-October 1780-

I walk in on the arm of Papa. Agatha Poldark had been kind to invite us to her birthday party at Trenwith. I was excited and nervous all at the same time. It was my first party that I had been allowed to attend.

"I'm nervous Papa." I glanced up at him.

"Whatever for my darling?" he wondered meeting my worried gaze

"It's my first party, what if I trip and fall over. I will be a complete fool. I'll embarrass you." I rush out. He chuckles and taps my hand.

"My ray of light, you shall never embarrass me. My love for you outweighs anything in this world. Now come." he guided me inside and that is when I see him, Ross Poldark, he's conversing with his cousins. I was going to greet him but my sister moved past me. I feel my heart sink. Ross Poldark is the most charming man in all of Cornwall, yet everyone can tell he is my sisters.

Papa guides me around the room covering with the Warleggan's, Poldarks and other various families introducing me as he goes. Step mother keeps her tongue as Papa sings my praises, though in the eye of others I know I do not compare.

"Papa, may I have something to drink?" I ask

"Yes, but only one. I will find water hereafter." I curtsy and excuse myself. I flit past the guests only to trip on my own skirt.

"Easy." A pair of arms catch me and stop me from falling flat on my face. "Are you alright?" the older boy asks

"Yes..thank you sir." I answer timidly

"I'm Francis Poldark, this is my friend George Warleggan." he introduce himself and who he was with. I curtsy.

"Abigail Chynowyth, Elizabeth's sister." I always felt the need to say that, as it gave me such validation to be in their company and spoken to.

"Ms Chynowyth. Would you like to dance?" Mr Poldark offered his hand

"I..." I liked back at Papa. Then back to Mr Poldark "Well Papa did say I could have fun. It would be my pleasure." I took his hand and he escorted me to the dance floor where Ross and Elizabeth were already

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Later on that night, I had lost sight of Papa and was trying to find him. I was tired and wished to return home.

"Oh sorry!" I say bumping into someone. I was a terrible klutz, and this dress didn't help either, Step Mother refused to have it hemmed.

"It's okay." my breath stopped, as Ross smiled down at me "Abigail, I didn't know you were here." my smile faltered

"Oh, well. It's my first party, Papa said I could come. Is it true you've enlisted?" I question

"It is. Though only to escape a more ill fate." I nodded

"I must be going, i have to find Papa." I moved past him only to run into my step mother speaking out of turn about me with Mrs Tueage. I ran out of their upset. I hated this night, I ran for what felt like forever and stopped. Looking around I realised. I was lost. It was dark and I hadn't told anyone where I was going.

"Oh dear, what have I done." I mumbled sitting down against a tree.

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"Miss Abigail! Miss Abigail." I hummed hearing someone say my name. My eyes felt heavy but I could make out the close figure of Ross Poldark. "A lot of people have been looking for you. Come on." I felt my arm being draped over his shoulder then scooped up into his arms as my head lolled against his chest.

"I've got you....I've got you."