Men arrived at Nampara to work on the secret cache in the library. I leant against the doorframe eating an apple as I watched, only to be joined by Ross.

"Nothing will happen till night fall." he told me

"Cause that will make the blindest bit of difference." I threw my apple away and made my way upstairs. Nightfall came and they started digging. I could hear them as I sat in the kitchen with Demelza and Prudie.

"What can I do? It will be another week or so before my inheritance is released. I can't beg for it or earn enough. I can't dig for it or tell him not to dig not that he'd listen. What use am I?" I downed another glass of rum.

"I've know Cap'n Ross since he were a whelp. Since his mother died. She was a good soul, an' a wise, an' I know what she'd say" she took my hand in hers

"What?"

"She said he'd met his match." she told me sternly

"That was true once, but now I'm to tired and it feels like I'm his torment." I sigh leaning back in my chair

"And she'd say serve him right. "

"I could crown him, and he scarcely knows I'm here. Let alone the children." There was a knock at the door and Prudie stood up "Prudie don't answer it." I sent her back and opened the door.

"Charlie. You scared me I thought you were the gaugers." I breath a sigh of relief

"Why would they suspect a gentleman's house, Ma'am. I've come with a message for Captain Ross." I nodded

"Stay here I'll go get him." I head into the libabry

"Ross you have a visitor." I tell him and he looks back seeing Charlie.

"Charlie!" he comes out and I close the door "What is it?"

"Mr Trencrom says if you wish to write a letter to Mark Daniel in France, do so. I'll see it gets aboard when the one and all sails" he relayed. Ross wrote a letter and sent it away with Charlie biro terming into the library. I went up to bed and fell asleep but was awoken by Ross' return. I turned over and let out a small sigh running my hand up and down his arm but he never moved.

------

I brought in the turkey and sat it down on the table. I kissed Henry's and Rebekah Grace's head. It was small but would feed the household in this somber time of year.

"It seems war is inevitable." Ross commented

"Merry Christmas to you too Ross."  I grumbled sitting down between our children

"Pitt's called out the military. The French are in Antwerp." he placed up

"Gravy." I pushed the jug forward

"What?" I gave him an exasperated look "Oh yes thank you." he cut the turkey

"I invited Dwight to join us?" he stated

"Oh." I replied as he gave the children their slices of turkey first.

"He declined."

"Probably for the best. A family meal is what is needed I think."  I try to make conversation.

"I expect he's meeting Caroline."

"I expect he is." Prudie and Demelza enter.

"A letter from Mr Trencrom." Prudie handed it over as I helped Rebekah Grace by cutting her food into smaller pieces

"And Miss Caroline sent you and the children these." Demelza set the boxes down

"How nice. We will have to thank her later, won't we?" I chime. Henry tucks into his as I help his sister. Demelza and Prudie leave us

"Mark Daniel." he stated with a small scowl gracing his face.

"Yes?"

"Apparently he's disappeared from the face of the earth." he told me. I scratch my eye brow

"Oh, well at least we know." I dismissed off handedly, no longer caring about this conversation.

"Yes. Now our last hope is gone."   he took the paper and unfolded it once more. I shook my head and jabbed my fork ito the dead cut up bird

-------

"I've discussed it with Pascoe. We wait until late in the day to the Cary I cannot pay him. Then there's a chance that they won't come and arrest me till tomorrow. So we shall have one final night at home together" he says and I fix on my coat. I step into the study "Where are you going?"

"I'm going with you. We may have our differences at the moment. But if you think you're to play into their hands  and face it without me. You're mistaken. Shall we?" The two of us leave and head into town.

"Mistress Poldark! This is a surprise. Something to fortify you?" he greeted us.

"Thank you I will. I think I'll need it." he poured out some whiskey and handed a glass over. Taking one from hisself

"As I told you, the Warleggan's declined to extend the loan. Tis my suspicion they care not for the money. What they want is the man." Pascoe commented

"Well here he is."

"And yet I think perhaps they may be disappointed." he smirked

"How?" I asked

"I recently received a visit." he began which intrigued me all the more.

"From."

"A person who wishes to remain nameless. The proposal I'm instructed to make is this: to purchase your debt in full and arrange a new promissory note at a censurably lower rate of interest." he handed over the new promissory note.

"I don't understand. How could anyone consider that an investment?" he then looked towards me "Did you?"

"With what?" I ask

"The person concerned regards it as a mark of faith in your prospects and integrity. If you accept, the full £1,400 will instantly be forthcoming and you may take it to the Warleggens this very hour." Pascoe informed is happily

"Who is this person? Who would do such a thing?" I question

"Is this you Harris?" Ross guessed

"It is not. Nor am I at liberty to disclose their name. It was their express condition." I nodded in understand

"So your saying the money is available the moment Ross' signs the promissory note."

"Yes." he assured

"And you knowing who this person is, advise us to accept?" I leant forward

"But I, knowing this person, do advise you to accept." he opened the input and handed him the quill. Ross turned to me and I nodded. He took it and signed his name. Pascoe grinned and handed over the money. The two of us thanked him and headed straight over to the Warleggans.

The made us wait a while before letting us in. I followed behind Ross as he entered first.

"Good day to you both. You remember my wife Abigail." he gestured back and I gave a small curtsy in greeting to the two men.

"Good day to you ma'am. Delighted you could join us." George bowed his head. I smiled

"Apologies but I don't think it would be fitting for me to do so." I glanced at Ross

"I regret to say I'm unable to give you the satisfaction..."

"Most unfortunate." George mumbled

"Of visiting me in prison." he pulled out the check and laid it out on the table "You'll have to make do with this." I tried to hide my smile but I couldn't

"What is this foolery." Cary Warleggan scowled

"Payment in full, with interest. We wish you both compliments of the season." he offered me  his arm and I took it.

"Merry Christmas!" I chime as we strolled out

---

We made it back in time for the children bed time. They cheered when they saw me.

"Now, now. no time for that." I remove my coat and pull the chip into the two beds "It's time to rest your head." they curled up

"And listen." I removed the book mark and began to read. I was nearly to the end of the chapter when I noticed they were sound asleep. "Goodnight my little angels." I kissed both their heads and slipped out. I sat at the dressing table coming my hair when Ross came in.

"I bought a few things while you were at the chandlers." he told me

"You need not. We're still a little tight for the next few weeks." I reply turning around.

"Well you had nothing for Christmas. Not even my attention." he held out a parcel for me. i took it.

"I don't need gifts, Ross. It is enough that you'd still care for me" I smile sorrowfully

"Do you doubt it?" I stood up

"In recent times I have. I feel as though you like me but no longer have a longing. Rest easy as I come to terms with it." I tap his shoulder moving past him he takes my hand.

"You think I no longer love you?" I look down at our joined hands

"not in that way." I answer and he lets go.

"Open your present." he tells me and I do as he asks loosening  the ribbon and moving back the paper. I stop short. "What is it? Do you not like them?" he questions as I gaze upon the silk, white, stockings.

"No, it's not that. It's not. But where would I wear them?" I breath

"Will they suit you?"

"I can't tell." I answer

"Let me see." My breath hitches as I turn my gaze up him

"If you want to." he takes the stockings and kneels down as I sit at the edge of the bed. Then takes my leg  and runs his hand up and down them pushing my shift back. He takes one of the stockings and slips it over my foot and up my leg securing it in place with a ribbon tied into a bow.  He kneels up between my legs and kisses me softly on my lips making me melt and relax.

"So you are not to be rid of me, my love."

"I am not to be rid of you, my love." I humm in a daze. He stands me up and leads me to the side of the bed.