand before taking Verity's arm and starting on the path to Nampara. Ross walked to join his new wife as they watched everyone disappear into the grove of trees. Once they were alone, Ross linked his hand with Demelza's and pulled her towards him.
"Well Mistress Poldark, are you ready to join our friends and toast our marriage?" Ross's tone was light, his face bright with a smile that made his eyes crinkle and the scar seem even more attractive.
Demelza reached up and touched his cheek before leaving a kiss in its wake.
"I am. But I want to do something else first," she said. Stepping away from Ross she headed towards the cemetery coming to stand in front of Francis's grave. Demelza untied the ribbon holding the bouquet, took a few of the flowers and crouching carefully so her dress didn't get dirty, placed them on the ground in front of the newly erected headstone. It was the first time Ross or Demelza had seen it. She was glad that it was simple without any flourish as it represented the man that they knew Francis to be. As she stood, she placed something else on the granite: Francis's wedding ring. It had been tied to the ribbon of her flowers. Holding her hand over it, Demelza spoke softly, almost under her breath.
"Dear Francis. I hope you know I loved you. And I hope you'll be happy for me. For us. Watch over us dear one."
Taking the handkerchief that she's been holding all morning, she wiped her eyes. Ross watched her and finally saw that the initials on the lacey material were Verity's. Something borrowed, he thought. He moved forward and took her elbow as support.
"Do you think he knows, Ross? Do you think he's happy for us?" she asked.
Gazing at his new wife, Ross looked down at his cousin's final resting place and answered her.
"Yes my love, I do. I think in some odd, karmic way, this was meant to be," he replied. He took her hand that held the shiny new ring and started to take it off.
"Ross! What are you doing? Don't tell me you've changed your mind already?" she cried.
He said nothing but slipped it off her finger and held it up for her to see.
"I had this engraved. Take a look," he said, holding it out for her to see.
Demelza took the ring. She twisted it to look inside the band and saw one word. Smiling she looked back up at her husband and the tears surfaced anew.
"Fate," she whispered.
"Yes, my love, because as much as I hate to admit it, I believe you were right that this whole thing was fate."
Ross took the ring back and slipped it on her finger again, kissing it in place. Demelza touched his head, her hand grazing the dark curls that were starting to fall waywardly across his forehead. Ross looked up at her and again kissed her. He would never tire of kissing her.
"Remember that Ross," she teased.
"Remember what?"
"That I'm usually right. Now shall we go and enjoy our wedding day?" she asked.
"Yes my love, let's go," Ross said as he took her hand and they started to walk past the rest of the Poldark family. Demelza stopped again and placed two more flowers on Grace and Joshua's graves. Picking up their joined hands, he kissed hers again.
"Thank you, my love, for doing that. My father did love my mother no matter what others believed. I hope that I can honor and worship you as he did her," Ross vowed.
"You already have, dearest. You already have."
They walked slowly out of the churchyard and Ross lifted Demelza onto Darkie so they could ride towards their home, their friends, and their new life.
As they reached the outskirts of Nampara land, Ross and Demelza heard music and laughter coming from the area around the house. The ride home had been quiet with neither of them talking much. The solemnity of the day had hit them as they stood in the churchyard, looking at the Poldarks who had passed. Ross had gotten passed his nerves once the ceremony was over and he kissed Demelza but now, as they got closer to Nampara, the reality that the woman he had loved for so long was now his wife sank in. He was now responsible for her, their home, the mines and Francis' estate. It was not nerves he was dealing with now but disbelief that for once in his life he actually had all he wanted. The only thing he was uneasy about was tonight when he and Demelza would finally be able to express the love they had in the most basic and complete way. The wait to get to today had been almost unbearable except for the fact that he loved her more than he could ever express so the importance of their wedding night was not lost on him.
As they reached the stone gate, Ross brought Darkie to a halt and slid off before helping Demelza down. He seized her hand pulling it to his lips to leave another kiss on it. Demelza accepted it and smiled as she looked at her new home. Peering through the windows it warmed her heart to see it filled with their friends and family. She was also glad that there so many people around right now because as they got closer to Nampara, Demelza grasped that tonight she and Ross would be crossing a barrier that they had been careful to honor for as long as they've known each other; and she was nervous. She loved him with everything she had and she was worried that she would disappoint him. Demelza knew he loved her but the anticipation of finally being together fully could taint the idealized love they had both created about each other. She didn't know why this thought came to her now because the last thing she wanted was to cloud the rest of the day with unfounded fear and worry. Yet she felt the need to share these feelings with Ross. One thing Demelza learned in the months being married to Francis and every day since his death was that keeping secrets did no good. If she and Ross were to start their lives right, then she needed to tell him what she feared and hoped he wouldn't be upset or laugh at her. Ross was about to open the gate and go inside when she held him back. He turned to look at her as she started to speak.
"So Master Poldark this is where we start our lives. Before we go in and join everyone, I have to tell you something Ross and I hope you're not angry with me," Demelza said.
"Demelza…" he started to say.
"No Ross let me just get this out or I won't be able to relax the rest of the day." She laid the flowers she was carrying on the stone wall and took his hands. "I love you Ross Poldark. What I feel for you is so deep and pure it sometimes takes my breath away that emotions like these exist. But what I'm afraid of is that despite the hard road to get here, our love has so far been, perfect, almost untouchable. Now we get to live in the real world and I am so afraid that you'll be disappointed."
Demelza felt tears coming to the surface again and took a deep breath hoping to push them away.
"My love I don't understand…"Ross tried to interrupt.
"Ross I'm not talking about cooking or cleaning. I'm talking about us. About consummating our marriage. I'm scared I'll displease you," she blurted out.
Ross stared at her for a moment and then let out a laugh. Demelza was shocked at his reaction. She expected denial of her fears or reassurance that they were unfounded. Instead, he laughed at her; the one thing she hoped wouldn't happen. She was about to leave him there and go inside when Ross pulled her into a hug and holding his hand on her head, whispered in her ear.
"Demelza, my love, I'm not laughing at you. Not in the least. I'm laughing because I was afraid of the same thing."
His new wife pulled away from him and saw that he was sincere and not teasing her. Ross brushed the wisps of hair out of her face and caressed her cheeks as he spoke his peace.
"You're right that we have been blessed to find this kind of love. A love that is based on something I can't even put a name to except that I feel that my soul is finally full for finding you. But Demelza, don't think that you are the only one who is nervous about our wedding night. That isn't reserved just for women because I'm feeling the same kind of apprehension as you."
"Really Ross? You're not just saying that to make me feel better?" she asked as the tears subsided.
"No, my love. You have to know that you are the first woman I have truly and completely loved," he said softly.
"And I you, Ross," Demelza confirmed.
"So here's what I think. That today really is the first day of our married life. So tonight, after the party is over and everyone has gone and we are alone, it will only be about you and me. And as far as I'm concerned, there was nothing before and will be nothing after us. Tonight will be our first time," Ross responded, placing a kiss on her lips.
"Ross, how did you get so smart?"
"I think being around you, I've picked up some common sense. Now, let's go inside, see our friends, have some dinner and enjoy ourselves. And we'll let tonight just happen as it should. Remember, fate is our guiding light."
Demelza grinned, her hands brushing the curls off his forehead before she kissed him back.
"Alright. I could really use a port," she said.
"I hope you're not becoming a tippler," Ross quipped.
"Far from it. And I don't think we should start our married life with a spat over our drinking habits, do you?" Demelza raised an eyebrow and gave Ross a questioning look.
"No, my love. Again, you're right. Let's go. I'm anxious to get this party started…and over with," he said as he gave her a wink.
Picking up the flowers again she was about to open the gate when Ross swooped her into his arms and swinging the gate open with his foot carried her to the door and across the threshold. As they entered the hallway, their gathered friends raised their mugs and glasses in cheer, with Dwight offering the first toast.
"Finally the newlyweds have arrived. We were beginning to think you had changed your minds," Dwight said over the crowd.
Ross put Demelza down but kept her close as she clutched his arm.
"Sorry about that. Demelza and I had some unfinished business to take care of before we came home. But now we're here so let's get this celebration started. Where's the rum?" he cried.
Ross took Demelza's hand and led her through the throng, greeting people as they passed and accepting their congratulations. Pats to Ross's back and brief hugs to Demelza from the miners and their kin littered their path until they finally reached the parlor where more of their friends were gathered. Demelza surveyed the table checking to see that everything she and Verity had planned was laid out properly. Trays and platters of cakes, pies, pasties, cheeses and sweets covered the table. Decanters and casks of ale and rum were set at the other end of the room along with a small table that held a cake. That was not on the list they set for the party and she had no idea where it came from. Demelza searched the room for Verity and found her standing in a corner near Aunt Agatha. Pouring herself a glass of port, she excused herself from Ross's side and walked to where the other Poldark women were seated.
"Verity, thank you so much for taking care of all this. You're a life saver," Demelza said as she bent to give her hug and kiss on the cheek.
"My dear, it's the least I could do. I hope everything is to your liking," Verity replied as she looked past Demelza, subtlety trying to check the room.
"It's lovely. I do have one question, though. Where did the cake come from? I don't remember us discussing that."
Verity smiled and responded. "That was Ross's idea. He asked Mrs. Tabb to make one of her famous tiered cakes for you."
Again Ross Poldark had managed to surprise her and without realizing it, she put her hand to her chest, pressing the parchment against her skin.
"Did he? Well, I must thank him for the surprise." Demelza turned to find Ross when she stopped and returned to her now cousin. "Verity, you haven't mentioned my surprise for Ross to anyone have you?"
"Well…" Verity hesitated as she answered.
"Verity?" Demelza questioned.
"I might have told Dwight but that wasn't intentional. I mentioned it as we were on our way here. I might have been a little distracted," she confessed.
Demelza smiled at her cousin because she was glad that she might finally be thinking of herself and own happiness. During her marriage to Francis, it was assumed that Verity was too old at this point to find love and companionship. If something happened with Dwight, even just friendship, it could be a wonderful thing for Verity.
"I see. Well, hopefully, Dwight will keep it to himself and not blurt it out to Ross. Sometimes I think those two are worse than women when it comes to secrets," she said.
Verity couldn't help but laugh at that comparison because as Demelza spoke she saw the two males in question across the room, seemingly deep in conversation or gossip. Turning back to Demelza she drew her attention to that scene and Demelza joined in the levity. She took a sip of port and then took a seat next to Agatha.
"How are you, Aunt? Can I get you anything?" she asked.
Agatha looked at the young woman and gave her hand a pat.
"I'm fine bud. And you seem fine as well. Hopefully, this nephew won't make the same mistake his cousin did and take you for granted. I believe you are someone who can hold your own with the Poldarks," she said as she sipped her port as well.
"I hope so. And I hope I can make him happy as well," Demelza said quietly.
"No worries child. You and Ross will have a long marriage," Agatha said confidently.
"How do you know that?" Demelza asked.
"The cards never lie, my dear," the older woman said with a wink. "Now I think I must walk around before I become too stiff. Where is that nephew of mine? I think I will give him a talking to as well."
Helping her out of her chair, Demelza held the woman steady and gave her a peck on the cheek.
"Thank you, Aunt," she said.
"No need for thanks, child. Just be happy."
With that, Agatha made her way across the room to where Ross and Dwight stood, as Demelza watched. Taking a deep breath, she walked around the room herself making sure that everyone had something to eat and drink. A few of the miners had brought instruments and were playing lighthearted tunes outside. Demelza stood on the edge of the room watching as some of the guests danced in the cleared parlor. She couldn't help but smile at the scene and feel happy as well. As she went to the table to rearrange the plates, she felt a hand on her back and smiled.
"How are you doing my dear?"
She heard him whisper in her ear and felt his breath on her neck, sending a chill down her spine. Turning to face him she answered.
"I'm fine Ross."
"This isn't too tiring for you is it?" he asked as a smirk crossed his face.
"No, my love. I feel wonderful. Happy. In love," she said. Demelza raised a hand to his cheek and leaned in for a tender kiss which Ross gladly obliged.
"Good. I wouldn't want anything to interfere with later."
"Don't worry. It won't. Now, why don't you see to our guests while I prepare something for you?"
Demelza was being coy, a trait that Ross had never seen her display before and it made him curious as to just what she was planning. Pulling away from her, he searched her face for any clue and she gave up nothing. He did as she requested and checked in with Jud and Prudie to make sure there was still plenty of food and drink for the rest of the afternoon. When he was out of the room, Demelza sought out Verity to let her know she was about ready to give Ross his present. She hoped he would enjoy it because it wasn't something that most would consider a gift. She found Verity talking to Mr. Pascoe and Mr. Pearce and excused herself for interrupting them.
"Verity I think now is the perfect time for me to give Ross my gift. What do you think?" Demelza was suddenly nervous, her hands feeling cold and shaky. Verity could see the uneasiness cross her face and gave her young cousin's hand a squeeze.
"Demelza, it will be fine. But may I make a suggestion? I think you and Ross should cut the cake first," she said.
"Why?" Demelza asked. "Are you sure?"
"Yes, because once that is done and you give Ross your gift it should make it clear to your guests that the celebration is winding down. If you know what I mean."
Now Verity was the coy one but unlike Ross, Demelza picked up on her meaning immediately.
"Of course. Alright, I will go find Ross and can you and Dwight handle the crowd?"
"Consider it done," Verity said as she took off to find Dwight and tell him of the plan.
In the meantime, Demelza walked quickly out of the room to the kitchen as that's where she saw Ross go. Finding him giving Jud instructions, she came to stand beside him and slipped her hand in his, giving it a squeeze.
"Ross? Verity thinks we should cut the cake," she said.
"So soon? I thought you said you had something for me," he responded.
"I do. But I think you were right that maybe I am getting a little tired. If we cut the cake, the party will wind down and then…." She didn't finish her statement because there was no need. Their intuitive relationship made it clear to Ross what she was inferring.
"I see. Well then, let's go and have cake," Ross said brightly, the thought of what was to follow now uppermost in his mind. As he led Demelza out, she felt her body begin to thrum with excitement and anticipation. Not just for what she was about to do but for what was going to happen later. Her adrenaline began to course through her veins giving her a new energy she hadn't felt a few moments ago.
Verity was already standing by the table with a knife in her hand ready to hand it to Ross. He took it but felt he needed to make a speech to their friends. Filling a mug with rum, he faced the crowd and began to speak.
"Before I slice into this cake and share it with all of you, I just want to say how happy I am that you have all come to celebrate with Demelza and me as we begin this new chapter of our lives. It was not easy getting to this day as most of you in this room know. That is why seeing you here, supporting us, and giving us your blessing means more than anything. To Verity and Dwight, thank you for being our witnesses, our champions, and our friends. Without either of you, Demelza and I would not be standing here together. And to my wife, Demelza, what can I say? I don't think I ever knew what real happiness and love were until I met you. I know I said this in church this morning but I feel the need to say it again. I vow to make you happy every day and that no matter what the future holds, I will love you for as long as you'll have me."
Ross finished speaking and felt moisture gather in his eyes. As for Demelza and most everyone else in the room, tears flowed. She said nothing but stepped towards him and taking his face in her hands, kissed him.
"Thank you, my love. I hope to do the same for you. Now what say we cut the cake and then I can give you my gift," she whispered in his ear.
Ross nodded and proceeded to cut slices of the spice cake and laying them on dishes to be passed out to the guests. Demelza, Verity, and Dwight started to do this. After it appeared that everyone had cake and another drink, Demelza went to stand near the spinet piano and waited for the Verity to get the attention of the crowd. Ross had been standing near the door talking to Zacky when he saw his wife twisting her handkerchief around her fingers. What is she up to? Ross mused. Verity moved to the center of the parlor and spoke.
"Friends and family, Demelza has something she wants to share with you. Well actually it's a gift for Ross, so please indulge her while she presents it to him." She ended her speech and turned to Demelza as a sign that she should begin. The new Mrs. Poldark hit a note on the spinet and then turning back to the room, began to sing.
I'd a pluck a fair rose for my love
I'd a pluck a red rose blowin'
Love's in my heart, I'm tryin' so to prove
What your heart's knowin'I'd a pluck a finger on a thorn
I'd a pluck a finger bleedin'
Red is my heart, wounded and forlorn
And your heart needin'I'd a hold a finger to my tongue
I'd a hold a finger waitin'
My heart is sore until it joins in song
With your heart matin'
As she finished she focused solely on Ross who, during her performance could not take his eyes off his wife. The room was full of people but as far as Ross and Demelza were concerned they were the only ones there. He hadn't realized he was holding his breath until the silence in the room was broken by spontaneous applause. They still kept staring at each other, the electric current flowing between them almost unbearable. Demelza gave a shy smile to Ross from where she stood but she didn't expect him to stride across the room, take her in his arms and kiss her as if there was no one about. Demelza, at first unsure, what to do, let instinct take over and sliding her arms around his back, returned the kiss. Sliding their lips against each other they gave no heed to the fact that there were others in the room. Breaking apart to catch their breaths, Ross tilted his head against hers.
Speaking softly so that only she could hear, Ross said, "I think I've had enough partying for one day, don't you?"