This chapter is very long but I could not find a way to cut it. I'm thinking of a way to thank all of the people who leave me those wonderful Reviews. It is amazing to see my story grow, and don't worry, I'm not done with it yet.

Enjoy!

Dwight could not remember where the ballroom was. He had left the party to reach the gardens. He needed to think. The evening had been delightful and entertaining, but all of this was before he had started wondering about his feelings for the young Caroline Penvenen. He had enjoyed the few conversations they had shared, but this could not lead to anything. She was Ray Penvenen's heiress, a member of the gentry who spent time with all of the richest families in London. He was nothing but a common doctor working in the countryside. How silly he was to think about her in such a way... She was young. Her self-confidence did not change her innocence. He recognized the hall leading to the main room. He could hear the exclamations of joy and the music echoing from the walls. But as he moved towards one of the doors, it opened to reveal Caroline. She looked up at him and frowned a little just before lifting her head with a well-mannered composure.

"Doctor Enys," she said.

"Miss Penvenen. Are you looking for something?"

"Someone, to be exact. Sir Thomas just asked me where Demelza was. He is about to make his last speech."

Dwight carefully listened to her. Her features were slightly highlighted by the candles. She had lovely eyes.

"Do you know where Demelza is?" she suddenly asked, surely embarrassed by his lack of answer.

"I do not. Have you asked Ross?"

"Captain Poldark is missing as well. Therefore it appears I am the one in charge to look after a couple on the run."

He chuckled a bit and it made her relax. Doctor Enys was definitely a shy man, but Caroline liked his modesty. He was very different from the kind of men she was used to see, and it was refreshing. He lifted his head and said:

"I am sure they will be easy to find. Now, if you allow me, I think I should go back to the party."

Although Caroline did not want him to leave, she knew this situation was not proper. What kind of lady would stay in a dark hall with an older bachelor? Yet, it was good to stay beside him. Caroline was not used of this kind of appealing sensation. She had never been attracted to a man before.

Was she attracted to him?

Before he could reach the door, she stopped him:

"Doctor Enys?"

He turned back and looked at her, surprised.

"Would you like to…"

Before she could end her sentence, a loud noise resounded from one of the rooms in the back. It was as if something or someone had been thrown against a wall. The noise was rapidly joined by other ones in a heavy blast. Caroline and Dwight shared a concerned look before silently agreeing to see what was happening. Dwight passed her and followed the noise to detect the source of the din. He opened one of the doors, and Caroline felt her heart miss a beat as she entered. Ross Poldark and Hugh Armitage were having a violent fight. Hugh seemed to have been pushed against one of the tables. His jaw was red. His fine coat was ragged. As she lifted her head, she saw Demelza. Her friend was standing in the middle of the room, shivering as a leaf, the shock still visible on her face. Caroline hurried herself to reach Demelza, and saw the relief in her eyes.

"My dear, what happened?" Caroline softly asked.

Demelza's blue eyes were wide-opened and she was apparently incapable to give an answer. As Caroline lifted her head, she saw Doctor Enys was taking care of the situation. Hugh was still in one of the corners of the room, his back against a table. He felt Caroline's offended glance and it automatically made him regain consciousness. Miss Penvenen tried to calm Demelza, but it was as if she could not hear her.

All she could see was Ross. The fury in his eyes.

"Ross! Please calm down!"

Dwight was trying his best to hold his friend back. He did not know what had just happened, but he knew Ross could be unstoppable once angered. He strongly gripped Ross' shoulders and managed to catch his attention. The Captain relaxed a bit as he realised who was holding him.

Hugh put his collar back and ran his hand through his hair. He looked at Demelza.

"Hugh, what happened?" Caroline asked, her voice betraying her incomprehension.

"I found Lieutenant Armitage alone with Demelza," Ross growled.

"And this was enough to beat him?"

Miss Penvenen's voice quavered as she angrily looked at Ross, and then at Hugh.

"You both are gentlemen, are you not?" she inquired.

Caroline could not believe her eyes, nor her ears. Men were definitely a mystery to her.

"I did not know it was common in London to let a man alone with a freshly married lady," Ross barked.

"Please, Ross," Demelza let go of Caroline's hands to approach her husband. "Nothing happened."

Ross seemed to relax a little as he looked at his wife. She seemed to be the only one capable to calm him, knowing how hot-headed he could be. But as he heard Hugh's exhalations, his anger came back:

"The next time I see you alone with her will be the last time you'll be able to see something, Lieutenant."

Hugh chuckled and it took Dwight all his strength to hold Ross back again.

"What a threat, Captain Poldark," said the Lieutenant. "This is something I cannot wait to see."

That was enough. Ross pushed Dwight away and rushed himself to Hugh. This arrogant boy had awoken his temper. He had managed to tolerate the scarcely masked overtures Hugh had given to his wife during the entire night. But to find him with Demelza, and alone! This had been the final straw.

Before anyone else could make a move, Ross was already holding Hugh by the collar, his raging eyes just a few inches away from the Lieutenant's.

"I think you should leave before you do something you would intensely regret," he growled.

He then let go of him.

"Do you think she's mad at me?"

Caroline gave Hugh an annoyed look. She had offered to bring him back to the ballroom, but this had only been an excuse to have a little chat with him. In fact, she was angry with herself for what had just happened. She had been naive enough to think nothing would happen at all as if she did not know about Hugh and Demelza's past.

And now here they were, walking together in the courtyard, both trying to process what they had seen.

"I would be mad at you if I were her," she declared. "I am already mad at you."

"I did not want this to happen."

"What did you expect? She is married, Hugh!"

He stopped, visibly ashamed.

"I thought she'd be happy to see me."

"She was. Before you started flirting with her."

"I love her."

Caroline paused, touched by the sadness in his voice.

"I know," she admitted. "This is the reason why you have to let her go. She is happy now."

"With this man? Do you truly believe it?"

"I do. I saw the way he behaves when he is with her. He is a fine man. And she loves him."

"Do you know if she ever mentioned me?" he asked shyly.

"I never asked her. Listen, Hugh, I know how you feel about her, but I am afraid your feelings were not mutual. Demelza loves you, but not in the way you think. I am sorry."

She knew it was painful for Hugh to hear it, but he had to know the truth. She was only doing this to help Demelza. Years had passed now. They all had changed.

"You're probably right," he sadly admitted. "I am so sorry. I'd like to make it up to her."

"Maybe one day you will, but tonight is too soon."

Hugh smiled with bitterness, his eyes exposing the pain in his mind. He had been so foolish. His attachment got the better of him.

"I need to leave," he said before stopping. He calmly took her hands before taking a deep breath: "You should get to her."

She frowned. "Are you sure?"

"You're her friend. I will be just fine. Please tell her how sorry I am."

He let go of her hands and reached the door leading to the party.

"Let me at least explain her absence to her father," Caroline insisted.

"Don't worry. I'll tell Thomas."

She thought about it and made her way toward him, taking his hands in hers again.

"Where will you go?"

"I don't know yet," he lied. He of course intended to enter in the first pub he would find to drown his sorrows. She obviously knew what he was up to, but decided to let it go.

"Please be careful, Hugh," she begged.

"I will." He left the hall and quickly reached the ballroom, guilt increasing in his thoughts as he realised what he had done. He had seen the fear in Demelza's eyes as she was watching him face her husband. He could not tell if he was still mad at Ross Poldark, all he knew was that he was sorry for such behavior. Hugh suddenly feared he would not be allowed to see Demelza again. He had been such a fool.

"Hugh! At least I found you!"

He stopped as he recognized Thomas Carne's joyful voice. The man gripped his shoulder before asking:

"Do you know where my daughter is, my boy? I asked this question to Caroline about twenty minutes ago and now she's missing as well!"

"I'm afraid Demelza left," he lied.

Thomas frowned, and Hugh added:

"She felt unwell. Caroline fetched Doctor Enys to make sure everything was fine. She's resting now."

"Is Ross with her?"

He nodded. Even Thomas seemed to care about his new son-in-law, as if everything was normal now as if they were meant to be. He really wanted to leave this stupid reception.

"I am sorry Thomas, but I need to go," he said with bitterness.

"Really? You too?"

"An emergency. Please tell my uncle I left and I'll go back home by my own means."

Thomas silently observed him and Hugh had the strange feeling the man could tell he was lying.

"I am very sorry for leaving this way."

"There is no problem, Hugh. I am glad you came."

They shared a smile and Hugh started to make his way towards the main hall.

"Hugh!" Thomas yelled behind him, "did you say goodbye to Demelza?"

He chuckled bitterly before grabbing his thick coat.

"I did."

Caroline made her way back to the lounge as fast as she could, a million thoughts growing in her mind. Lucky enough, Hugh seemed to regret the incident. But what about Ross? She opened the door and, at her greatest surprise, only found Doctor Enys and Ross.

"Where is Demelza?" she asked.

Ross, who was sitting on the sofa, turned his head in silence as if he did not want to say the answer out loud. Caroline frowned and Dwight slowly approached her.

"She just left the room. Have you not seen her?"

She silently shook her head. Of course, Demelza had left. She hated conflicts, and to see Hugh and Ross having a fight was clearly not a thing she had to witness right now. Caroline felt anger grow in her heart as she made her way in the center of the room. The guilt she was feeling was intensifying the concern in her voice as she addressed Ross:

"What were you thinking?"

The one involved lifted his head, incomprehension on his features.

"I beg your pardon?" he asked.

"Why did you react in such a way?"

Ross chuckled, visibly offended.

"Demelza asked me the same. No wonder why you are her friend."

"I am not Demelza; I fear I don't have her patience."

He looked at the woman who was now standing in front of him. Her head was lifted with boldness and he knew she would not stop asking him the same question if he did not answer her rapidly. She was looking at him with an imperious glance as if he was a child she had to reprimand. He hated this feeling, but most of all, he hated the fact that she was right. He had reacted like a child.

"Don't tell me you did not see the way he behaved with her tonight," he spat before getting on his feet. "You probably think I overreacted, and you're probably right. But what kind of man lets another gentleman alone with his wife without feeling offended?"

"Such a lovely way to consider things, Ross. You found a man alone with your wife!" she mocked.

"This is not what I meant."

"Perhaps, but that is what you just said."

"You perfectly know why I did what I did. This man could not stop looking at her whether I was with her or not. It does not matter if she is my wife or not, I could not stand the way he was behaving with her tonight. Don't act as if you don't know anything about him - I know he is your friend too. I can see I disappoint you, but I could not let him dishonor her in such a way."

"You do not disappoint me, Captain."

In fact, Caroline was starting to understand him. He did not know about Hugh and Demelza, about their past. She would have probably reacted in the same way.

"Hugh made a mistake," she added. "He admitted it. I just don't see why it came to blows."

"Because I easily let my emotions override my line of conduct, to my shame," he confessed.

Caroline heard a soft chuckle behind her and it made her realise Doctor Enys was still in the room. She turned around and they silently looked at each other. She felt relieved to notice his presence here. She took a deep breath, her heart heavy in her chest, and walked a little before stopping in front of Ross.

"I am sorry for what happened. It is partly my fault. I thought it was a good idea to invite Hugh."

She glanced back at Dwight and internally decided to get to the bottom of things.

"Ross, I should not be the one telling you this, but I am only doing it because I do think it would help. The attraction you have noticed in Hugh is far from being new. As you already know it, Hugh's uncle was a friend of Demelza's mother. Lord Falmouth had in mind that they would someday be wife and groom, and I suspect he raised Hugh in this purpose. They were very close - we were very close, the three of us. Demelza had always admired Hugh because he was older and bold. They were inseparable…"

Dwight observed Ross as Caroline spoke. His features were darkening, but Enys could also tell his friend was finally relieved to see someone lifting the veil to all the questions he had been asking himself since he had met the Lieutenant.

"One day, he secretly made his proposal, for he was sure his feelings were reciprocal. But Demelza refused. Please, don't tell anyone. I am the only one aware," she seriously said, looking at both of them. They both nodded and she continued: "The day after, Hugh was announcing he had chosen to join the navy."

"So he left because Demelza refused?" Dwight inquired.

Caroline was about to answer she could not tell, but now that she had told the story out loud, the truth was striking her with full force. She silently nodded.

"I think he was hoping his absence would make her change her mind."

"But when he came back, she was already married," Ross muttered.

It was as if the world had collapsed. He could not believe his ears. He could feel the concern in Dwight's eyes as he and Caroline were staring at him. Of course Hugh was still in love with Demelza. He had waited for her all his life. He had left the continent because of her refusal, and now that he was back, she was with someone else. Ross already knew this story by heart. All the patterns were here, echoing his own experience: the secret proposal, the departure, the heart-breaking return.

I am Hugh's Francis, he realised.

Could he judge the man, now that he knew? After all, Ross had been as seductive as Hugh towards Elizabeth the months that had followed his arrival back in Cornwall. Still, there was a difference. Elizabeth had accepted his hand, making him hope for a common future. Demelza had not done such a thing. She had refused Hugh, although it did not stop his hopes.

"Please don't be mad at her, Ross," he heard Caroline insist. "She had no idea Hugh would come back. I do not know all the details, but they quarreled the last time they spoke to each other before he left England."

They had quarreled? What for? Maybe Demelza had changed her mind. The thought made him shiver.

"I need to see my wife," Ross said.

Caroline and Dwight nodded at the same time. Ross was about to leave the room, but he stopped and turned back at Miss Penvenen:

"Thank you, Caroline."

As she saw him disappear in the hall, the concern grew in her thoughts. She hoped she had not made something stupid. She heard Doctor Enys clearing his throat and got a grip on herself. He smiled shyly at her, apologising for his fried behavior. She accepted his apology and suddenly realised her uncle would be looking for her, but all of her worry vanished as the Doctor proposed to bring her back to the party.

Stupid. Silly. Girl.

Demelza could not get those three words away. She had been so foolish to even think Hugh had moved on. And now, because of his little game, Ross was mad at her. She had seen it. The anger in his eyes. And she had left like a coward, preferring to do so before arguing with him in front of Dwight and Caroline. She could not put a word on the emotion she was feeling right now. It was a mix of anger, angst, and sadness. She could not forget the words Hugh had used to mention her past. He was the only one who knew about her father's demons. Nobody else knew. Not even Caroline.

Not even Ross.

She felt guilty. So guilty. He had told her everything about his past, he had mentioned the story he shared with Elizabeth, and she had never thought about exposing her own past in return. She had been naive enough to think this "Hugh" thing belonged to yesterday.

"But let's face it, he will never understand you. I do. I've always known you."

His voice was haunting her. He had known her perfectly, before… Now this time was over, and she was more than fine with it.

She managed to reach her room without meeting anybody, to her greatest relief. She could not face the rest of the guests now, and deeply hoped Caroline would find the perfect explanation for her absence. She closed the door behind her and started undressing. She stopped as she noticed her naked reflexion in one of the mirrors. It took her a few moments to feel the tears against her cheeks. Her womb. It was visible now, at least she could see the slight growth in her belly. Was it the candlelights, or only a trick of her mind? Or maybe the stress had emphasized the visibility of her condition. She approached the mirror and sighed. How silly she could be. She thoughtfully caressed her belly, still looking at it. All of her problems, all of the anger she had felt before, all of it was gone. This endless night had made her forget about the little thing inside her. She internally swore that it would never happen again.

Never.

She quickly put her nightgown and reached the bed. She curled in it and buried her cheeks against the soft pillows, her hand never leaving her womb.

"I am so sorry," she whispered. "I am sorry you had to face it too."

She suddenly felt an overwhelming feeling of joy filling her body. Something she had never experienced before, at least nothing with such a power. She quickly chuckled as she realised what it was. Love. The child was not here and yet, there was no word to tell how much she loved him - or her. Nothing could get this happiness away from her now. Not even Hugh, not even Ross.

She rolled herself into a ball, protecting the babe with her legs, smiling as she rubbed her hand against her belly.

"There he is!"

Ross froze as he saw Thomas pointing at him, a relieved smile on his cheeks. He had tried to find Demelza, but she was nowhere to be found - not in the ground floor rooms, at least. Thomas was probably saying goodbye to the last guests, and Ross had heard his voice as he was inspecting the room near the main hall. He did not want to see anyone, but now that he was found he had no choice. He made his way towards his father-in-law, crossing the doorway to reach the hall, internally praying not to meet Lieutenant Armitage. Putting a fake smile, he reached Thomas, who as about to say goodbye to a couple.

"We've been looking for you, my boy!" Thomas exclaimed.

"I am very sorry for the absence. I…"

"Don't worry, Caroline and Doctor Enys told me about Demelza. I saw Hugh as well."

Ross felt his heart miss a beat.

"They told you…?"

"That my daughter was indisposed. A chance your best friend is a physician! Thank you for looking after her. How is she?"

"She is… asleep."

"Er! Well, no one messes around with health. A pity she missed the last hour of the party."

There was something dark in Thomas' tone, and it even made Ross shiver. He stayed with Thomas and thanked all the guests that were now leaving through the main door. Drake and Samuel rapidly joined their father, and Ross took the opportunity to leave. As he made his way towards the stairs, he met Caroline. She reached him quickly, taking his hands in concern:

"Please, take care of her."

He frowned. What did she mean by that? Was Demelza really unwell? It gave him even more concern. Caroline seriousness came back as she finally stated:

"And please try to behave like a good gentleman, this time."

He smiled as he saw her leave. If she really was attracted to Dwight, then he really would have to work hard.

He realised he had not thanked her for finding an excuse to Demelza. He would do it tomorrow. As he climbed the stairs leading to the rooms, his guilt came back. His jealousy too. He looked at the clock - midnight and a half. Demelza would already be asleep by now, considering how weary she had been these last days. Ross had even wondered if she was sick, but luckily enough she seemed to only be the victim of fatigue. He took a candle and lighted in it the hall, before entering their room. As he heard a crack from the bed, he turned around.

"You should be asleep," he said coldly as he saw the little shadow that had sat up in the bed.

"I could not."

He put the candle on the table and started undressing. He let go of his coat and started to undo his trousers, his back facing the bed. Suddenly, he felt a grip holding his shoulders. Demelza had stood up and he had not heard her slight feet. She put her head against his neck, holding him in a soft embrace. She quickly kissed his shoulder and let go off him. She reached the bed and he did the same after putting a long white shirt for the night. He felt her presence as he entered the bed. She quickly huddled against him, as if she wanted to make sure his presence was real. He wrapped his arms around her waist and sniffed the lovely perfume in her hair. She kissed his cheek and he could tell she was about to sleep now, but he could not do the same. All the events of the night stroke him.

"Your father was wondering where you were," he declared placidly.

"What did you tell him?"

"Caroline and Dwight told him you were tired. I followed."

"I'm sorry I left."

"I'm sorry I hit him."

Demelza shivered as she remembered the moment when Ross had violently slap Hugh in the face. There was a lot of anger in the way he had pronounced the name "Hugh". She stopped her embrace and lifted her head to look at him, feeling glad no one had blown on the candle. Now she could see the light dancing on Ross' face, highlighting his eyes. But now all she could see was bitterness in this absent glance.

"It's alright, Ross. I understand."

"I don't think you do."

She sat up at his words, frowning. He stayed still, not even looking at her. So he still was mad then?

"What do you mean?" she asked, trying to control her outrage.

"I don't think you know what it is to see someone openly lust after the person on earth you love the most."

His voice broke in anger and she closed her eyes to appease herself. She quickly sat on his waist to face him, taking his head in her hands. She kissed him slightly, softly, as if she was silently telling him to calm down. She heard him grunt in surprise, but he caressed the back of her head, clasping some of her hair to deepen their kiss. She finally moved her head back and they both stared at each other, their eyes locked as they breathed heavily.

"What was that for?" he asked huskily.

"I don't want to fight. Not on Christmas Eve."

He said nothing and she thoughtfully caressed his forehead. She could feel him relax under her touch. He closed his eyes as she softly played with his hair in one hand, still caressing his features with the other.

"I am sorry for what happened with Hugh," she whispered, her mouth just a few inches away from his. "He did nothing. I told him the truth."

"And what is the truth?"

His voice was rasping, his eyes now slightly open as if she was singing him a lullaby. She had so much power on him. She could make his worries disappear in no time at all.

"That I am in love with you, Ross Poldark." He felt his heart dance in his chest. She kissed him again before adding: "That I chose you and nobody else to be my husband in this life."

"Caroline told me. About Hugh."

He felt her freeze suddenly and opened his eyes. She was avoiding his glance now, looking shyly at her hands that were clutched together on his chest. He could tell she was trying to hold her tears. He felt guilty for his answer, but he had to be sure. He knew what it was to see the person you once loved taken away by someone else.

"I should have told you," she lifted her head and he was once again immersed in the ocean of her eyes.

"Indeed, you should have," he answered calmly. She knew he was still angered by the whole situation, but for a reason she could not tell, he seemed to hold all of his feelings. Was it because she had asked him to do so?

"Do you love him?" he suddenly asked almost inaudibly.

She shivered as she realised. He was angry, yes, but most of all, he was afraid. That was not respect that was making him behave in such a way, it was fear.

Fear of losing her.

She looked at him and his sight broke her. He did not seem mad anymore, he was just waiting for her answer. She knew he could leave at any moment now.

"I don't," she whispered, hearing her own voice cracking with emotion. "I love you, and only you."

"So it's true then. Hugh did ask for your hand."

At this very moment, she felt like she was about to lose him. She hurried against him, wrapping her arms around the back of his head, hiding her face inside his neck, trying her best not to burst into tears. How silly she had been!

"He did," she answered against the skin of his neck, "but I refused. We've grown up together. Lord Falmouth wanted me to marry his nephew, and I know my father loved the idea. More than two years ago, my father organised a small gathering for my seventeenth birthday. Hugh joined me in the gardens and asked me to become his wife. I could not accept. I love him, Ross, but not in that way. He is - he was - my best friend, my confidant, but I could not think about him as my husband. I could not do this to him. He is a good man, Ross, he has always been here for me."

Ross listened to her carefully, doing his best to focus on her voice. He shushed her as he heard her sobs. He could feel her tears against his neck. He kissed her head and caressed her back to show her he was not angry anymore.

"He left England at the end of the month and I did not see him again until tonight. We shared some letters, but we stopped our correspondence after I asked him to stop sending me poems. I thought his feelings were gone. I was wrong."

"What did he tell you tonight?"

"He thought I had married on interest. I proved him wrong."

Ross chuckled. He knew he had married a loyal woman, stubborn enough to face anyone who would be at odds with her own choices. She left his neck and lifted her head to face him.

"I don't love him," she stated convincingly as he silently wiped the tears away from her cheeks. "To be completely honest with you, I would say that Hugh did touch my heart in a unique way, but this was years ago, and it was not love. Not the love I feel for you, at least."

He smiled, now convinced.

"I am sorry I did not tell you any sooner. It won't happen again. I thought this was over and I was wrong. Please forgive me."

"I've forgiven you at the moment I heard you cry, my love."

She giggled before he kissed her again, deeply this time, his hands still holding her head. She stopped their kiss as a new idea grew in her mind:

"You said I had no idea of what it was to see my lover being coveted by someone else. You really think I'm blind enough to miss the way Elizabeth stares at you each time we go to Trenwith?"

He opened his eyes wide in surprise.

"Elizabeth is married."

"I know she is. She still looks at you. Don't try to make me believe you did not notice either."

"I had no idea it bothered you."

"It is not because I don't yell at her or hold her by the collar that it does not bother me. She has always managed to only look at you, nothing more. Plus, I realised you were far from being receptive."

He looked at this girl in front of him. She was younger than him and yet, her serenity was not of her age. She had noticed Elizabeth's seductive glances since the beginning, and she had never said a thing, until tonight. She was the human definition of dignity.

"I love you," he simply declared before kissing her. "I really hope you had a good time for Christmas Eve, despite of all this."

"I did," she smiled.

She took his hand in hers, playing with it as a smile lightened her face. She was now looking at him with a playful grin as if she was up to something. It was in these moments that Ross loved her the most, when she was smiling at no one else but him. He knew how selfish he could be, mostly with her, but he could not help it. He observed her in silence and thought about how beautiful she was right now. He was so absorbed by his own thoughts that it took him several seconds to realise she had brought his hand against her belly. He frowned and look at her, seeing her eyes widen in wonder.

And then, he understood her silent declaration.

Demelza felt her heart explode as she saw him open his mouth with awe. He looked at his hand she was still holding against her womb and slowly caressed it.

"Are you… Demelza, are you?"

She could not answer and simply nodded as tears of joy grew in her eyes. He took her in his arms, to make her roll on her back and kissed her lips, then her neck.

"Do you have any idea of how happy you make me?" he asked as he nuzzled against her ear, making her giggle under him.

"We're going to have a baby," she declared out loud for the very first time.

"Does anybody else know?"

"Only Caroline. Please don't be jealous at her."

"Right now I'm too elated to think about her."

He went down and lifted her nightgown to kiss her belly, noticing the small growth in her womb. He reached her head and kissed her one last time, never letting her go from his grip.

"We're going to have a baby, my dearest," he said huskily against her mouth.

I hope I did not disappoint some of you who did not want any drama with Hugh. I really wanted to establish a relationship comparable to Jo and Laurie in Little Women for Demelza and him. Please let me know what you think about it, I really wasn't sure about this chapter tbh. Your Reviews are so motivating, be insured that I read all of them, so please Review as much as you can!