#reference (Poldark I think?) under cut

[msilwrites]

(A 3AM Update) A True Gentleman, Chapter 19 - Taking back her life

A/N: Hi guys, Chapter 19 is up! Some lighthearted comedy here and there too. Not really much of a plot device, but we're approaching how to handle the reality of Diana's situation as she tries to take her life back. Tell me what you think in the comments below, and Enjoy reading!

NINETEEN

Taking back her life

Diana looked at the dating app on her phone and read the exchange of messages with her date. After the first time, in a long time, she was finally going out on a 'date'.

The guy who she had been chatting with seemed kind enough. In fact, she had chatted with him for a few weeks before even deciding to go out with him. She definitely does not want some asshole. Once bitten, twice shy. She has learned her lesson after all the years of being in an abusive relationship.

Again, sadly, she left the house through her bedroom window, not wanting to see Isaac. It had been weeks since they have seen each other. The only thing she heard was his voice and the sound of his footsteps around the house. In fact, he tried knocking on her bedroom door, only to be met with silence. She had been pretending to not be around for some time now, and the only time she talked to him was through phone messages, telling him that she had already paid the rent.

His attempts of communicating further were also met with silence on the other side of the line. If he was lucky, she would give him a late response as she was determined to cut herself from him emotionally.

**********

When Diana arrived at the place that she and her date agreed upon, she saw the open park theatre filled with orchestra musicians, packing their instruments. It appears that they had just finished their rehearsals.

She looked to her side, and there on one of the benches, seated, was a handsome man, reading through countless music sheets. She walks in his direction and clears her throat to get his attention.

"Maestro... I'm Diana Rutherford..."

**********

It was a funny reason why Diana had agreed on this date in the first place. First of all, it wasn't for something romantic. Her date is actually a music executive, composer and orchestra director who went to the dating app, only to find a replacement singer who can sing opera in alto-soprano for a small formal charity benefit to be held at the park. Second, she needed someone to talk to, and he and she happen to get along well. Nothing more.

Diana, with opera training, and whose voice happens to fall under alto-soprano, agreed, with a bit of hesitation, of course, thinking if this was legit or not. Furthermore, there was a promise of payment, which made her finally give in. Taking on a part-time job was not so bad after all, especially that she needed some extra funds.

"Uhhmmm, how do I address you?" was her first question. Of course, she knows his name. An epitome of tall, dark and handsome, he carried this air of quiet respect. So she wanted to be polite.

"By my name would be great" was his reply, accompanied with a disarming smile.

" Alright, Aedan... " she cleared her throat and sat up straight.

"Well, I'm just curious, what were you doing in the app with a fake profile? You don't look like you needed to do that" he states, seeing that she was nothing like the way she describes in her profile.

"I was looking for someone to date... no erase that, I was hoping for someone to talk to... the app was a convenient tool, especially, with the anonymity that the internet provided, but then I found you and that weird ad/ profile of yours." was her straight and honest answer.

He laughs at how honest she was. "Can't you afford a therapist? " he asked playfully.

" I can, but I can't afford to book a session with him every day... that will drain my funds" she reasons, and he chuckles at how direct yet funny she sounded.

"Don't you have friends?"

"Of course! I have friends! But..."

"But?"

"But I can't possibly worry them enough and stress them out. I can't be dependent on them for everything. There are also some things I can't discuss with them, you know? there are limits..."

"Like how you had been in love with their father for a long time?" he adds, remembering that she mentioned this to him before when they chatted in the app.

" Yep... see how that sounds like? 'Daddy Issues'. I mean I do admit, I have that. I will definitely get disowned by my friends if those issues come to light..." she sighs. "Oh, by the way, where are your other singers? and why did you have to find a singer using the dating app?" she adds.

He sighs, " One is currently busy with her children, a few of them preparing for their final papers, the others are currently overseas, travelling, no one is available on the date of the performance..."

"Oh... yes, that is a problem..." she nodded in agreement. " But why the app? It's unconventional..." she reasons.

He laughs " It's unconventional, but it was fast and it worked! I found you! You do realize that the app isn't only about dating!" he says, referring to the 'social' part where you find people or groups of like-minded people.

"Err... so do you plan to continue dating ?"

"No... I've deleted the app,"

"Ha? But why?"

"I didn't like some messages I've received from some..." he said, shaking his head and feeling the hair on the back of his head, stand. It creeped him out just remembering those inappropriate messages.

"Well... I can only imagine..." she said, understanding that he must've received some 'thirsty' messages that anyone will be uncomfortable reading, due to how attractive he is.

"Why did you click my profile?"

" Well... obviously, I swiped right because you're an attractive man... you look like a clean-cut version of 'Ross Poldark', other than that, I would have not talked to you, if not for what you've written in your bio."

" I like your honesty!" he declares and threw his head back laughing.

"Thank you..."

"Did you really have opera training?" he asked, still in doubt.

"Yes, I started during the sixth form, my grandmother sent me to lessons to build my confidence and voice...It even became my elective back in university... Then I joined choirs, sang oratorios... so on and so forth... I sang with the choir in church and there were times I sang part-time as a soloist in some events. I enjoyed those times, "

" What made you stop? Singing I mean?"

"I... I..." she paused for a moment, finding a clear way to explain what happened. " I got into a relationship... "

"Let me guess... he was either possessive or abusive?" he guessed, already knowing which was it.

"Both actually... he didn't like me being looked at when I sang... I guess he wanted the audience to close their eyes during a song..." she recalls, remembering the incident with her ex, Jesse.

Aedan laughed and nodded in agreement. Hearing such situations wasn't new to him. He had a few incidents before where a soloist came to a rehearsal with a black eye. Abusive people demand the victim's attention solely focused on them, and try to cut off the victim from the activities they love.

"I do hope you are no longer with that man... I don't want another soloist coming to a rehearsal unable to sing properly because she is injured... don't get me wrong, I may want the performance to be perfect, but I do care for people, and I do feel the pain when I see such situations..."

"Yes... don't worry, I've broken up with him a long time ago," she assured.

"Good!" he exclaims and after a while, remembers something and looks at his watch. "Rehearsals resume in an hours time. Let's have lunch, and we will test your voice later"

**********

"What made you want to sing again? If I may ask?" Aedan said, waiting for the orchestra to return to their seats.

"It's just... I want my life back, Aedan... I just want to go back to what I used to be" was her answer, and he understood.

"Alright..." Aedan taps his baton on the podium, signalling everyone that they were about to start rehearsal. He calls in another person, and another man enters the stage.

"Diana, this is Max, your duet, Max, this is Diana, your new partner!" Aedan introduces.

Diana looked at Max and her mouth hung agape in admiration. if Aedan is handsome, so is Max! Tall, dark, and ruggedly handsome, bearing a fleeting resemblance to Hugh Jackman. She smiled, and giggled to herself, thanking her lucky stars for being surrounded by handsome men today. This would definitely be a good step to move on.

"Diana," Max stretches his hand out for a handshake and she gives them a tight squeeze, whilst smiling like a schoolgirl at him.

"You can ogle at him later, all you want, if you pass the 'audition', Diana!" Aedan teased, earning him a grimace from her. He chuckled at her reaction but quickly asked her to stand straight and get ready for vocal warm-ups.

Aedan sits adjacent to the grand piano and plays the keys for the duet to warm up. After the vocal warm-ups, he goes back to his podium and the orchestra sat in position.

"We have a tradition in this group, every time there is a new singer... as a welcome, she is to sing-" Aedan waves his baton and the began to play the introductory part of the song 'Libiamo ne' lieti calici' which was followed by Max baritone voice, singing the first verse and turning to Diana with a smile.

"How appropriate," she smiled, knowing that it was quite a welcoming song and felt the excitement in her heart to sing once again. And when her turn came, she took a deep breath and without hesitation and care of the possibility of singing out of tune, she gave it her all.

When the song was about to close, the orchestra plays increases their tempo, so as the two duets and then together, they hit the high note with their voices, closing the brindisi.

Diana catches her breath, it was definitely a struggle for her to hit the note, how long has it been since she sang? Years. However, she was met by applause by the orchestra musicians, her duet partner, and the director, Aedan, which came to her as a surprise, because she knew she didn't hit every note right.

"Welcome to the group, Diana!" Max smiles, giving her a squeeze in her hand.

"Thank you, Max!" was her response.

"Welcome to the group, Diana! you've missed a note here and there, but I believe that can be improved with practice" Aedan says, as he approaches. The way he said 'practice' already scares her.

**********

"Oh, my, my, Diana! you are glowing, recently!" Mrs Chambers greets Diana as she goes back to her reception area after lunch.

"Thank you! But what do you mean glowing?" she asked, a little bemused.

" You lively! Happier?! no longer gloomy liked you used to be, no offence" was Mrs Chambers direct answer.

"None taken..." she smiles, knowing that Mrs Chambers has a point. She looked like a pale, gloomy flower.

"Is this a new skincare? beauty routine? activity, a new man?"

Diana laughed at the last part of what Mrs Chambers said. "No, unfortunately, not a man... It's probably because of having clarity of the mind now," she said, knowing that Mrs Chambers was also aware of the past depressing incidents that she had gone through.

"I am glad for that!" Mrs Chambers smiles at her.

Earning the clarity of the mind was one of the things Diana was grateful for. Especially now that she was trying to take her life back.

She looks at her schedule on her phone. On Thursday evenings, she takes JUDO classes, and on Friday evening and Saturday afternoon were rehearsals and additional training with Aedan. He wasn't kidding when she told her how strict he is. Heck, he knows when one didn't practice the song. There was a wee bit of regret in her for agreeing to take JUDO classes and joining the orchestra as one of their singers, especially now that she had to follow strict discipline. But gratefulness, enjoyment, and the contentment it gave her overweighs the regret.

**********

Diana enters the restaurant and looks around for Aedan. He told her that they would meet at this restaurant which was, near her office, before they head for practice.

She smiles and waves at him, upon seeing him seated at a table near the window. He smiles back and waves at her to come over.

"Hello, Aedan"

"Good Afternoon, Diana! I sure do hope you practised the song."

"Ahehehe... I did!..."

He narrows his eyes on her.

"I swear I did!, though it was a struggle, I made sure I did, every day! In full voice!" she says in her defence.

Aedan laughs. "Don't worry, I understand, you don't want your 'crush' to hear you singing! By the way, do you still leave the house using your bedroom window?"

She looks at him sheepishly and that look she gave was enough to answer his question.

He throws his head back laughing. "Oh, Diana! How are you going to leave the house on the day of the performance? Do you want me to rescue you from the tower and fight the dragon?" he teased.

"What the heck! Aedan! Dr. Skovgaard isn't a dragon!"

"I never said that!" he says, hand up in surrender, still laughing.

"Diana?!" a familiar voice calls her name, she looks around to find Allegra seated at the nearby table.

"Allegra!" she greets, a little nervous, as if she was a little girl caught in a misdeed.

"You're here! I haven't seen you in a long time! Look how glowing you are!" Allegra says, echoing the same thing Mrs Chambers had said and gives her friend a tight embrace. "You wouldn't join us for dinner, what have you been up to?!" was her next question.

"Ahehehe..."

However, before Diana could think of an answer, Allegra turns her attention to Aedan. She looked at him suspiciously which made Diana nervous.

"And may I know who is this? care to introduce me to your new friend?"

"This is Aedan, Aedan, this is Allegra, my best friend..." she introduces, and Allegra immediately takes the seat beside Diana, still looking at the man suspiciously.

Aedan beams at her and stretches out his hands, offering Allegra a handshake, which she took.

"Hi, I'm Aedan McInnes... Diana's date" he says, followed by his disarming smile. Knowing that Diana didn't want to tell anyone of her current activities.

"What?!" Allegra's eyes widened in shock. "Since when? You've never told us anything, Diana!" she says, turning to Diana.

"Oh! it's just recent! I didn't want to tell anyone because everything happened just recently! Plus, I didn't want to worry you, also... Aedan's a great guy!" she reasons and gives the grinning man a quick glare.

"I see... well... Of course, I'd be worried about you, and Aedan, what do you do?" was the beginning of Allegra's interrogation.

" I am a music producer," was his reply, which is part of the truth.

Diana sighs, as the interrogation continued.

**********

"Out of many things you could think of! Aedan! you told Allegra, that you're my date..." was the first thing that came out of Diana during the rehearsal break. They were almost late for rehearsal because of it. "We barely made it out of there!"

However, the only reply Aedan gave was a hearty laugh. "Tell me, Diana, what are you exactly worried about? By right, we are not doing anything wrong,"

She paused for a moment and thought about it. What was she worried about " I... I don't know... Dr Skovgaard finding out?" the reason just carelessly slipped out of her lips.

"Aha!" Aedan exclaimed, causing Diana to jolt in surprise.

"What?"

" You're worried about your crush finding out!" he declares.

" Wait...what? I said that?! I-"

"Diana, look, you should not worry, in fact, you should be glad! If your Dr Skovgaard reacts, then it means he cares for you!"

"Of course, that man cares for me! I told you he sees me as his daughter! "

"Uh, uh , uh, that will depend on how he reacts!" he adds, making her a little hopeful. However, she knew that it was impossible.

**********

It was a Sunday when Allegra met her father for brunch. She excitedly jogs upon the small staircase that led to the front door of the restaurant. She had been wanting to tell her dad what she had recently found out.

"Woah... Allegra, what is all this excitement about?" was the first thing Isaac said to his daughter, the moment she arrived at their table, looking a little too excited. He chuckles and calls for the waiter, thinking that it was some sort of good news.

"Guess what I've found out yesterday dad!" her tone and expression turning into 'worry'.

"What is it?"

" Ross Poldark! he's dating her!!" Allegra declares. Describing how Aedan, her friend's date yesterday, has a fleeting resemblance to the character.

"Wait... what? " was his reply, unable to comprehend what his daughter was saying.

" Diana is dating again!!" she declares, clearer this time.

Isaac's expression changes from 'worry' to something darker. Which his daughter didn't notice as she continued telling what she found out.

A/N: I probably made some grammatical errors here and there, so I'd do some soft editing from time to time. Why do you think Isaac's expression darkened? tell me what you think in the comments below.

Also;

Brindisi - is a drinking song.

A number of Opera Singers / Choral Singers / Soloist / Orchestra Musicians have day jobs.

My face claims were; Aidan Turner and Hugh Jackman for Aedan and Max (Because Hugh can sing). I also want to assure you, they're not rivals of Isaac, but plot vouchers for the next chapters. These characters are there to give clarity and support to Diana.

[carolightpenvenys]

SECRET SANTA (PART 1 OF 3)

HAPPY HOLIDAYS POLDARK FANS! hope u enjoy this last minute contribution from yours truly x part 2 and 3 asap- try guess the gifts x

If Dwight considered himself out of touch with women (which he did), he certainly felt a little fucked with when he drew Caroline Penvenen out of the Secret Santa hat at work.

First of all, who was Caroline? He’d been holed up in his office for around six weeks now and had a particularly shitty knack for learning people’s names. Ross had entered him for Secret Santa as a joke and now he was bearing the consequences.

“Fuck fuck fuck.” He read the name again and again and started to panic. How would he even know where to start if he didn’t even know what she looked like? He ran a hand through his hair and thought of the last time he’d bought a gift for a woman.

In summary, he hadn’t.

He rang Ross’s pager around 700 times before he received an answer. Ross strolled into his office leisurely. “Yeah?”

Dwight span round in his chair. “I don’t know if you delivered the wrong name, but who on earth is Caroline Penvenen?” He held up the name for Ross to see, written in pink gel pen.

“Oh my God.” Ross covered his mouth. “Good luck mate.”

“What?” Dwight furrowed his brow. “What do you mean?”

“I mean.” Ross tried to restrain a laugh through gritted teeth. “She’s just a little... extra.” He turned around to leave.

“Ross!” Dwight called out. “Come back! What do you mean?” But he was already gone. Dwight placed his head in his hands and contemplating wikihow-ing how to get through this.

“Caroline.” Verity tutted. “I can’t believe you cheated the Secret Santa.”

From the desk next door, Caroline could feel Verity’s glare. “I didn’t cheat it. I just had to make sure we got each other.” She smirked. “They say you can’t judge a book from its cover but I am pretty sure you can judge a lover by his choice of gift.”

“He doesn’t even know you.” Verity sighed. “I bet he’s very stressed. He’s quite a highly strung guy, don’t be fooled by his demeanour.”

Caroline, however, was insistent. She just couldn’t seem to get Dwight Enys’s attention, no matter how hard she tried. She had been giving him looks for about a month now, but honestly he just looked weary and in the wrong frame of mind.

In a hot way though, obviously.

So when the admin staff got put in charge of doing the Secret Santa, Caroline saw the real gift in Christmas, if you’ll pardon the pun.

Basically, she took a gamble that Dwight wouldn’t turn up to the handout (he didn’t) and Ross would take his name (he did) which she put in a special envelope.

“Wait.” Caroline had just finished a particularly painful section of paperwork. “How do you know so much about him, Verity?”

“Ross is my cousin.” She shrugged, “Dwight and I have crossed paths a few times. Wouldn’t let you near him if he wasn’t a decent guy.” She took another bite of the borderline stale gingerbread her child had made at school.

“No Verity.” Caroline was completely confused. “If you knew him, you would’ve said.” She adjusted the scrunchie in her ponytail, “Right?”

“Honestly Caroline, it’s Christmas, I don’t have time for boy talk right now. Been sewing costumes for the nativity since god knows when and the school just rung me saying I should’ve been there an hour ago for-”

“My Angel Gabriel costume was hopefully a valuable contribution.” Caroline looked her in the eye. “And you should’ve said, I could’ve done pickup.”

“I mean, he wasn’t very keen on wearing a pink costume.” Verity shrugged, referring to her youngest. “But you are a valued member of the family, you know it Caroline.”

“Pink is clearly superior.” Caroline furrowed her brow, pointing to her pink tweed pinafore. “And thanks. But I think I need to settle down.” “I mean, you’re in your twenties.” Verity pointed out. “But I kind of wish you luck with the whole Secret Santa thing.”

“Thanks.” Caroline just realised she had no fucking clue what to buy Dwight. “I might need it.”

So Dwight had searched up and fucking down and he’d not found a single Caroline, nevermind Penvenen.

“I am royally fucked.” He said under his breath, not noticing a sudden presence behind him.

A sudden female presence.

“Well I’m glad your first time was with me.” A voice came from behind. He turned around to see a woman in more pink than he ever thought possible. “Not to make assumptions about your sex life.” She smiled sweetly, almost disguising her cutting remark.

“Ah, you appear to have caught me at a bad time.” Dwight chuckled nervously. “You know what Christmas is like.” He wasn’t sure why he was so tongue tied, maybe it was her overwhelming air of confidence or her excessive beauty. “Don’t suppose you’ve seen a Caroline around, have you?”

She laughed then, twinkly, like music, “Speaking.”

“What?”

“You know, for a Doctor, you’re dense. My name is Caroline. What can I do you for?” Her smile was genuine, optimistic.

Dwight couldn’t believe he had to buy a present for a woman such as this. A generic gift would not fucking do. He was going to have to spend some serious fucking time with her.

“I said, what can I do you for?” He was snapped out of his slight daydream.

“Oh, well, um,” He examined her outfit and deduced she was admin staff. “Um I need some paperwork on um, some patient. Apparently you’re the woman to go to?” She smiled enthusiastically. “I mean, you’re literally outside the copy room,” she indicated, before whispering, “But the rumours are true, I’m pretty. Fucking. Great.” She’d leaned in pretty close to him and Dwight noticed that he’d pretty much stopped breathing.

And with that, she strolled off, heels of her boots clacking on the floor.

“Caroline.” His voice was a little strained and nervous but she still heard it, turning her head to face him again. “When do you finish work?”

“I’m off at one, half day.”

“Well my last appointment is at two, would you like to get coffee after?” Fuck, he hoped it worked.

“Whatever floats your boat, Dr Enys.” She ran her tongue over her top lip, looking at the floor before meeting his eye again. “See you at two thirty.”

He couldn't see it but as she walked back to her office, she did a mini fist pump.

Fucking nailed it.

[xxsparksxx]

Aside from Ross and Demelza (I assume) what'a your favorite relationship (romantic or otherwise) of the novels and show, if they'really different.

Sorry to take so long to answer this, anon.

Apart from Ross and Demelza, my favourite favourite favourite relationship in the books is Demelza and Jeremy, after the time jump in the later books.

They’re adorable and kindred spirits and Jeremy knows his mother so well, and Demelza knows that she doesn’t know everything about Jeremy, but she loves him and hides his secrets and protects him and it’s just so perfect. They’re just so perfect.

Favourite extracts/quotations to illustrate the perfection that is them, under the cut to save people who don’t want spoilers. Don’t read if you don’t want to know. Seriously.

Also, this is long, because all the extracts are ones I love far too much to omit, and they all just show so perfectly just why I love them so much.

Okay, this is from The Stranger From the Sea, and it’s just full of love and communication and the sympathy between them:

‘I wonder how your father will think of it.’‘Of privateering?’‘Yes. And Stephen. Stephen’s a great charmer . . . But I knew his first story was not true.’‘Why not?’‘There had been no storm for fourteen days before you picked him up.’‘I can’t remember the weather so far back. How do you? I scarcely remember what it was like yesterday.’Demelza helped herself to the port. She was getting light-headed as well as light-hearted.‘Well, there it is. He says he will be detained in London a few more days – your father, that is – but will return at the earliest possible moment. I wonder if he will see Clowance? They cannot know he is safe returned because he is not staying at his usual lodgings. He is stopping with Mr Canning. Is there a Mrs Canning? I hope they meet. I mean Clowance and your father. Maybe they will cross coaches, as I was afeared to do. Thank God he is back in England. It is hard to stop worrying; you can’t turn it off sudden like a tap. I heard of a man once who survived the most utmost perils and then slipped on a banana skin.’‘Mother,’ said Jeremy.‘Yes, my handsome?’‘Did you send Clowance because . . .’Demelza said: ‘I didn’t send Clowance. She went.’‘It is unlike her.’‘Yes, it is unlike her. But people often do things that are unlike themselves. What is being true to oneself, I wonder? I never know. Sometimes there are three people inside of me, all wishing different. Which is me? What are you like inside, Jeremy? Are you like that? I never know. Sometimes you worry your father. Is there something special you want to do with your life?’‘Maybe.’‘Is there? Do you know what it is?’‘Not exactly. I’m not sure . . . Are we a trouble to you, Mama?’‘Just a little. Just a small matter troublesome. Dear life, what it is to have a family! . . . As for Clowance, you must give her leave to be wayward. She is growing up.’‘We all are.’‘Alas.’‘Why?’‘Why what?’’Why alas?’‘I think I like you all at a certain size. Like hollyhocks. Before the rust starts.’‘Well, thank you, Mother. Your compliments fly on all sides of me.’

Two spirits sort of...sounding in sympathy with each other. They’re so comfortable together. And Jeremy loves her and is proud of her and this next extract (from the same book), in reference to his beloved Cuby and her family, the Trevanions, shows that so absolutely clearly. He’s aware of her remaining insecurity and he makes it absolutely crystal clear that he doesn’t care where she came from and anybody who slighted her, he would refuse to know:

Demelza said: ‘But one thing, Jeremy. Never forget you are a Poldark.’Colley was becoming restive at the prospect of exercise. Jeremy stroked his nose.‘Little likelihood of that.’‘I mean – ’ Demelza hesitated – ‘think of your father’s family in this matter, not of mine. It would be distressful to me if me being a miner’s daughter should hinder your chances.’ So now it was out.Jeremy looked out of the stables, his eyes still blank. ‘You take me to church now and again. We go as a family half a dozen times a year, don’t we?’‘Well?’‘It says there “honour thy father and thy mother.” That’s a commandment I happen to obey. Understand? And no trouble. Not half of it but the whole of it. It gives me no trouble at all. If anyone should think to teach me different, it should not be you.’‘I only mean . . .’‘I know what you only mean. Now go about your business, Mama, and leave me to go about mine. No girl . . .’ He stopped.‘It may not be her. It may be her parents.’Jeremy looked at his mother and smiled wryly.‘That us’ll see, shann’t us.'

I think if there is anybody in the world who loves Demelza as much as Ross does, it’s Jeremy - though in a different way, of course. She is loved and beloved by all her children, and by her friends, but her relationship with Jeremy is special.

When Demelza is pregnant with her fifth child, in The Miller’s Dance, Jeremy is as concerned for her as everyone else (’Did your father send you?’ ‘Concern for your well-being, woman, is not confined to one man. The whole family shares it.’) but I think his present to her, when his younger brother is successfully born, shows just how much he knows her:

...during the days before he left Nampara he had managed to get a wisp of Clowance’s hair, a curl of Isabella-Rose’s, and, with no difficulty at all, a sample of his own. These he had taken in to Truro to Solomon, the silversmith, and had bought a silver locket for £8 and had asked the old man to fit these pieces of hair into the inner compartment of the locket, leaving room at a later stage for a fourth sample. He hadn’t quite known what to buy his mother at this time.

...

‘Mama,’ he said, ‘I have bought you a little present.’She blinked. ‘My dear life. But why?’‘Should I not? You have just most notably added another another Poldark to the world’s population. Isn’t that a cause for celebration?’‘I’m not at all sure! But . . .’Jeremy fumbled in his pocket and took out the silver locket. She accepted it and unwrapped it from its tissue paper. She turned it over and presently pressed the catch.‘My dear life,’ she said again. ‘Jeremy, my lover, it’s so kind . . . I don’t know what to say . . .’‘Say thank you,’ he suggested.‘That I’ll do double-fold. Jeremy, I can’t just at this very moment . . . think of more . . .’She reached up and he kissed her. ‘I was hoping the new boy would be a redhead,’ he said. ‘Add to the colour in the locket. For a change, don’t you think.’ Her vision was blurred. ‘I don’t want a change, Jeremy. Thank you. It was so thoughtful.’

Her children are so important to her, and Jeremy finds the perfect present for her - a present that no doubt she treasures all the more, in later years, after Jeremy’s death.

They’re just so in synch. Even when Jeremy doesn’t tell her what’s happening in his life, and what he’s done - by which I mean, of course, robbing a stagecoach with Stephen Carrington and Paul Kellow - she knows something has happened and gently makes sure that he knows he can talk to her.

‘What happened last Christmas?’‘Christmas?’‘About then. About the time Harry was born.’He turned the flower of a pansy. ‘Something has eaten this one.’‘A caterpillar, it look more like . . . Yes, there it is. Such a little one, too.’He said: ‘You see too much, Mother.’‘It isn’t only caterpillars.’‘I know.’‘But will not tell?’‘Cannot tell. Don’t let it worry you.’‘It does. When my eldest son suddenly seems to – to go adrift. Is it still to do with Cuby?’He flushed. ‘Earlier, yes. I became very disgusted with the way my life was leading, and out of the disgust grew – other things. Now . . . I think I am just going through a bad patch. Give me a little time.’‘You don’t even care so much for Wheal Leisure now, do you.’‘Not as much as I did.’ He changed his tone. ‘But don’t ee fetch on so. Tis no more ’n a touch of the spiritual mulligrubs.’ He patted her on the bottom. ‘All will be well.’‘Not that way.’‘Well, look what you were like when you were carrying Harry! We’ve just spoken of it.’‘But you’re not carrying Harry, my lover. What are you carrying?’There was a plop as he at last found a snail and dropped it in the water.He said: ‘Even in spite of everything, I can talk to you better than anyone else. I wonder why.’‘I can’t think.’‘Wasn’t Father lucky!’ ‘Oh, ho, thank you.'

Of course Demelza finds out, or guesses, about what happened. A combination of Ben Carter bringing her his random find of a loving cup, a newspaper clipping among Jeremy’s papers in his room, and vague warnings away from ‘Kellow’s Ladder’ - plus Demelza’s intuition when it comes to her family - mean she finds out, and the finding out about it is hard for her to bear. She gets drunk:

She said: ‘Are we good parents, Ross? I sometimes wonder. Are we too easy, too easy-going, too sloppy. No discipline, no example, come as you please, go as you please. That’s us. Maybe the old way is best. The strap and the birch and the slipper. Stand in a corner, lock you in your room without supper.’ She swallowed hard, and coughed. ‘Maybe children really love you better that way, look up to you, respect you, listen to what you say. Animals – they’re animals really, are they not. Animals never mind a beating so long as they know what they’ve done wrong and where they stand.’‘Shut up and tell me what has gone wrong!’‘Nothing’s gone wrong.'

She never tells Ross. Not even after Jeremy has died, after a letter from him is delivered to her confessing, finally, the truth. She never tells Ross, and she gets rid of the loving cup, and has already burned the leftover papers and sacks, hidden down Kellow’s Ladder. She protects Jeremy even after his death. She would do almost anything for him, and it’s agony for her to discover that he’s broken the law in such a big way, but they are so close to each other, he is so beloved by her, that to do anything other than protect him is unthinkable. And she and Jeremy never speak of it openly, either, though it’s alluded to, and after his death a letter from him is delivered to her confessing the sin that she had already known.

His death almost cripples her. It ages her and destroys her and she is never quite the same afterwards.

Demelza took to walking across the beach and back, not to get rid of the deadly sickness and the emptiness and the aching – for there was no way out of that – but simply to tire one’s muscles, to exhaust one’s body, so that something was registered on the mind besides grief. Dwight gave her tincture of laudanum at night, but it always wore off at dawn when life was at its lowest and coldest. Then she would stand by the window and cry alone for the loss of her son....All the beauty had gone from Demelza’s face. Perhaps one day it would return, but at present few of her friends in Paris would have taken her for the vivacious, comic, ebullient young woman they had known in February and March.

It ends in tragedy and pain, just as Jeremy had come in a time of tragedy and pain for Demelza. But in between there was so much love, and laughter, and kinship. I don’t think Demelza is as close to any other of her children, though she loves each of them and is close to each of them. There’s just something particularly special about her and Jeremy. Perhaps it’s that he’s the oldest surviving child; perhaps it’s because of when he was born and how important he was to her happiness in his first few years. Perhaps it’s just because somehow they were two people in harmony with each other.

But they’re perfect. Utterly perfect.

So yes, anon. That is my very, very long-winded explanation of why I adore Demelza and Jeremy. SO DAMN MUCH. I cried when he died. I don’t often cry when reading, but I cried when he died.

[rather-impertinent]

Forgiveness

A/N: Good morning friends!! 💓 this fic is for day three of @fuckyeahdwightcaroline’s fan work week for ‘Horace’. This is set in 3x09, before the scene where Dwight carries Horace. Here we have pissed!Caroline and OhShitShesPissed!Dwight. Sorry about the layout and any mistakes, I’m in Glasgow and have to post from my phone! Enjoy! xo

~~~~~~~~~~~ Caroline Enys resigned from pacing in front of the window and moved to stand in front of the fireplace. She picked up the poker that she had just bought from Drake Carne - which she had paid a considerably excessive sum for - insisting that its purchase was urgently required, though it was not. After tapping it anxiously against her hand, she firmly decided that should Dwight return from his volunteering venture alive, she would beat him senseless with it; so that he may remain bedridden in Killewarren and never again consider participating in such recklessness.

All thoughts of violence vanished as she heard the clicking of hooves outside. She did not stop to glance out of the window but instead headed straight for the main door with Horace in tow. Her heartbeat pounded in her ears as a servant opened the door. Was this Dwight’s horse? Or some other’s, here to bear bad news? The worst news?

She shielded her eyes from sun and waited for the rider to appear from the stables. Horace stood guard in front of her, growling softly as the crunch of the gravel became louder. Caroline held her breath and wrung her hands, as she would Dwight’s neck, once she knew he was safe.

Her heart thumped with relief as he appeared around the corner, a bright smile forming on his face as he saw her. He immediately quickened his pace. She, too, sprinted unashamedly towards him; as did Horace, his fat tail wagging excitedly at the sight of his treat-giver.

She flung herself into his arms. “My love!” she exclaimed.

He caught her with ease and clung to her. “My Caroline.” He held her a while before placing her back on the ground and kissing her, glad to be home.

She caressed his face, his biceps, his chest, his torso. Now fully satisfied that he was unharmed, the flow of anger outweighed the flow of blood within her veins.

Dwight stiffened as he recognised the change in her demeanour. “Caroline, I am sor-”

She held her hand up. “No, Dr. Enys, I beg you. Do not complete that sentence. Do not utter such a blatant falsehood! You are not in the least bit sorry! If you were, you would not have volunteered!”

Dwight physically winced at the tone of her voice: fury mixed with injury. “My love, you misunderstand, in this case-”

“Oh, I misunderstand, do I? Shall we see what I do understand, then?” He did not answer. “You, along with other notable reckless persons, volunteered on behalf of Sir Francis Basset to defend Cornwall from a French fleet. With this came the risk of possible injury or even death. This you knew and this you accepted without any care for me, your wife, nor my condition nor, least of all, yourself! Did I misunderstand this?”

He hesitated. “Yes,” he stated, the matter was much more complex than that. She stared at him as though she might strike him. “I suppose I can see why you’re upset…,” he admitted guilty. “But it was a false alarm,” he reminded her, his tone light.

She was not at all impressed; firstly, by his complete disregard for the dangers of his expedition and secondly, for his infuriating flippancy over the matter. “Come, Horace.” She snapped her fingers and the pug immediately shadowed her, as he always did.

“Where are you going?” Dwight gaped as Caroline and Horace quickly wandered off without him, leaving him standing alone.

“Horace and I are heading for a pleasant family walk. We’d hate to trouble you for your attendance, since there are no doubt more important matters elsewhere.”

Dwight swore softly under his breath, he would have to do his fair share of grovelling in order to truly earn her forgiveness. He jogged to catch up with them. “Caroline, I know you are angry but please allow me to explain,” he pleaded.

Caroline stopped in her tracks and turned around to face him, but maintained some distance. “Oh,” she said, a smile on her face. Oh, no. Not good. “So now you have time to explain? Thank Heavens, I thought you might yet again relay some distressing - possibly life altering - news and then simply stalk away without a reasonable explanation nor proper consideration of my opinions.”

Dwight gulped and considered his next words carefully. “I am sorry for that,” he started sincerely. “But, Caroline, my love, you understand my loyalty to Ross. In a number of ways, we both would not be standing here together without his assistance, his interference.” He took a deep breath and continued. “But you must also understand my duty as an officer; to train others for combat, to protect my country, my home, my friends, the people I love.”

“Of course I understand.” Truthfully she did not understand the latter, nor did she care to try. The best way to protect those he loved was to keep out of harm’s way. The only thing that she understood was that his venture was a complete disregard of his wellbeing and, in turn, of her own. She silently picked up a basket to gather some strawberries and stalked away from him.

As it dawned on Dwight that his wife did not understand - had not accepted his apology - he stopped and placed his hands on his hips, contemplating his next move. Suddenly, an idea came to his mind: he jogged down the path which lead to the water but stopped halfway to pick some flowers. He swore repeatedly as the stalks of the roses cut his fingers.

He sprinted to catch up with his wife and Horace, who were playing fetch, seemingly unfazed by his absence, though it was not so. He tapped her gently on the shoulder and waited for her to face him. “I’m sorry,” he said wholeheartedly, out of breath, timidly gifting her the hand picked bouquet. “Please, forgive me.” The emotion in his voice was raw and evident- he hated nothing more in all the world than quarrelling with her.

She accepted the bouquet from him and breathed in its scent, fighting to keep a smile off her face as she noticed the small drops of blood on his fingers. “Hm,” she said finally, pursing her lips and raising her eyebrows. She placed the beautiful flowers into her basket and carried on walking, though noticeably slower this time.

Dwight followed her. “Perhaps we could decorate the parlour with them,” he suggested. “And host a dinner or some such event?” he enticed. His conscience teased him for his weakness in regards to his wife; he loathed societal affairs but knew of Caroline’s love for them, and would at present do anything to earn her forgiveness.

She looked sideways at him, a genuine smile on her face. “I should like that very much, my dear,” she commented quietly. She knew of his dislike for such things and appreciated the sacrifice of his own comfort for the sake of her happiness. It may seem a small gesture to some people but for Dwight it was not so. For now, she decided, she would forgive him.

He smiled, knowing he’d won his battle. “You may, of course, invite whoever you wish, my love.”

“Even the Warleggans?” she challenged.

“If by the Warleggans you are referring to Elizabeth, little Valentine and Geoffrey Charles, though he is technically a Poldark, then certainly.”

She laughed at him. “What is your quarrel with George? I confess I sometimes find him arrogant, boring and embarrassingly eager. Yet I do not find him as irksome as you, Ross and Demelza do. What is his offence?”

“It is a rather long story, and one I’ve no care at present to relay.”

Caroline shrugged indifferently. “As you wish.” She picked up a small branch and meant to throw it for Horace, who had seemingly vanished. “Where is he?” she asked worriedly, glancing around the vast garden.

Dwight caught Horace’s plump tail sticking out of a flower bed in the distance. He whistled loudly at him. “Horace! Come here!” he chided. Horace obeyed and stumbled happily back towards his master, who groaned as he noticed the half eaten pansy in the pug’s mouth, which would no doubt make him vomit later. Dwight wiped his face. “Stupid dog,” he muttered.

“Leave my baby alone!” Caroline cried indignantly.

Dwight giggled. “Ok, I will leave your baby alone,” he emphasised. He closed the distance between them and gently placed his hand on her flat stomach. “But I’m afraid I cannot promise the same for our baby,” he whispered happily.

Caroline smiled brightly at him. Seeing his joy, the love in his eyes, made the constant nausea seem worth it. She had definitely forgiven him. It was definitely due to her fluctuating hormones, though. She smirked at him. “Oh? And what shall you do, Dr. Enys?”

He wrapped his arms around her from behind as they continued to walk slowly around the grounds. Horace barked furiously at having been excluded from such an embrace and so Caroline flung the small stick high into the air and far into the distance for him to chase. “Well,” Dwight continued, once Horace had gone off on his quest. “First and foremost, I shall care for her mother and then-”

Caroline stopped and glanced at him over her shoulder. “Her?” she repeated, amused.

“Yes,” Dwight replied confidently. “Her.”

“And what makes you think so?”

“I am a physician, I know such things,” he mocked authoritatively. She poked him gently in the ribs with her elbow. “It is just a feeling,” he admitted, blushing slightly.

After a moment of quiet, Caroline said: “I suspicion so, too.”

Dwight grinned and kissed her gently, intertwining their fingers. He moved to walk by her side and they walked back in happy silence, perfectly content with each other’s company. As they approached the front of the house, Horace - who had been wailing for food alone for five minutes - interrupted their peace with relentless barking. He approached Dwight and stood on his hind legs, begging the doctor to pick him up. Dwight sighed and obliged, scooping the rotund animal into his arms. Caroline scratched her pet’s ears fondly as Dwight held the door open for her.

“What do you think, my precious?” she cooed at her pug as she entered the house. “Should you be content with a sister for company?” Horace barked and licked Caroline’s cheek. The Enyses laughed heartily. “I shall take that as a yes.”

[blu-b]

Cornish funny farm, a review (Poldark S3 E8)

I usually don’t do this kind of comment / summary, but after today’s episode let me chime in with a few things….

Behind a cut, for reasons.

Ross & Elizabeth 3.0: Oh finally, those two get to talk in private, and like adults. Yay! Now everything will be rectified…right? Right?

Ooooh far from it! They talk and talk and…. never come to the actual point?? Elizabeth hints at Valentine’s parentage, Ross asks if he’s his, Elizabeth says she doesn’t know - cue a brief hysterical fit where Ross accuses her of not wanting to tell (to what point and purpose should she?? Also Ross, mate, if you have any basic knowledge of how reproduction works, you’d know that this is not an exact science, at least not in your times), Elizabeth once again defending herself for something that is not her fault, Ross wanting to know what exactly George suspects…and the conversation starts all over again. Hello?? Get to the fucking POINT, people!

OK Ross basically apologizing for what he did was VERY relieving, as was seeing that they still have some sort of fondness for each other, albeit a sad one; but what was that bullshit about “never injure the woman I loved” - remember you kicked in her door and broke into her bedroom? Also, I’m not a fan of his borderline aggression when he says “You WON’T tell!”…too many bad memories of that one night™ .

And then, the weirdest and wildest thing ever: So the only way to save her marriage to George is by “giving him another child” and make it look like it’s premature as well. “When there’s some confusion about the date…” Yes Ross, really, are you happy to help out again?

ARE YOU KIDDING ME, DEBBIE H.?? What’s this bumfuckery?? Why is Ross suggesting such a thing to her?? I can’t believe it…I was literally yelling at the TV like: “Ross…..Roooooss…..no, you didn’t..ROSSSSS ROOOOSSS NOO ROSS!!” What in fuck’s name did I just witness???? This can’t be serious. I’m still speechless.

Also, Ross, your many “all in good friendship” kisses to Elizabeth’s face are cute, but did you check if she really wants that? No? Ah, I’m smelling a pattern here. 

And, what’s all that guesswork about who told George of their night together? 

R: Have you never hinted to him….? E: How could I?? But maybe you said something to him….? R: Asjsalmnkbjamff!!! E: Oh, but who could have told him? Hmmmmm. Who else was in the house….. ………… ……….. ……….. Both, looking ominously out to the graveyard: ………………..could it be? Agatha….?

I mean, how stupid is that? Agatha basically told Elizabeth on her dying bed (stool) that she had spilled the beans to George, so…..dafuq?

I liked what they did with Ross “confessing” his feelings to Demelza, it explains a lot about his later actions and why he’s trying to hard to stick to his promise. It doesn’t matter that he didn’t say it in the end - of course he should, but for his character development it’s not important whether he says it out loud or just in his head; the main thing is that he has reached that conclusion and is coming to terms with his own feelings that were so unclear to him not too long ago. I really like season 3 Ross so far with the exception of the above examples, so yeah…there’s still hope.

Insert obligatory timeline glitch: “And for the first time in years, we talked. ” - Ross meaning Elizabeth. Ummm. Years? Valentine is like what, 2 years old? And there was that incident with the horses at the cliffs, he spoke to Elizabeth there, albeit briefly, but he did speak to her. “For the first time in years” makes it sound like they haven’t talked for a decade. Meanwhile, Jeremy Poldark has aged one day. 

So, back to the talk. So the plan is to seduce poor George every day so that no one can tell exactly when a possible new baby was conceived? Very clever. Good luck with that.

Speaking of George….and ok yeah I’m biased here, but still….my poor precious darling boy! :’( The small victory of the election is tarnished by his family affairs. He so wants to believe little Valentine is his, but he just can’t get over old Agatha’s cruel words. Played to perfection by Jack, the internal struggles of a man who doesn’t know if he’s being lied to by the woman he loves, or has just been led on by an old woman’s spite. I liked to see that his nervous little habits increase, and it’s also quite telling in this context that it’s George who first loses his nerve in the dispute with Ross, not the other way round as usual (note to self: I do love when George results to cursing, shouting, or a threatening purr ^^). And that image of him sitting alone in his carriage almost broke my heart :-(

What was stupid though was that they put the confrontation in after Ross spoke to Elizabeth. He knows that George is suspicious of her and of Valentine’s parentage, and still he says something stupid like “…and so is her son!” - meaning Geoffrey Charles, of course, but it’s just such a cheap and obvious way of creating suspense. George very obviously and understandably thinks Ross is - in anger - referring to Valentine, and how can he not think that? Ross of course doesn’t say it with that intention, but it’s just stupid because he usually either says “Francis’ son” (because that’s what makes GC a Poldark in the first place), or simply “Geoffrey Charles”, not “Elizabeth’s son”. It would have made A LOT more sense to put this BEFORE the conversation with Elizabeth, so that Ross actually realizes that he has said something incredibly stupid to George and put Elizabeth under even more suspicion. The way it is, it’s just another cheap “Poldark vs. Warleggan” moment.

Then, Demelza. I almost felt sorry for her when yet another man tells her “You’re not perfect, but I’m not looking for perfection anyway…” - like seriously? Is Hugh actually getting her with the same superficial crap that Ross told her? Ugh. Don’t get me wrong, Hugh is cute and I like him, but I’m not sure I like / understand the way his attraction to her is portrayed. It’s all a bit too obvious and too much and…well, yeah. I don’t really care enough to delve deeper into it.

Morwenna’s storyline is finally getting a bit interesting, after endless hours of her looking at Drake like a moon calf and swooning over some flowers and standing at the window looking longingly out to…whatever. Worse that what they did to Elizabeth in s2, imho. She still doesn’t do much but sit there and suffer, but this time I’ve actually shed a tear for her because I’m finally beginning to feel a bit more for this character than just “ugh…!”.

Also, I get that Osborne is a horrible man that we shouldn’t come to like, but I’ve got to admit that he does have some comical moments, and especially perfect timing, so kudos to Christian Brassington for this portrayal.

Also, I kind of like Rowella. I wasn’t too into any of the “young generation” and I still don’t care a damn for Sam Carne and his what’s-her-face, and neither for Drake for that matter, but the way Rowella plays the fat vicar’s vices is kind of entertaining (and makes one wonder why her sister never thought of similar tricks, but she was possibly too busy looking out the window…). 

Final conclusion: Almost every marriage in Cornwall is beyond botched.

One ray of light though, Dwight. Dwight is always right. Hahaha, I loved how he stuck it to fat Ossie ^^ But in general, he and Caroline don’t get nearly enough screen time in this season. 

Elizabeth was again reduced to little else but holding Valentine and looking ominous, but I did love how in two scenes she got to actually decide something for herself, and how she takes on responsibility, not only of Morwenna, but in general. She seems more like the lady of the house now and issues commands, and she’s not afraid to use the differences in their rank to put Osborne into his place. Well done, lovely lady! *applauds* Also, I like how her feelings for George seem to have developed into something more than convenience.

Finally though, Ross and Demelza. Oh my. What a clusterfuck of bullshit. It all boils down to:

“My heart will always and forever belong to you…but, actually, trying out another man for a day would be kinda cool, and once I did that I’ll happily return to you and go on as if nothing happened, also btw you cheated on me so you are morally obliged to grant me this favour." 

Wow. Kudos to Ross for his self-control and his patience with her. I’m not getting into the discussion whether cheating out of revenge is okay or not, and neither into any other for that matter, and while I admit that Ross has some horrible flaws and did abysmal things in the past, he’s trying so hard this season, especially with Demelza. That he makes a few remarks the like of “Not every man in Cornwall is in love with you” doesn’t really come as a surprise after the Fucky McMustache episode, but all in all and given that it’s Ross we’re speaking of, he’s basically snuggly as a kitten. Whereas my understanding for Demelza shrinks with every episode since season 2 tbh. OK so he doesn’t write her poems, so what? He doesn’t care what dress colour she wears, so what? She could be stuck in a FAR worse marriage with a far worse man (think Osborne), and also some of her antics are really rather pointless and just feel like random bitching because she doesn’t get what she wants (a large part of which seems to be the “ploughing” of a certain “field” if I’m reading this correctly; at least that seems to be what the script is hinting at). 

Don’t get me wrong, I understand that they’re working through a difficult time in their marriage, and both of them are not easy persons, but - citing the books - all of this is about eventually understanding that there’s more to love and marriage than what convention teaches us and that in order to understand a partner and truly love them, you need to let go of them sometimes. And there would have been so many more ways to bring that across in film, instead of having Demelza be randomly angry with Ross and paying him back by cheating with the next best man who babbles romantic nonsense at her. 

This was one of the more powerful episodes in s3, and still the overall feeling I’m left with is one of being sorry for all the persons who’d deserve more happiness than what they’re currently getting: Elizabeth & George, Morwenna & Drake, and Ross….

Oohooo and edit: No Ross, Elizabeth is actually not "the only person" who can do something about this spiderweb of lies you're both entangled in (especially not by telling another lie!). YOU could walk up to George and tell him face to face that Elizabeth is innocent, that you slept with his fiancée against her will and that you're sorry for what you did, and if Valentine should turn out to come after you, that you'll help support the child (even though George and Elizabeth surely don't need the money). That would come very close to a suicide mission, but it would be honest for once and you'd not be using Elizabeth to cover up your own mistakes.

[bluemoon21-blog]

SPOILERS: BBC’s Line Of Duty Series Four was Brilliant TV

BETTER TO WATCH IT, Than read this LONG REPORT!

Line Of Duty has a reputation for moments of jaw-dropping, hard-hitting, drama – like throwing Jessica Raine off a tower block and amputating Thandie Newton’s hand.

But its fourth series had something even more shocking: a happy ending. Or several to be precise …

After an uncharacteristically mad, messy, opening episode, the finale of the BBC’s police corruption thriller was still stunningly ruthless and relentless but unexpectedly, positive.

All of the baddies were brought to justice (in one form or another) and (amazingly) none of the good guys from AC-12 were forced to resign or suffered a tragic demise.

On the contrary, ‘Balaclava Man’ was shot down by Supt. Ted Hastings who also cleared his name, remaining the hero of the show.

By the time we saw the innocently-imprisoned Michael Farmer had been re-united with his Nan and DS Arnott was walking again, writer Jed Mercurio had turned Line Of Duty into a cross between The Sweeney and The Waltons.

He proved yet again that Duty was (easily) our best cop show and arguably the most intelligent, enthralling, drama on British television. Apart from Poldark obviously…

Where else would you find a case that revolved around a corrupt cop with an amputated hand and some fingertips she’d cut off with a chainsaw that proved to be her undoing?

Here are 30 highlights from Series Four’s brilliant finale.

1. DCI Roz Huntley and her children moved into a hotel after she had framed her husband for murder (a killing we suspected Roz had herself committed).

‘Why aren’t you helping him?!’ her daughter complained.

‘It’s complicated,’ the scheming DCI muttered.

You could say that yes…

2. Supt. Ted Hastings lamented Nick Huntley was close to being charged by the Murder Squad, with AC-12 having been stood down by ACC Hilton.

‘She’s done it again !’ Hastings cried. ‘We had that case in the palm of our hands. She’s thrown everybody off the scent.’

The way DS Arnott rolled his eyes suggested even he agreed this hadn’t been difficult given AC-12’s disastrous investigation.

3. To compound Hastings’ humiliation, DC Desford was also now lording it over him, having transferred to AC-9 when Hastings accused Desford of being the mole/rat, and repeatedly called him ‘James’ instead of ‘Jamie’.

‘Hastings didn’t appreciate my ability,’ Desford purred. ‘Hilton does.’

Ouch !

4. ‘I’m sorry to hear about your accident,’ DS Steve Arnott’s ex-girlfriend Murder Squad DS Sam Railston commiserated, provoking Kate Fleming to step in. ‘You dumped him at the first sign of trouble. It’s a bit late for apologies!’

(Steve + Kate ! Can we call them State?)

5. Thanks to Nick Huntley’s interview, AC-12 finally realise Roz had been covering up a cut on her arm and that it might have been infected during her fatal fight with Tim Ifield.

‘The MRSA lives in the carrier’s nose,’ a doctor tells Kate Fleming. Great news.

6. ACC Hilton implored DCI Huntley to resign.

‘I’m not bent sir !’ she protested (optimistically). ‘I’m a diligent, dedicated, loyal officer. Why aren’t you backing me?!’

She was probably regretting making an enemy of Hilton by not sleeping with him before she had her stump.

7. Roz’s ludicrous lackey DC Jodie Taylor passed on the information that James Lakewell had been Michael Farmer’s solicitor and so had been aware of Farmer’s conviction for rape.

‘What does that mean exactly?’ Jodie asked.

We knew we were confused but she was supposed to be the detective. Although she didn’t look like one…

8. DS Arnott was frantically scanning CCTV footage for sightings of Roz Huntley’s car on the night Tim Ifield was murdered.

‘How you getting on son?’ Hastings asked in classic style, referring to the scheming DCI as ‘the wicked witch.’

9. Unfortunately (deliberately) Roz Huntley had headed into a huge area of woodlands where there were no traffic cameras. But Arnott deduced that at 3am the area would have been so dark that Huntley must have known where to dispose of the evidence from the killing. Ted Hastings heart swelled with pride as he watched his officers return to their desks. As did ours.

10. ACC Hilton (and the dreaded Desford) turned up at the search and ordered Hastings to leave it to the Murder Squad. ‘Don’t expect the hearing to go well ‘H’,’ he snarled. Ted was either being set up or really was the head of the network of ruthless criminals and corrupt cops.

11. As a result of the search Roz Huntley was (finally) arrested, using Jodie to trick solicitor James Lakewell into representing her for the questioning.

‘You’re the only person I trust right now,’ the steely-eyed glamourpuss purred. Thandie Newton that is, not Jodie…

12. A classic AC-12 interrogation saw DS Kate Fleming, DS Arnott and Supt Hastings presenting all the evidence discovered in the woodlands: Ifield’s rucksack stuffed with the tracksuit stolen from his flat worn by the killer to escape and female clothing stained with his blood that (Ted Hastings mused) ‘has deposits matching an individual whose DNA profile is held on the police database’, Who could it be?!

‘No comment,’ said Roz.

13. The bag also contained Tim Ifield’s mobile phone and his fingertips, which had been cut off and used by the killer to text Hana Reznikova and stop her from interrupting the (extensive) clean-up operation. Gory but ingenious to be fair.

14. Keeping the fingernails proved Huntley’s undoing. As Hastings pointed out: ‘Tim Ifield’s dying act was to claw at the murderer’s hand to capture their DNA under his fingernails. So not only do we have the murderer’s DNA. We have the exact strain of bacteria that was grown in the wound that he inflicted on his killer.’

An expert forensic scientist, truly Tim was a dedicated professional to the last.

15. Finally Roz Huntley announced: ‘I confess to accidentally killing Tim Ifield. Our children will need a parent. My husband took no part. My witness testimony was false. The evidence was planted by me a few minutes after my husband’s arrest’ (thanks to Kate Fleming). Not exactly ‘doing the decent thing’ but still…

16. Roz described the fight in Ifield’s kitchen and how after she had been knocked unconsciousness Ifield had gone to buy a chainsaw.

‘Are you telling me that one of our most experienced Forensic Investigators didn’t know that you weren’t dead?!’ scoffed Ted. At least Jed Mercurio acknowledged it was unlikely !

17. Roz revealed she had been trying to wrestle the chainsaw off him when it nicked his neck. Like Ifield she had (improbably) decided against simply calling the police and report the accident.

‘I know how hard it is to prove self-defence,’ she justified. ‘I couldn’t save his life but I could try to save mine.’ Perhaps not as noble as she thought.

18. At this point James Lakewell declared ‘a conflict of interest.’ His client Nick Huntley had been charged with the murder Roz Huntley obviously committed. ‘Am I still a police officer?’ Roz asked Hastings before then reading her solicitor his rights. Certainly unusual for a murderer…

19. ‘I think I should leave,’ gulped Lakewell hurriedly.

‘I think you should sit down fella. Or I will handcuff you to that desk.’

Ted was back in the game !

20. Just as the murder of Tim Ifield had effectively been cracked by Nick Huntley it was Jodie Taylor whose policework showed who had attacked Steve Arnott. She had traced three ‘burner phones’ from The Wire showing that just before Arnott’s arrival, Nick Huntley had called his solicitor Lakewell who then phoned ACC Hilton. Hilton then deployed Balaclava Man. Jodie had nailed Hilton, Lakewell, and ‘Balaclava Man’ !

‘Jesus Christ !’ cried Jamie Desford upstairs, reaching for his own phone.

21. Hastings informed Lakewell he was under arrest for Perverting the Course of Justice – depriving Arnott of the chance to exact revenge on the smarmy solicitor for mocking him as ‘Ironside.’

22. Lakewell revealed there were in fact several Balaclava Men, who used the threat of incriminating body parts to manipulate corrupt police officers and men like him. Lakewell doubted ACC Hilton was the ‘Top Dog’ (‘H’) mentioned in The Caddy’s dying declaration.

If he is, how come he bricks it every time a new body’s found?’ he asked not unreasonably.

23. Armed police found ACC Hilton had fled. He had been tipped off by DC Desford who then tried to smuggle Lakewell out of AC-12’s clutches by claiming he was taking him to a safe house. This chaos escalated with the arrival of (you’ve guessed it) Balaclava Man !

24. Just when you thought Hastings couldn’t get any more heroic, in the ensuing shoot out he took out Balaclava Man.

‘You got him sir !’ cooed Steve adoringly.

‘I got one of them,’ Hastings corrected him laconically like Sheriff from a Western. When Arnott made the mistake of referring to ‘the real criminals’, Hastings teased: ‘are bent coppers not criminal enough for you son?’ Classic AC-12 banter.

25. In a series of post-scripts, Line Of Duty briefly went all Waltons as we saw Steve Arnott was walking again and Michael Farmer was escorted out of prison by his grandma.

26. The dead Balaclava Man was identified as a long-term associate of Tommy Hunter – the violent criminal/sex trafficker from Line Of Duty’s first series and the golfer who had groomed Cottan to be ‘The Caddy.’

27. DCI Roz Huntley was eventually jailed (for ten years), as was Lakewell who refused to co-operate for fear of reprisals from the ‘Top Dog.’

28. Supt. Hastings said he was “satisfied ACC Hilton was H” but we weren’t so sure. Hilton certainly wasn’t ‘H’ anymore. He was found dead, slumped over a shotgun having shot himself. At least it had been made to look that way.

29. Ted Hastings ordered his photo to be taken down from senior officers whose names began with ‘H.’

30. Rows of pictures linked all the great characters in Line of Duty’s four superb series: from DCI Tony Gates, Lindsay Denton and DI ‘Dot’ Cottan to Huntley and Hilton. Not categorically identifying ‘H’ had been the only failure of the night but even this was good news in a way.

‘This is beginning to feel like a life’s work,’ Supt. Ted Hastings muttered looking over the huge board of faces – confirming he and AC-12 should be around for a few more series yet in British television’s best cop show since The Sweeney.

The best cop on British television: Supt. Ted Hastings was going to be calling everyone ‘son’, ‘fella’, or (regrettably) ‘darlin’ for some time to come

Source: BBC’s Line Of Duty Series Four was brilliant television | DailyMailOnline

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