With all the children read to and settled, Even being the first in my..our room. Ross and I readied ourselves for bed.

"We seem like strangers now." I commented with a small chuckle

"We were strangers before we left. And not of my..." he trailed off.

"Doing?" i ask finishing his sentence off "But of mine? Is that what you've been thinking all this time, that I've been grieving for Hugh?" he removed his vest and I could tell by his expression that I was correct in my assumptions.

"Have you not?" he wondered

"That is the past ,Ross. Over and done with. You left for London before I had the chance to tell you. Then you stayed away." I answered now having turned in my chair to face him properly.

"It seemed easier to fight a shade from afar." He replied.

"All these months, the distance, the mistrust." I rose to my feet " I think you no longer know me."

"Perhaps we no longer know each other ." Ross stepped over to me and for the first time in months we were so close.

-----

Eve's fussing had awoken me the next morning. I rose to feed her  and set her back asleep. I could have gotten up and ready for the day like I normally do, this time I took the chance to get back into bed, just to stare at my husband who was finally home. After a little time he woke up.

"What is London like?" I ask quietly

"Loud...and hectic." he answered  turning his head to me

"Your life there?" I wonder

"Pampered and decedent. See how soft and fat I've become?" he leant up poking his stomach. I chuckled

"On the contrary  " I smile. The moment was popped by the thundering steps of our awake children.

"Mama!" The called and the door to our room opened

"Ugh, what my off spring." I sit up

"You promised to take us to the mine today." Henry chimed.

"Did I now?" i got out of bed "How could I possible take you, when not one of you are dressed and had breakfast." the paused looking at each other and ran off. I laughed turning to Ross.

"You take them to the mine?" he asks

"On occasion, they stay above ground. Henry and Rebekah Grace enjoy helping  break the rocks and the twins like to watch me work." he rose from the bed and got ready

"And where are you going?" I wonder

"To prove how unfit I am." he grabbed his things and got dressed. When I had dressed he was already gone.

"Going down to the mine today ma'am?" Demelza asks

"I am." I sat down to have breakfast with the children. "Right you rowdy buch, let's get going and for heavens sake...."

"Be careful around the tools." the chimed. I shook my head.