I was chasing, Henry and Rebekah Grace out in the garden when the figure of a running Prudie approached.

"Betty! Tis her time! And Dr Enys can't be found." I turn to the door going to shout for Demelza but she was out. "Ross fetch me the brandywine!" I call

"Calm yourself, we'll be on our way." Ross came out with the bottle handing it to me. "Now you two, you stay here with Papa. I'll be back later." We run of and into the village and into Betty's. 

"Betty, here I brought something for the pain." I removed the stopper and handed it to her. she took a swig of it

"I found him, Betty! Dr Enys be here." Rosina and Dwight arrived as Prudie changed the bed. Once she was done we got her laid on the bed and I held onto her hand.

"It'd be a boy, that's for sure. They's be trouble before there born. You remember mistress." Prudie paced back and forth.

"I remember having more trouble with Rebekah Grace, to be honest. Come on Betty push." she screamed as she did before breathing a sigh of relief as little cries. Dwight pulled them out and as i grabbed the wrap they were laid into.

"Hey, you'll never guess there's news of Grace." Ted came running in

"And a fine new nephew for you." I chime "What news of Grace?" I ask

"She's to stay open another month."

"To Betty's boy." Prudie cheered

"And tin." Ted added

"And tin." she drank some of the brandywine

------

I opened the door to Trenwith and glanced around. I half expected Francis to be here but wasn't.. I headed upstairs.

"So it is true." I comment with a small smirk. It was beneath me to do this but i couldn't find the heart to care "The old hag is on the verge of biting it. When Demelza had heard through the grapevine, I came straight here. Aunt Agatha, flourishing as always." I kissed her cheek.

"Abigail, you're here." Elizabeth breathed

"Of course I am. God finally answer my prayers and strikes down the wicked stepmother. Where else would I be? Sympathies to you by the way, I thank the lord she's not my mother." I  state touching her arm in comfort.

"Abigail, that's...that's cruel." She stuttered

"I'm only reciprocating her feelings to me since birth. Though I am sincere in my sympathies towards you. I also came here to help you."  I continue "I've heard of a place that will deal with her. I mean take care of her, of course. No fee."

"I can't even think of that right now. And your not helping so I ask you to leave." I shrug and crouch down lowering my voice.

"I speak low as to not completely scar Elizabeth." I began "But when you die and you will, I prayed to reserve the worst place in hell for your soul or lack there of. Horrible Dreams Harpy." I stood back up and left.

------------

I held up a new undershirt for my dresses as Prudie came in with some more fire wood.

"That's a pretty piece." she complimented

"Thank you. I made it from an old one of Ross's. I shall wear it tonight. We're expecting visitors." I smile

"So I know 'em?"

"One of them you even like, which is saying something." I chuckle going upstairs to get ready. Verity and Her stepson Andrew were our guest but Rebekah Grace was having a fit about wearing her nice clothes, so I wasn't there to greet them.

"Verity. I'm so glad you're here." I beam "Apologies for not greeting you. Rebekah Grace was competing in stubbornness, can't imagine where she get's that from." I gave a pointed look to my husband.

"Not at all my dear. James this is my cousin, Abigail Poldark and her and Ross' children Henry and Rebekah Grace. This is my step son Midshipman James Balmey." she introduced us.

"It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Mistress Abigail." he bowed

"Yours to." I curtsy .

"I was just say that on our way over I noticed the engine chimney of the mine still working." she commented

"We continue to limp on, existing on a shoe string, everything against us." Ross replied

"He's exaggerating! Tin has been found. We're not sure how far or deep it goes, but...." Ross took over

"The quality of the ore is promising, I admit. He crouched down and Rebekah Grace ran over to him, he lifted her up into his arms.

"I'm very glad for you. A change in fortune is long deserved."

"You have a very fine ship, Captain. Do you have your own cabin?" James ask keenly to my husband

"Naturally. Would you like to inspect it, sir." Ross offered

"So I should." Ross let Rebekah Grace down and she returned to me as the men went off. We sat down. The children played with their toys.

"Do you see much of Elizabeth?" Verity wondered

"No, not these days. I did visit her the other day. I heard about harpy and I could resist on seeing if it was true. I was pleased with the sight." I answer

"Abigail, that's positively cruel." she gasped

"No it's not. She's done far worse, she's the reason my mothers dead and she practically drove Papa to an early grave. What is happening is just deserved and a long time coming." I nod in conviction. "She's more than happy to admit Ross, or was. Why do you ask?"

"I don't know there's something....I cannot put my finger on it. She seems a little on edge, as if innerly excited." she thought

"Maybe she's happy about the harpy to." I offered

"I don't think thats it. It's as if that she thinks her circumstances are about to change." my demeanour changed and bravado dropped.

"Oh."

"Do you know why that might be?" she asked

"Maybe you should ask Ross." I retort and she takes my hand giving it a little squeeze.

"That sounds a little bitter."

"Does it. I only mean that he sees more of her than I do."  I pause "I know he loved her. I'm not stupid. So, when he goes to see her. I'd not be human or me if I didn't wonder what they say to each other or of they still have feelings."  I confess

"You think they do?"

"They were each others first love. Such love cannot be easily put aside. I know what your thinking, Francis assured me of the same thing before he died. Ross would never mean to hurt me. But I think if it came to a choice between the two of us, with Elizabeth now free." I voiced

"You cannot believe that!" she protested

"So I'm told. Anyway onto brighter topics. What a treasure James is. He's like the west wind all clean, kind and gusty. He adores you." thankfully Verity changed as I wished

"And I him, as if he were my own son."

"I'm so glad. it'll make up for..."

"For what? My not having a child of my own. Oh but that's the most wonderful thing. There is nothing to make up for." she told me and I broke out in a squeal

"Verity! When?"

"About October." I laugh and bring her into a hug. I was so happy for her.