AN : Sorry for lack of updates, I am just so exhausted by the time I get opportunity to write.

Chapter 5 part 3.

Demelza was looking forward to the social event of the month, she felt a bit odd, unable to put an exact finger on how 'odd', and decided it must be excitement of the day ahead, but knowing deep down that was not it. They had not had a holiday for months and now the travelling actors were visiting the area. It was such an event that it drew people from all over, poor and rich alike mingled for the day to enjoy the festivities on offer. Along with the play, costermongers would ply their wares, with frivolities that were usually only available in larger towns or cities. Even Ross seemed eager to go, having been working as hard as any man he employed in order to secure a better life for himself, she: his wife and for the tenants who lived on his land and toiled in his mine.

They walked arm in arm casually to the meadow, Ross towing Darkie behind him in case he was called away urgently to the mine, they soon met with Dwight along the way. Demelza liked Dwight, Ross had introduced them a few weeks ago as the surgeon who had put Ross back together again after his adventures fighting for the British army in the American War of Independence, for which she was grateful, for who knew what her life might be if it hadn't been for her husband.

Demelza was pleased to meet Verity there after the short but stilted conversation with Elizabeth about her state of pregnancy, they found themselves seats and prepared to watch the play. The benches were more than uncomfortable and she tried her best to avoid fidgeting like a small child, but the ache in her lower back was protesting too much and she had not heard a word the actors had spoken since it had started some time ago.

She must have made a noise as beside her Ross concerned muttered "My love?"

"It's just an ache," she reassured him, stretching and preparing to stand. "I'll maybe stretch my legs awhile."

As she walked away she felt a definite sharp twinge in her abdomen and knew without a doubt it was more than a little back ache. This was it, this was labour, she didn't much care for it already and wasn't looking forward to it progressing either. One thing was for sure the quicker it was over, the happier she would be. She had not gone far when she heard the rustling of skirts and a breathless Verity appeared beside her.

"My Dear… are you well? I fear perhaps your time is upon you," She brushed Demelza's arm gently, regarding her through worried eyes.

"Mayhap, but it might just be a touch of the backache…" From the look on Verity face Demelza knew she had not been very convincing.

"Nevertheless, I think we ought to be getting you home to bed."

"Oooh!" Demelza grimaced and with a brief backward glance at Verity hurried up the hill to Nampara.