Tell me the story ….. By Rosa17

AN. I am a bit rusty, having had to take a break in writing due to circumstances in my personal life. But I feel now is the time to try and pick writing up again.

Chapter 1

Part 1

Grace Poldark skipped daintily into the parlour, careful not to herald her arrival into the house by stomping in an unladylike manner and alerting her mother to the fact she was not still romping in the fields with her dog; Copper. She smoothed down the fabric of her grubby brown everyday frock and polished the toes of her boots on the back of her stockings, balancing as a stork as she did so.

It was peaceful in here, cool at the threshold but hot by the small fire which flickered in the hearth to ward off the chill of the room for her Grandmother, who sat sleeping in the rocking chair close by. The summer sun missed the window somewhat hitting the side of the house and the light fell in soft hues, landing on her Grandmother's dress clad knees. Her Grandmother's hair, so Grace had been told was once the vivid shade of red hers was now and just as unruly with a mind of its own and a personality to match.

She had been named for her Great Grandmother;Grace Vennor Poldark, and was the youngest grandchild of the youngest child of Ross and Demelza Poldark. Her father it had been often said was an afterthought and she pondered in her seven year old mind if she was the same. Born when her father was in his late thirties and already the father of four strapping lads, the eldest of whom was now a father himself.

With eyes accustomed to the dim light she walked over to her Grandmother and sat on the small red velvet stool by her feet. She stroked her weathered hand carefully wanting her to wake, but not with a start to alarm her frail heart.

"Grace, Grace…" a urgent woman's voice penetrated the child's senses. She glanced up to see her mother in the doorway just as she herself had been some minutes before.

"Mama," Grace whispered. "I will be quiet I promise," she added, her voice carrying a faint Cornish lilt, which although her parents tried to extinguish remained. Perhaps due to the amount of time she escaped Nampara and roamed the fields with the local children instead of concentrating on her studies and ladylike pursuits.

Louisa sighed, with a look which told Grace that she was giving her the benefit of the doubt and left her to it.

The clock ticked, echoing about the room in the age old manner. That the present is in the past before it is recognised. A soft sigh escaped the lips of Demelza Poldark, and she came to with a gentle smile upon her lips. Her first notion was she had company, without glancing down she knew it would be Grace.

On cue Grace murmured. "Tell me a story Grandma…..tell me the story of when you and Grandpa met."