this was, caroline thought with amusement, the most illustrious riding companion she'd yet found for herself. back home in cornwall, ruth treneglos usually answered the call, and while one could find a good many adjectives to describe her, illustrious would not be one of them. then there was her own husband. caroline had been so foolish as to marry a kind and honorable man - one who abhorred the hunt and was far too busy with needy patients to gallop about the countryside with his frivolous wife as soften as she would wish. but as was often the case, london had dropped new opportunities into her lap. and as was always the case, she was not inclined to waste a chance to vary her society.

" it's good of you to join me, " she said as they traversed the park. " i'm sure i seem some frightful dragon since none of my own friends will ride with me... " she shot the girl a knowing look, a wry smile on her lips. " but i promise there's little to fear - half a dozen at least have ventured to share my company and come away with hardly any scratches at all... "

𝑺𝑻𝑨𝑹𝑻𝑬𝑹 𝑪𝑨𝑳𝑳 --> @wornkindness

Minor Characters + Costumes: Ruth Teague/Treneglos

Re-used Costumes in Poldark

Dark green striped bodice/jacket

Lyndsey Marshal as Lady Sarah in Garrow's Law (2009) Mariah Gale as Mrs Younge in Death Comes to Pemberley (2013) Natalie Dormer as Seymour Worsely in The Scandalous Lady W (2014) Harriet Ballard as Ruth (s1) Ruby Bentall as Verity (s2) [Made from the same fabric as a dress worn by Daniela Denby-Ashe as Margaret Hale in North & South (2004)] 

According to the costume designer for The Scandalous Lady W, there are actually at least two versions of this bodice/dress as Natalie Dormer's version was made for her but based on the original. 

Spotted in North & South by @romantical-reverie 

Naughtiness.....

Demelza stood against the wall drinking wine as she watched the dance before her. She had not wanted to come to the Treneglos party, but Ross had insisted. She was infuriated because Ross always claimed to hate dancing or excused himself due to his long ago healed ankle, yet there he was dancing with Ruth  Treneglos. Demelza was not usually jealous, and she didn’t rightly know if she was jealous or just plain did not like Ruth. Though John was considered  a better catch than Ross, Ruth and her horrid mother,  Mrs Teague, still fawned over him when ever they met out in society.

Caroline appeared at her side. “Dearest, your face is a storm cloud. Can’t you hide your feelings better than that?” Caroline took Demelza’s empty glass and replaced it with a full one from the tray of a hovering servant. “Drink this. And calm down.”

Demelza seethed with anger as she watched Ross and Ruth smile as they maneuvered the tricky steps of the minuet. She knew she was being unreasonable. If only Ross looked miserable, she wouldn’t care as much.

“Judas!” exclaimed Demelza. “I could crown him for looking so pleased.” She swallowed a great gulp of wine.  

“Demelza, you could dance with John. That would irritate both of them.”

Caroline watched Dwight dancing with Elizabeth. She noticed George scowling at the entire scene before leaving the room with his Uncle Cary. If George was displeased, then Caroline didn’t mind in the least about Dwight dancing with Elizabeth.

“John is dancing with Ruth’s sister,” grumbled Demelza.

“Then I suggest...” and Caroline leaned in and whispered in Demelza’s ear. An observant person would have noticed Demelza’s scowl turn to laughter as her cheeks turned crimson.

“Caroline! I could never!”  Demelza hid behind her fan unable to control her giggles.  “What if someone saw us?”

“They are all in their cups, my dear.”  Caroline watched the dancers. “It’s entirely up to you. But I can assure you that you would have Ross’s undivided attention for the rest of the evening.” Caroline turned and looked at Demelza. “It always works with Dwight.”

Demelza sputtered in disbelief. “You’ve actually done this? Where? I don’t believe you.”

“Remember last Christmas at Lord Basset’s ball?” Caroline asked.

“Dwight never left your side.”

“Exactly.” Caroline smiled.

“Caroline, perhaps Dwight is more easily pleased than Ross,” Demelza whispered to her friend.

“Nonsense,” chided Caroline.  “They are both men.” She tapped Demelza’s shoulder with her fan.  “Here comes Ross. I dare you.”

Demelza certainly  never turned down a dare and with a calm face but a beating heart, Demelza smiled at Ross. “Caroline will you excuse us?” She took Ross’s arm.  “Ross, I need to speak with you.”  She stopped a servant and took two glasses of brandy from the tray. She handed one to Ross, nodded at Caroline and lead Ross outside.

The outside of Mingoose House was alit with torches. Many couples wandered in the gardens with the servants at the ready to fetch drinks as the need arose.

Demelza headed towards the trees that were cloaked in darkness and  once she felt she was beyond the the firelight, pushed Ross up against a sturdy trunk.

“Demelza, what is this urgency?” asked Ross. He drained his glass and waited as Demelza drank her brandy. Demelza looked at Ross over the rim of her glass. Already she was excited. She handed Ross her glass and he set them down in the grass.

Demelza put her arms around Ross. “I want you, Ross,” Demelza murmured into the hollow where his neck cloth and curls met.

“Are you drunk, my love?” asked Ross not unkindly, for Demelza was quite shy about love making except in the privacy of their bedchamber.

“I am drunk with desire for you,”  Demelza softly moaned.

“What do you desire, Demelza?” Ross asked as he took Demelza’s arms from around his neck and held her hands behind her back.

“Just to please you, Ross.” Demelza’s back was arched from the way Ross was holding her and she felt his mouth on hers, his tongue pushing between her lips before moving down her  décolletage to the tops of her pale white breasts.

“What would please me, Demelza,” Ross said between kisses, “would be you. The food tonight has been lacking and I have quite an appetite.”

“Ross...” Demelza started to object, but Ross pulled her deeper into the trees and he knew that among the woods that bordered  Mingoose were low stone benches that had been there since before he was a boy. Well away from the party and all it’s lights and noise, Ross made Demelza sit. “Unfasten your bodice,” Ross told her roughly as he knelt before her.

“Yes, Ross.” Her fingers trembled as she did as she was told.

“Now unlace your corset,” Ross commanded next and as soon as her breasts were free, Ross, now between Demelza’s knees, began to tease their rosy peaks with his mouth, gently sucking one while his hand caressed the other, alternating attention between them as Demelza started to whimper.

“Ross, people will hear,” she protested as her fingers wove their way into his curls holding his head.

“No one will hear, my love,” Ross said. “ The music will drown out any noise you might make.” As he continued, his hands found the hem of her dress and Ross began to lift the fabric until it was bunched around her waist.

“Ross, what if someone sees?” Demelza gasped, as Ross let his attention wander downward.

“I will be sure they do not,” Ross assured her and he lifted one slim leg and kissed her thigh above the creamy white stocking that was held in place with blue satin ribbon. His stubble scratched the delicate skin in a most pleasing way and Demelza relaxed against the back of the bench, the stone, cold against her bare skin. Ross rested her leg on his shoulder, then began nibbling her other thigh, lifting it so that both Demelza’s legs were around his neck.

Ross marveled that Demelza followed the trend of wearing nothing but stockings under her evening clothes. He silently thanked Caroline for he was sure her influence was behind Demelza’s recent fashion choices. Ross slowly tormented his wife by slowly trailing kisses and gentle bites up one leg and down the other while his hands explored the rest of her body.

“Ross,” Demelza groaned. “ Please,” she pleaded and she didn’t know wether to to pull his head closer or to push it away, his torment of her bordered between agony and ecstasy.

Ross lifted his head. “Was this not what you had in mind, my love?”

“Mmmmm,” was the only sound Demelza could make and Ross returned to the task at hand, ravishing his wife on a public path through the grounds of Mingoose. Ross delighted in making  Demelza writhe and moan he knew just where he could create the most pleasure. Ross finally kissed his way to the center of her passion and he took his time flicking that delicate spot with his tongue until he at last felt the pulsating tremors that told him Demelza was about to find release and when she did, Ross held her still with his hands and and teased her to the brink once more. She called his name as she reached  the height of satisfaction.

Demelza couldn’t move. She felt Ross pull her skirts down and place her feet on the ground. She let him fasten her corset and bodice. Then she stood up and Ross took her in his arms and kissed her long and hard before holding her at arms length and looking her up and down. “I think if you can stop looking like the cat who stole the cream, no one will suspect what you’ve been up to, Mrs Poldark.”

Demelza laughed. They found their empty goblets and walked arm and arm as if they been out for nothing more than a stroll. A servant approached them with a full tray and they both took a glass of wine. Then they slipped back into the party and joined Dwight and Caroline for supper. Dwight wondered why Caroline and Demelza couldn’t stop smiling and were trying desperately not to laugh. “I really have no idea,” said Ross. “It’s almost to the point we can’t take them out in society.”

“Almost,” agreed Dwight. Then he turned his attention to Mrs Ogden on his left while Ross glared at Caroline and Demelza. But it only made then laugh all the more and Ross couldn’t help but smile before he returned to his roasted quail.

// i want a ‘real housewives of cornwall’ where it’s just like... demelza, caroline, elizabeth, verity - plus constance bodrugan and ruth treneglos in there too. they just wear pretty clothes and have lots of dramatic brunches.

Elizabeth: Ruth Treneglos hit John over the head with a bottle of wine because he bought the wrong vintage!

George: Well, to be fair, 1781 was an indifferent year for the Merlot.

Demelza, Book One, Chapter 3

The day of the christening broke fine, and inside Sawle Church the ceremony passed off well before thirty guests. ... Afterward everyone began to trek back to Nampara. ... “My dear,” said Ruth Treneglos to her sister Patience, “who is this coming down the valley? Can it be a funeral procession? Old Agatha will certainly smell a bad omen here.” One or two of the others noticed that fresh visitors were on the way. Headed by a middle-aged man in a shiny black coat, the newcomers threaded their way through the trees on the other side of the stream. “My blessed parliament!” said Prudie, from the second parlor window. “It’s the maid’s father. ’E’s come on the wrong day. Didn’ ’ee tell him Wednesday, you black worm?” With a sick sensation in the pit of her stomach Demelza too had recognized the new arrivals. Her brain and her tongue froze. She could see disaster and could do nothing to meet it. ... Ross came quickly out of the house, and without appearing to hurry reached the bridge as Tom Carne came over. “How d’you do, Mr. Carne,” he said, holding out his hand. “I am grateful you were able to come.” ... “We been waiting at the church, maid,” Carne said grimly to his daughter. “Ye said four o’clock and we was there by then. Ye’d no manner of right to do it afore." “I said tomorrow at four,” Demelza answered him sharply. “Aye. So yer man said. But ’twas our right to be ’ere the day of the baptizing, an’ he said the baptizing was for today. Yer own flesh an’ blood ’as more call to be beside you at a baptizing than all these ’ere dandical folk.” ... Ross came up behind the group. “The wind is rising,” he said. “Nay,” said Carne. “I’ll not be under the same roof wi’ such evil thoughts.” He stared sharply at Ruth. “Cover yer breast, woman, ’tis shameful an’ sinful. Women ha’ been whipped in the streets for less.” There was an awful pause. “Damn your insolence!” Ruth snapped back, flushing. “You impudent, splatty old pig!” her husband said. “D’you know who you’re speaking to? Make an apology to Mrs. Treneglos at once, or, damn, I’ll have your coat off your back!” ... Ross stepped sharply between them and caught Treneglos's arm. ... "John,” said Ross, still staring at Treneglos. “You are both my guests, never forget. And I couldn’t permit you to strike my father-in-law.”

Poldark Minor Characters Appreciation 2 Weeks:

Day 5: A minor character you want to get back, but they magically disappeared and you’re sad - Ruth Teague-Treneglos

Ruth disappears quite quickly from both the series and the books, and wasn’t perhaps the nicest person ever, but I feel like she was a really interesting antagonistic(ish) figure with potential of future character development (it would require some changes, but it’s an adaptation after all). I remember that in the books she was mentioned to be somewhat respected by George, and her marriage to John Treneglos not being a happy one. It would be great to see another, more vulnerable side of Ruth - for example when she gave birth to a firstborn daughter, disappointing basically everybody in her husband’s family, and see her coping with that.

Hello, Poldarkies!

Another update here. This time a bunch of different information.

As you probably noticed, I have changed an icon and the blog has a new theme. Hopefully you like it, but if anything is unclear or confusing, just send an ask. :) In this new theme there will be a link to universal rules that apply to all of the appreciation weeks, as well as to the past weeks archive. I’m still working on these two, but it shouldn’t take me too much time.

I haven’t yet decided anything about the next appreciation week, neither the date nor what/who will it be dedicated to. If you have any ideas or preferences, please send me asks and I will definitely take it into consideration.

Finally, thank you very much to all of you who participated in Minor Characters Appreciation 2 Weeks, you guys were most creative! For a few more days I will keep tracking the #poldarkminorweeks tag just in case somebody’s late to the party and wants to share their edits. :)

After these 2 weeks I decided to make some statistics and count the characters chosen by the bloggers. Here’s the list of the characters, according to the number of posts they appeared in:

1. Margaret Vosper & Tankard - both 15 posts

2. Cary Warleggan - 9 posts

3. Keren Daniel & Unwin Trevaunance & Jinny Carter - 8 posts

4. Ruth Teague (Treneglos) - 6 posts

5. Prudie Paynter - 5 posts

6. Agatha Poldark & Andrew Blamey & Rosina Hoblyn & Hugh Armitage & Jim Carter - 4 posts

7. Rowella Chynoweth & Jud Paynter - 3 posts

8. Geoffrey Charles Poldark & Osborne Whitworth & Tom Harry & Matthew Sanson & Ray Penvenen & Julia Poldark & Ambrose Warleggan & Emma Tregirls - 2 posts

9. Lord Falmouth & Garrick & Horace & Zacky Martin & Captain Henshawe & Nicholas Warleggan & Mary Warleggan & Joan Pascoe & Esther Blamey & James Blamey - 1 post per each

If Caroline had the choice, do you think she would want children? (Thank you for all your work by the way, you do great! And take all the time you need, always)

This is...difficult to answer, anon, without knowing whether you’re a show-only person or somebody who’s also read the books. It’s a very interesting question, but I think I’m going to struggle to answer this without referencing future events that will be seen in s4. Because what Caroline feels about children is quite a complicated thing, and the answer isn’t a straight forward ‘if she had the choice, no/yes’.

I’ll answer under a read-more, anyhow, so you can avoid spoilers if you wish.

The thing with Caroline is that, frequently, she is so flippant about things that it can be hard to perceive her real feelings.

This is what she says when she tells Ross and Demelza that she’s pregnant, near the end of The Four Swans:

‘Of course I don’t want the brat.’‘Caroline!’ said Demelza.‘No, in truth, are they not revolting little specimens when they come? Really I can’t bear babies! Wrinkled, red-faced little tyrants, greedy, selfish, demanding, incontinent, full of crudities and wind, claiming the whole attention of an adult person night and day and never saying thank you for it. They’re warm and moist and clinging, and they smell of urine and sour milk, and there are far too many of ’em in the world already!’Everyone laughed at her but she grimaced and said: ‘No, I mean it! Dwight knows. I have warned him.’‘You have warned us all,’ said Demelza, ‘and we don’t believe it.’‘You have to think of succession,’ Ross said ironically. ‘After all, the world is not a bad place, and it would be a crying pity to leave it altogether to other people’s children.’‘Succession?’ said Caroline. ‘I would not mind so much if I could breed a little Dwight – or even, God help me, a little Caroline. But one’s own child, it always seems to me, turns out to be the living image of one’s least favourite cousin!’

Reading between the lines, I think she both wants and doesn’t want children. I think, given the choice, she would probably be disinclined to have children. If she lived in a modern world of contraceptives, Caroline might well end up choosing not to have children. However, once she has children, that’s a different matter. Although we never hear much about how she feels about birthing and raising her later two children, what we do know is how badly she is affected by losing her first child:

‘Demelza told me Sarah was – ill.’‘She has a cold.’‘That is all?’Dwight made a grimace. ‘It will be enough.’‘Oh, God. Does Caroline know?’‘Yes . . . I felt now I had to tell her.’Ross hit his crop against his boot. ‘I’m no use to you. But I had to come.’‘It’s good of you.’‘No . . . How is she taking it?’‘Very well,’ said a voice from the door. Caroline, as always, the tall stalk of a flower, red-haired, green-eyed, freckled across the nose. The only difference was that her lips were without colour.‘Caroline . . .’‘Yes, Ross, it is all a trifle distressing, is it not. Had Dwight already told you?’‘He’d warned me it might happen.’‘Confidences between men from which wives and mothers are excluded . . . Yes, it has been rather a shock, but Caroline is taking it well, with all the dignity and stoicism of a lady of breeding.’‘Let me get you something, Ross,’ Dwight muttered.‘. . . Caroline, I don’t know what to say. I don’t know why I’ve come; but I felt . . .’ A glass of brandy was in his hand.Caroline looked at the glass Dwight had given her. ‘My husband clearly wishes me to become a toper. Or is it that he thinks drink softens the edges of tragedy and converts it into some lighter form of grief? Or are we proposing a toast to something or someone?’‘Caroline,’ said Dwight. ‘You are deceiving no one. Sit down. Perhaps just sitting quiet for a while . . .’She sipped her drink. ‘D’you know, Ross, I said I didn’t want the wretched little creature – and that was true. I find animals vastly more grateful and rewarding. But, over the months, I have to confess she has wormed her way into my affections. Poor Horace has been quite put out that I have neglected him so. Well, well, Sarah Penvenen. Ave atque vale. How my uncle would have been annoyed that his grandniece was to have so short a stay.’Nothing was said for a while. Some light branch, torn away by the wind, was tapping at the window, like a bird trying to get in.Ross said: ‘Is she? . . . How long?’Dwight said: ‘Hours, I would suppose.’Ross said: ‘I should have brought Demelza.’‘No, no,’ said Caroline, ‘that would have been the greatest of a mistake. You are two strong men and can support me. I am a hard woman and can fend for myself. But Demelza – Demelza would not be so – formal; she would not be so – controlled; she would not be so – dignified. Demelza does not understand dignity and – and all that it stands for . . .’ Caroline sipped her drink again. ‘I believe Demelza would cry – and that, and that, I rather think – would – ruin us all . . .’

Once the child was in existence, once Sarah was a living, breathing thing, Caroline loved her and wanted her and is bitterly, grievously hurt when Sarah dies. So much so that she and Dwight have a period of separation, instigated by Caroline:

Caroline pursed her lips. ‘But you know, Dwight, I was never meant to be a mother.’‘What nonsense! You have been one – and a good one – and I trust you’ll be one again.’‘No . . . Or not yet.’ She took two paces to come behind him and to put a hand on his shoulder. ‘Dwight, I want to leave you.’In the silence some gas blew in the coal, burning brilliant and blue until it was exhausted.Dwight said: ‘What do you mean?’‘Oh, not permanent. Don’t rejoice: you can’t rid yourself of me as easy as that . . . But I want to get away. I want to get away from Killewarren – and Sawle – and the people here. I feel I have failed you, have failed myself, everything – there’s such a weight on me. I’ve never been able to cry about this – you know that – and I carry about in my breast such a weight of unshed tears that it seems it will burst me open. This is a terrible and humiliating confession that I would make to no one but you. But I feel – so long as I stay here, in this house, with its . . . furnishings, and Uncle Ray’s silver, and the medicine bottles and all the servants trying to be kind, and my – my horses, and Ruth Treneglos for company on a day’s hunting, and – and your kind, hurt indulgence – I feel I shall not take any steps to mend.’Dwight got up, closed his book without seeing it, stared at his cuff on which there was some sort of an ink stain, and looked up to meet the brilliance of his wife’s eyes.‘What do you wish to do?’‘I don’t know. Perhaps go to London, stay with my aunt for a month or two. I don’t know.’‘Do you wish me to come with you or do you want to go alone?’‘How can you go? There are fifty – a hundred – two hundred sick people who depend on you. How could I take you away from them? I am already – I already feel sufficiently selfish in saying that I want to get away. There is no such escape for you.’

So yes, it’s a complicated question, for Caroline. There is no straightforward answer. Because she dearly loved Sarah, and in the later two books we see that she clearly loves Sophie and Meliora, her other two daughters (though she is never as openly affectionate a mother as Demelza).

I think what I would say is that Caroline loves her children when they’ve arrived, and particularly once they’re through the very earliest of baby stages. She prefers young children to babies. Once she has them, she loves them and would not be without them, but if she had the choice to have them or not in the first place, before they become a reality in her mind and in her life, she would probably choose not to have them - because she doesn’t know how much she could value and love them. Put Caroline in the 21st century and she would probably choose not to have children. But leave her where she is, with the social mores and medical science of the time, she would not choose abstinence or dangerous medications to prevent or abort pregnancy - not least because she has too high a regard for the value of her own life, but also because Dwight does want children, and at any rate wouldn’t sanction her doing anything to put herself at risk.

I hope that all makes some sense :D

V. Modern: Character Profile

Personal Information:

Name - Agneta Madeline Treneglos.

Date of Birth - March 27th, 2000.

Astrological Sign - Aries 

Residence - London, UK.

Gender - Female.

Height - 5′6″.

Weight - 120 lbs.

Build - Slender, long of limb, shapely, though somewhat narrow of figure. 

Eyes - Light, grayish blue, deeply colored. Large and round, with dark, average-length lashes. 

Hair - Dark brown with chestnut highlights, naturally wavy and reasonably thick, upper-back length. 

Skin - Light fair, smoothly complected with scattered freckling, and several prominent beauty marks. Tans easily, though generally remains quite pale due to time spent indoors. 

Educational & Work History:

2005 - Formally began homeschooling with the assistance of Special Needs Tutors. 

2012 - Stopped receiving assistance from Special Needs Tutors. 

2019 - Graduated from homeschooling. 

Personal History:

Agneta was born to John and Ruth Treneglos on March 27th, 2000. She would become the eldest of seven, with three brothers, Jonathan, Horrie, and Alexander, and three sisters, Emmeline, Davida, and Paula. The family resided in London, UK, though they owned a summer home in Cornwall along the western coast, and usually spent a few months there every year. As a toddler, Agneta was discovered to have a learning disability, and in response to this, her parents decided she would be educated at home, with the assistance of specialty tutors when necessary. Although she took longer to grasp certain concepts, her academic abilities generally proved more standard/efficient than her social and communication skills.

First and foremost, Agneta led a happy, albeit highly sheltered life, where her entire family doted upon and looked after her, especially her father, second younger brother, Horrie, and her first younger sister, Emmeline. However, she was dearly loved by everyone in the household, and always returned this affection. Apart from her private tutors and other close relations, Agneta was rarely allowed to socialize with anyone outside her immediate family. From a young age, she was seldom permitted to leave the house, and never unaccompanied. If a variety of guests were ever being entertained, she was generally confined upstairs, or otherwise kept away. 

This was done chiefly in hopes of preserving her safety, and protecting her from ever suffering any abuse or mockery. But, there was also a selfish motive, as despite her family’s immense love for her, they felt it would simply be easier to keep her contained, and were in fact embarrassed by her. Although sometimes confused, or upset to see her younger siblings being allowed liberties that she was not, Agneta was largely obedient, and relatively easy to appease when she was young. Her personality, though far more imaginative than her parents recognized, was not especially independent, and she was usually content to remain at home, as well as eager to please those she cared about. 

As she neared and entered her adolescence, she became somewhat more difficult to placate, as she grew more aware of the limitations imposed upon her, and gained a larger desire to explore life and people beyond her own household. There was little rebellious or intentionally defiant about her behavior, she was simply curious to expand her horizon, and was at times frustrated by the restrictions that surrounded her. However, she was also intimidated by the prospect of exiting the routine of her life, and remained greatly concerned with pleasing her family. Thus, despite her growing restiveness, she became gradually more acceptant of her circumstances as she matured, to the point of believing it might have been impossible to venture beyond them. 

In November of the year 2019, she became acquainted with Valentine Warleggan after getting lost while attempting to navigate public transportation, having left her residence without the knowledge or consent of her family. This uncharacteristic behavior occurred because there had been a miscommunication about who was intended to watch her while some of her family members were away on vacation, and she ended up being left alone in the house. Valentine assisted her, and though she was initially reluctant to engage in any duplicity, he persuaded her to engage in a secret intimate relationship with him. This went on for several months, during which time she became extremely attached to him, until Valentine’s conscience compelled him to end the relationship. 

When this change occurred, Agneta was initially very confused, and soon became incredibly distraught once it grew apparent that his intentions were sincere. She both struggled to comprehend why he suddenly wished to leave her, and also simply did not wish to believe it. After several weeks of attempting to reestablish contact with him, she finally confessed everything that had happened to her parents, both out of guilt and as a plea for help, since she was very distressed by this time and did not know what else to do. 

To her surprise and horror, her family took prompt legal action against Valentine, claiming that due to her learning disability, Agneta had not been able to consent to the intimacy that had occurred between them. A trial took place, during which Agneta adamantly defended Valentine, and insisted that she had partaken in the relationship of her own free will. It was eventually concluded that she was capable of consent, and the charges against Valentine were dismissed. However, following this incident, her family became even more paranoid about her safety, and also engaged a specialty therapist to treat any trauma that she may have suffered. Although she wished to be cooperative, she never relinquished her attachment to Valentine. 

Ross Poldark and Noblesse Oblige

"ROSS POLDARK AND NOBLESSE OBLIGE" "You are mistaken if you think greed and exploitation are the marks of a gentleman." - Ross Poldark to George Warleggan, "P0LDARK" (2015) When I first heard Ross Poldark speak those words to his nemesis, George Warleggan in Episode Eight of the current "POLDARK" series, I found myself wondering if Ross might be full of shit. Or perhaps he was either illusional . . . or a class bigot. Regardless, I could not help but roll my eyes at his remark. I realize that some might wonder how I could accuse Ross Poldark . . . Ross Poldark of class bigotry. This man has been a champion of the working-class in his little part of Cornwall. He has managed to befriend his workers. He has spoken out on behalf of them and other members of their class. And he has been willing to make any effort to come to their aid - especially those who work on his land, even if he sometimes come off as patronizing. He has certainly expressed anger when he believed any of them has needlessly suffered, due to the actions of the upper-class or other wealthy types. Ross had spent days in a state of drunken anger after one of his former employees, Jim Carter had died after spending over a year in prison for poaching. He had also married his kitchen-maid, Demelza Carne, despite the tongue-wagging of his elite neighbors and family members. Also, one cannot deny that the Warleggans deserved Ross' scorn. George Warleggan's grandfather had been a blacksmith who eventually became a moderately wealthy man. His sons - George's father and uncle Cary - acquired even more wealth, leading the family to become their parish's wealthiest bankers. George was the first in his family to be and his family were a money hungry bunch that resort to grasping ways - legal or illegal - to not only acquire money, but also rise up the social ladder in order to become part of Cornwall's upper-class. They are pretty much an ambitious and venal bunch. And yet . . . the interesting thing about the Warleggans is that they had managed to acquire great wealth on their own - meaning without the help of some aristocrat or gentry landowner. So, why did I have a problem with Ross' words? Were viewers really expected to believe that only noveau riche types like the Warleggans were capable of greed and exploitation? History tells us that the landed gentry and the aristocracy were just as guilty of greed and exploiting not only their workers, but their land. Years of land exploitation, living greedily from their profits and doing a poor job of managing their money led to a decrease in their wealth. This was the case for Polarks, the Chynoweths and other upper class families - fictional or not - who found themselves cash poor by the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. British landowners had been enclosing their lands - forcing tenant farmers to become agricultural laborers - since the late seventeeth century, at least a century before George Warleggan had enclosed the Trenwith estate, following his marriage to Elizabeth Chynoweth Poldark. And they continued to do so well into the nineteenth century. If Ross regarded himself, his uncle Charles Poldark, his cousin Francis Poldark and other members of the landed gentry like Sir Hugh Bodrugan, the Treneglos, Ray Penvenen and Unwin Trevaunance as "gentlemen", then his comments to George were spoken in error. Most, if not all, of these gentlemen were capable of greed and exploitation. Ross might occasionally criticize the behavior of his fellow members of the upper-class, just as he had did following the death of his former employee, Jim Carter. But he has never expressed antagonism toward them with the same level that he has toward the Warleggans. It is quite obvious that he regarded these men as "gentlemen". He seemed to have no problems with socializing or forming a business enterprise with them. And if this is the case, I cannot help but wonder about the true reason behind Ross' antipathy toward the Warleggans. Had Ross' antipathy originated with his exposure of the Warleggans' cousin, Matthew Sanson, as a card cheat? I rather doubt it. Ross and some of his other acquaintances had been making snide comments about the Warleggans' rise in wealth since the series began. No matter how many times George tried to befriend Ross throughout most of Series One, the latter would dismiss his effort with a sardonic or nasty comment. Yet, Ross seemed to have no problems with socializing with the likes of the snotty Ruth Teague Treneglos and her ineffectual husband; the money grasping blue-blooded politician Unwin Trevaunance, who sought heiress Caroline Penvenen's hand for her money; or the self-absorbed Sir Hugh Bodrugan, who seemed to have no concern for anyone or anything, aside from his own pleasures - including Demelza Poldark, whom he pursued like some aged satyr. Even Ross is not the epitome of "gentlemanly" sainthood. He seemed so hellbent upon finding a wealthy source of copper or even tin from his mine, Wheal Grace that he failed to consider that he lacked the funds to ensure a safe environment for his workers. This greed and determination to strike a lode without any safety measures led to an accident and the deaths of a few men. And his aggressive, yet adulterous actions against his widowed cousin-in-law (I might as well be frank - his rape of Elzabeth) in the eighth episode of Series Two made it perfectly clear that "gentleman" or not, Ross can be repulsive. And yet, despite all of this, Ross seemed to regard the Warleggans as an unworthy lot. I am not saying that George and his uncle are a nice pair. They can be just as repulsive and greedy as their upper-class neighbors. And on several occasions, the Warleggans have made derisive comments about Demelza, who happened to be a miner's daughter. All this tells me is that contrary to Ross' comment to George, the latter's family is no better or worse than the other upper-class characters in the "POLDARK" saga. They are quite capable of being snobs. But what about Ross? Is he a snob? He may be friendly toward his workers and willing to help them out, but his positive regard toward them seemed to have a patronizing taint. In fact, his love toward his working-class wife Demelza seemed to have the same taint. Although his good friend, Dr. Dwight Enys, managed to rise from his working-class background to become a doctor, he did so with the help of upper-class patronage. And Ross provided his own patronage toward Dwight in helping the latter establish a medical practice in their part of Cornwall. Ross even helped Dwight in the latter's romance with the blue-blooded Caroline Penvenen. I cannot help but wonder if the Warleggans had the benefit of "noblesse oblige" in their rise to great wealth, would Ross have been less hostile toward them? Perhaps it is one thing for Ross Poldark to help the lower classes have a better life - by offering them jobs or homes, providing patronage for someone like Dwight Enys, or marrying his kitchen maid. It is another thing - at least for him - to tolerate people from the lower classes like the Warleggans to rise up in wealth through their own efforts and not via the benefit of the "noblesse oblige". And my gut instinct tells me that the Warleggans’ rise via their own grit, ambition and brains was something that Ross could not stomach.

Day 4 of the Poldark Minor Characters Appreciation 2 Weeks: Best dressed (Margaret Vosper and Ruth Treneglos with an honourable mention to Cary Warleggan and Mr Tankard).

@poldarkweeks. Here you go. :)

Re-used Costumes in Poldark

Cream and grey striped gown

Carmen du Sautoy as Mary, Duchess of Richmond in Aristocrats (1999) An extra in The Golden Bowl (2000) Katherine Parkinson as 'Extra' in Extras (2005) Michell Ryan as Maria Bertram in Mansfield Park (2007) Lyndsey Marshal as Lady Sarah in Garrow's Law (2009) Harriet Ballard as Ruth Treneglos in s1

Sexy Saturday Story..

Ross was in one of his moods. He didn’t look at Demelza when he came in and strode straight to his library and shut the door. Demelza wondered what was troubling him. Was it the mine or George Warleggan or perhaps nothing at all.  Ross was temperamental and just a mere thought could send him into a black humor that might last for days. But Demelza didn’t have days. Tonight was the first time she and Ross were having friends to dine with them, and she needed her husband in a good mood before Dwight and Caroline and John and that horrible Ruth Treneglos arrived. How she had ever let Caroline and Ross talk her into this she didn’t know, but she had and now Ross was being difficult.

All the food was ready. She only had a few last minute preparations that she would take care of once her guests had arrived. She slowly stirred the custard that she was making to serve with her cherry almond cake.

***smutty***

As they so often did, her thoughts turned to Ross and the bedroom. Just that morning Ross had been in good spirits when he had awoken. Ross had rolled over on his side and pulled her to him, his hands finding her breasts as his lips kissed the back of her neck. She had groaned with pleasure and pushed her hips back until she felt his hard cock against her buttocks. Just as he had started to lift her nightdress, Prudie had screeched up the stairs that Zacky Martin was there needing to see Ross and he had left her in bed, longing for him. Now he was home and her longing had returned as an ache between her legs. The creamy custard was giving her some errant thoughts, which if she believed in hell would surely send her there.

She carefully took the pot from the fire. She hoped she wasn’t ruining her sweet dish, but the thought of Ross and what she could do overpowered all reason. Prudie had taken the children to the Martin’s and if she hurried, she felt she could ensure that Ross would be in a better mood before their guests arrived.

Demelza poured some custard in a shallow dish, then ran upstairs and changed out of her clothes and into her newest nightdress. The fine linen was trimmed with lace and the dainty fabric clung to her curves. She took down her hair and brushed her long hair into a curtain of curls that hung half way down her back.

Back in the kitchen, Demelza put her finger in the dish of custard. It was just a bit warm and if she did say so herself, delicious. She poured Ross a generous glass of port and went into the library.

The sunlight from the window shone through Ross’s wild hair. His brow was furrowed as he read the mining book on the desk before. He looked up at her and frowned. “Are you unwell? Why are you in your nightdress?”

“I’m fine, Ross. We had some unfinished dealings from this morning that I thought we should take care of.” She handed him the port and took another finger full of custard and slowly sucked it from her finger, whilst looking straight into his dark eyes.

Ross tossed back his drink and set the glass on his desk. “What are you thinking, Demelza?”

“Well, you seem so out of sorts and I thought I might cheer you up.”

“And how do propose to do that?” he asked. While his voice was gruff, his body was now relaxed and and he leaned back in his chair and looked up at his wife.

“I propose you do take off those boots and britches.”

“Yes, my lady,” said Ross and he did as she bid him.

“And perhaps that shirt, too.” Ross obeyed and soon was sitting naked before her. Demelza stood in front of Ross and took a deep breath for her husband was quite handsome and manly. Thick black hair covered his muscular chest, and his strong thighs always made her quiver with desire.

Ross reached for her and she didn’t resist as he lifted her gown above her hips, pulled her closer and kissed her bower. Demelza took a step back and her gown fell back into place covering her once again.

“Now Ross, I reckon you have a lot on your mind. And I was thinking since you invited guests for dinner it’s only fair to them that you be in a more pleasant state of mind before they arrive. I thought that maybe you would like to try this custard that I was planning for our last course.” Demelza again scooped up some custard and this time put her finger in Ross’s mouth. She shivered as she felt his tongue lick all the custard off her finger. “Is it good enough for Ruth Treneglos?” she asked.

“Yes. It’s delicious.” Ross told her. “Let me have some more,” he demanded.

“Oh, no! Why you’ll spoil your supper, Ross! I’m not sure it’s quite good enough. I think I’ll need to taste it again.” Demelza knelt in front of Ross and dipped two fingers into the custard. She slowly slurped the creamy confection. “Oh, dear! I’ve spilled some!” She looked down at her nightdress with mock distress. “I suppose I should take this off.” She pulled her gown off and and then smeared some custard on her nipples. “Well, maybe a tiny taste more would be ok.” Demelza  cupped her breasts and offered them to Ross. He leaned forward and took first one and then the other  and sucked all the sweet custard from them, his dark face stubble only adding to her delight.

“Now, Ross I can tell you think the custard is good enough for our company, but I really should test it myself.” Demelza gently wiped a small amount on Ross’s throbbing credentials. She held her hair back with one hand and slowly lowered her head until she had Ross in her mouth. “Mmmmmm,” she hummed and she knew the vibration from her throat only added to Ross’s pleasure.

Ross had thrown his head back and was holding on to the armrests of his chair. “Yes, this custard is quite delicious,” Demelza mused. “I better finish it up!” Ross was filling up her mouth and her free hand held him steady as her mouth sucked and teased Ross into a more agreeable frame of mind.

Just as he was about to let go, Demelza stopped. She looked up at her husband. His chest was heaving his eyes were closed. “Now,Ross, I’m going to get every last drop.” She smiled with pleasure when she heard him moan and with a deep breath for courage, for though she loved the taste of Ross and the feel of him pushing last her lips, there was still that element of hot surprise to  come. Her tongue was busy and then the feel of Ross’s trusts hitting the back of her throat. With a gulp she swallowed, and when he had regained some composure she looked up a Ross with a smile. “It is delicious!” she told him. She licked her lips. Then without thinking, she leaned over and nipped Ross on the inside of his thigh.

His gasp made her laugh and she jumped to her feet. “Judas, Ross!” She snatched up her nightdress and turned when she reached the door. “Make haste! We have company coming!”

Ross Poldark, Book Two, Chapter 22

Mr. Treneglos said, “By the by, have you heard the news?” “What news?” “My son John and Ruth Teague. They’ve made it up together. They are going to be wed, y’know.” Ross didn’t know. Mrs. Teague would be in transports. “She’s done well for herself,” the old man said, as if for once he spoke Ross’s thoughts instead of his own. I could have wished for some maid with money to her name, for we’re none too easy set for our position. Still, she takes a fence well and she’s suitable enough other ways. I heard of a fellow the other day who was carrying on with his kitchen wench. I can’t remember who ’twas. Serious, I mean, not for a lark. It all depends how you treat a thing like that. I well remember John put one of our serving girls in the straw before ever he was seventeen.” “I hope they’ll be happy.”