an enys-penvenen offshoot

poldark enthusiast

[rather-impertinent]

An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works

Chapters: 2/2 Fandom: Poldark - All Media Types, Poldark (TV 2015)

Some future fluff to alleviate the current angst! Enjoy, friends! xo

[carolightpenvenys]

MEGAN SNAPPED YOU GUYS read this!!! And weep

[oetravia]

[carolightpenvenys]

tag yourself i’m the guy in the bg that’s absolutely losing it

[carolightpenvenys]

listen

the george madness plot with visions of elizabeth is fundamentally terrible but .... jack farthing is such a good actor he somehow saves it!!! shaken

[tiffanyachings]

google search ‘how to revoke debbie horsfield’s writing rights for caroline penvenen and transfer them to phoebe waller-bridge’

[carolightpenvenys]

absolutely screaming

[carolightpenvenys]

me: asking debbie Debbie:

for a plot centric

carolight episode

instead of adding a

ton of new characters

[carolightpenvenys]

O CRIP WE BACK

so excited to see you all tomorrow for poldark!

[carolightpenvenys]

set me up for life - a carolight new year’s eve special

A/N: So happy to make my majestic return to tumblr! Enjoy xx

Ross and Demelza really needed to stop doing this.

They really did.

But in classic fashion, they never knew when to stop, but as Dwight looked across the party occurring in their living room, he knew they’d really fucking done it this time.

It took him a while to piece it together, it really did. They’d evidently been planning it for some time. But it was only when he received a knowing smirk from Ross and Demelza and a thoroughly confused look from Caroline Penvenen, that he started to put together what was occurring.

For readers, it was New Year’s Eve and Dwight never got dressed up. But today was an exception. Demelza had found out through inside sources that Dwight was not on call and demanded that unless he attended her “massive fuck off party,” at hers and Ross’s house, he could consider himself unfriended.

And he couldn’t have that, not at Christmas time.

A problem he’d had for a while though, is Ross and Demelza’s absolute insistence that he be set up with Caroline Penvenen. Honestly a humiliating experience for the both of them- 0/10, would not recommend.

Whether it be an ‘accidental meetup’ where they ‘forgot’ they were inviting them both, or a classic ‘telling Dwight Ross had a new number and actually giving him Caroline’s number to make him look like an absolute prick,’ they were persistent.

And maybe it was this forced coupling, that made Dwight blush every time he was even in the same area as her.

Maybe it was something else.

But back to our story.

For in Caroline’s hands, was an utterly pretentious, garish, bunch of red roses. And he really hoped that the inevitable was not happening. He locked eyes with Caroline, hoping she would not approach- but alas, the confrontational streak was in full force tonight as she beelined for him.

Within a matter of seconds, she was a foot away from him, flowers in hand. “Um, hey. Thanks for the flowers. And for saying I look beautiful.” She struggled to retain eye contact and Dwight was shocked. She seemed almost a little flustered, which tended to be his job more than hers.

The flowers did not lie tho, she did look beautiful in a pastel pink, form fitting dress, with her long blonde hair falling down her back.

He realised then, he hadn’t responded.

“Um. Well.” He struggled to get the words out, desperate not to disappoint her.

“Wait.” Her face screwed up in concentration, and even then, she looked pretty beautiful. She let out a dry laugh. “I see what’s happened here.” Her hands were on her hips, her confidence and emotional barriers back up. “Those little fuckers.”

“I’m sorry.” Dwight grimaced in embarrassment. “I’m literally as confused as you are.”

She sighed and muttered under her breath. “I should’ve just not said anything.”

“What?” Dwight asked, pretending not to have heard.

“Nothing.” She smiled with a kind of unease, uncorking the red wine and pouring herself an incredibly generous glass.

“Is it just one of those nights?” Dwight would normally never risk the small talk with Caroline, but her hesitant laugh and slight shock at this organic conversation forming confirmed it was the right thing to do.

“Another year a spinster,” Caroline laughed. “Red wine, fuck me up.”

It was quarter past 11 and Dwight and Caroline were sat next to each other, slouched on the couch and reader I will disclose this; they were absolutely fucked.

“And I just think.” Caroline shuffled to pull her dress up. “The NHS is so critically underfunded, and we just aren’t channeling our money into the right places at all.”

“I’ll drink to that.” Dwight acknowledged.

“You’ll drink to anything.” Caroline giggled. “Oh fuck, I’m so drunk.” She placed her red wine on the table before falling back onto the couch laughing. “This night has really taken a turn, who knew I would actually have a pretty great time.”

“Oh same.” Dwight carelessly ran a hand through his hair. “I wore a fucking tie and everything, what’s with this dress code?”

“I don’t know, I kind of want to go to McDonalds, but I’m literally wearing five inch heels.” She jutted out her bottom lip and Dwight remembers to this day, how cute she looked at that very moment.

“Holy fuck.” Dwight thought aloud. “I shouldn’t say this as a doctor, but I would kill for some chips right now.”

“Ugh what?” Caroline rolled her eyes. “The chips are the worst bit, give me a McChicken sandwich anyday.”

“I’m vegan Caroline, it’s not like there’s options.” Dwight laughed wryly. “Fast food is a pretty rough time for us.”

There was a silence, then, but it was comfortable.

“Hey Dwight?”

“Yeah?”

“Do you miss steak?”

“No.”

A pause, “Do you miss bacon?”

“No.”

“Wow.” Caroline drawled, “You’re such a good vegan.”

Just then, Dwight reached over, taking a single rose from the bunch, “Hey Caroline,” She turned and he put the rose (plucked of thorns, obviously) behind her ear. “It would be a shame to waste them.”

Suddenly, and he wasn’t sure if it was his red wined mind, but Dwight felt the air go thick with tension, as if they weren’t in a crowded room of people, making eyes at each other. Caroline’s breath hitched and he wondered what was going to happen next-

“Oh my God, I’m going to throw up.” Caroline cried, “Give me a second.” And with that, she ran out of the room and Dwight was snapped back to the ordinary.

He started to panic as he didn’t know where she had gone, and couldn’t find the hosts anywhere. He didn’t know anyone else! He awkwardly walked into the kitchen and started recycling the empty bottles of wine and various plastics, he could at least make himself useful, have a drink of water and fucking calm down about Caroline.

He pinched the bridge of his nose. It truly wasn’t his fault that she was so intelligent and beautiful, literally nobody in the room could stop looking at her and he knew for a fact, if she wasn’t currently shitfaced drunk, she wouldn’t even give him the time of day.

Why now, must he decide that she is the most beautiful creature he had ever laid eyes on?

He sighed, throwing a plastic bottle into the bottle bin.

“Hey,” he heard a voice from the doorway. “What’s that bottle ever done to you?”

He turned to see Caroline leaning on the doorway effortlessly and he literally couldn’t look away, she was just so beautiful.

“Feeling better?” he got out weakly.

“False alarm, fed myself some water and felt a shitload better. Annoyed everyone trying to get in the loo for the last half hour though.”

His heart dropped a little when he saw her reach for her faux fur coat. “What’s going on Caroline? Thought we were going to bring in the New Year- spinsters together.”

She giggled at this. “I don’t know about you but I feel so fucking awkward at this party, I just want to go for a walk and get out of here.” She paused, clearly contemplating, “Wanna come?”

Dwight breathed a sigh of relief. “Let’s get the fuck out of here.”

They made it as far as the expansive garden, before they realised they were properly wasted and didn’t want to be liabilities on the roads.

“You know,” Caroline said, leaning back on the swing bench they’d sat themselves on. “I never really drink, so honestly it’s embarrassing how drunk I still am right now.” She’d somehow decided another glass of wine was appropriate, even after puke-gate of literally ten minutes ago.

“Oh neither.” Dwight laughed. “At least you don’t get regularly tested for drink and drugs. I assume. Unless you’re somehow a doctor.”

“Oh no.” Caroline smiled. “But once I’m finished with human rights law, I want to get a PhD.”

“Oh my god, you’re a lawyer? Look at us. We are literally those kids that other parents wish their kids were.”

Caroline laughed. “Alas, if only my parents approved of my career. They’re dreadful Tories, you know.”

“Oh goodness.”

“When I was like 18 I used to do dumb stuff like just spend thousands of pounds buying items for people that they didn’t really need at all.” She shook her head. “I was so out of touch, all they needed was accommodation, I literally could’ve bought a shelter with all the money I frittered.”

“Oh, but it’s the thought that counts.” Dwight reassured her. “And if it’s any consolation, I think going back to school and being a lawyer is pretty badass.”

Caroline had a shy smile rising on her cheeks. “You have a way with words, Dr Enys. I sometimes wish I’d never mentioned you to Demelza.”

Dwight’s brow furrowed in confusion, “What?”

Caroline’s eyes widened in shock and embarrassment. “You don’t know? Oh how embarrassing.”

“You have to explain now,” Dwight teased. “Don’t worry it can’t be worse than some of the shit I’ve done, I’m sure.”

“Um…” Caroline shifted uncomfortably, sat on her hands. “I mentioned to Demelza that I had the world’s biggest crush on you, and that’s why she’s been trying to set us up so desperately these past few weeks.”

Dwight was taken aback. How could it be possible that he was the one being pursued in this situation?

“Don’t worry about it though, I’ll get over it.” She chuckled. “You’re actually a really nice guy and it’d be an honour just to be your friend.”

“But Caroline-“ Dwight was interrupted by the sound of the countdown inside. 10. 9.

8. 7. 6. “What Dwight?”

5. 4. 3. Dwight tried to formulate an answer but his mind was just pure panic. He reached over, took her hand and leaned in to kiss her just in time for the people inside to shout, “HAPPY NEW YEAR.”

It wasn’t just a peck, it was how Caroline had dreamed of being kissed her entire life. Dwight’s arms wound around her waist, under her huge coat and she bought her arms to grab the front of his shirt, bringing him ever closer.

To their alcohol addled minds, it could’ve been minutes or it could’ve been hours. But to them, it was the hope of a brighter new year.

“Dr Enys.” Caroline sighed when she drew back. “You’re forever proving how much I don’t know men at all.

“Without sounding desperate,” and it was Dwight’s turn to be shy now. “I haven’t thought of a woman in years like I think of you, only as patients.”

She giggled. “If i were your patient, this would be a disaster.”

“Hmm.” He mumbled. “But you’re not. And I like you just as you are.” And with that, they were kissing, Caroline moving to sit on Dwight’s lap, just to be closer.

“Damn Dwight.” Caroline drew back, flustered. “Where did you learn to kiss like that?”

“I was just about to ask the same of you, Miss Penvenen.” Dwight teased. “One could say we make a good team.”

There was an odd pause before Caroline said into the silence. “We should date. I can send you my schedule if you like, we can work around each other’s- I don’t want to let this go, even when I’m sober. Oh now I’m sounding ridiculous-“

“You’re not.” Dwight cut in. “And I’m pretty sure I would be a lucky man if I got to date you. How about we take you home, both of us are too drunk to do anything. But we get McDonalds on the way there?”

Caroline smiled pleasantly. “I can’t think of a better way to spend my evening.”

Looking back on the day they met, five years older, five years wiser and five years more engaged, you’d think that Dwight and Caroline would learn to handle their liquor.

But alas, Caroline was strewn across the couch, her shoes on the floor and her face in the cushion. “Dwight help me.”

“Oh my god Caroline. It’s not even 11pm.” Dwight, who was merry but not quite on Caroline’s level, could only smile down at his fiancée, who was clearly unaware of the surrounding people who were also trying to attend the party.

“I’m so embarrassed,” she stuck her head in the cushion. “The room is spinning.”

“Hey, it’s ok,” Dwight crouched down next to her and kissed the top of her head. “I’ve literally seen you throw up in the toilet several times, this isn’t your worst, believe me.”

“Hey!” Caroline said in protest, but it came out sloppy. “You said I was beautiful then.”

“You were.”

“You, Dr Dwight Enys,” She slurred. “Are a liar. How can I marry a liar?” She threw her arms around dramatically.

“Caroline, I love you,” Dwight said hastily, “But you’re going to take a person out if you keep doing this. Let’s go and get some water?” He helped her up and back into her impractical heels, supporting her as they walked to the kitchen, where she sat on the counter. Thankfully her dress was not floor length this year so there wasn’t an added tripping hazard.

“It probably wasn’t wise for you to do shots with Demelza at 7pm.” Dwight said cautiously but lovingly, as he poured some Brita water into a glass for Caroline. “She can handle it and you clearly can’t.”

Caroline made a disgruntled noise. “You and Ross were on the whiskey, you cannot talk.”

“Hey, I’ve had 2 whiskeys this evening. And I can still stand up.” Dwight shrugged. “Maybe it's a talent,” He placed the glass next to Caroline on the counter and she spread her legs so he could stand between them. “Or maybe I am a sensible drinker.”

“Oh hi,” Caroline said in a mocking voice. “I’m Dr Dwight Enys and you should only be drinking 2-3 units of alcohol a-“ She was interrupted by a kiss as she raised her arms to envelop his cheeks, stroking his cheekbone affectionately. It was so comfortable for them now, the awkwardness of their first romantic encounter was almost laughable as Caroline shuffled forward on the counter to get closer to Dwight.

They were roused by a voice in the doorway. “Oh fucking hell.”

They withdrew sharply to see an amused Ross Poldark in the doorway. “We prepare food on that counter.”

“Ah-“ Dwight started.

“Listen here Ross.” Caroline’s wits were back with her as she took a long sip of water. “Remember when I caught you guys trying to have sex in our bed? Remember that? Because I do.”

“Right so I’m just going to leave you to it.” Ross pointed that he was going to leave and made a hasty exit.

“How on Earth do you have so much power over him? I will honestly never know.” Dwight asked, rubbing the small of her back affectionately.

“Leverage is everything.” Caroline shrugged. “It’s basically the first rule of being a lawyer.” She removed his hands and put them in her own, using them to jump back down onto the floor. All the wine had made her weary and she would her arms around Dwight’s back and placed her cheek on his chest. “Remember last New Year’s Eve, when you proposed to me? With a piece of string of all things?”

He had tucked his head over her bare shoulder. “Oh yeah.” Thankfully, she had a proper ring now. Dwight’s justification was that if he picked a ring, she’d hate it, and he was probably right.

“And then you were all regal and posh like- ‘to Caroline, for making me the happiest of men.’”

Dwight chuckled. “Oh yes, I may have said that.”

She hesitated for a moment. “Did you really mean it?”

He put his hands on her shoulders and made sure she could look him in the eyes. “Of course. You’ll always be Caroline Penvenen and she makes me truly, the happiest of men.”

“That’s not technically true.” Caroline laughed. “I will be putting my name aside and taking that of the man I love.”

“I’m sure that’s a choice you’d rather make when you’re sober.” Dwight knew of Caroline’s die hard feminist ideals, and wasn’t entirely sure if she’d remember this tomorrow.

“But I do love you Dwight. I can’t wait to spend every New Year’s Eve with you.” She smiled teasingly, pulling him in by the front of his shirt, until they were nose to nose. “I think we’ve developed a good routine, have we not?”

“Well if a good routine is you leaving before midnight to throw up in our toilet every year and demanding UberEats McDonalds then yes.” Dwight had learned early in the relationship that the only way to keep up with Caroline was to tease her mercilessly back.

“Ugh!” Caroline drew back, throwing her hands up and walking over to the kettle, setting it up to boil. “You’re terrible. Wait.” She creased her brow in thought. “Let me use my legal language. I would say you’re rather impertinent.”

Dwight paused to smile affectionately at Caroline and her breath caught in her throat. This was it. This was why she was going to marry him. “I like you very much too.” He said with not a hint of irony, and she almost spilt boiling water on her hand as she poured herself a tea.

She went over to the fridge and got out the milk. “And don’t think I am ever going to let you make my tea again, you milk traitor.”

Dwight could only hold his hands up in surrender. “I’m sorry, with the diary free alternatives, you have to use more, I didn’t realise that didn’t work with normal milk.”

“Put it this way,” Caroline raised her eyebrows, pointing the milk carton accusingly. “A cup of tea from you is like drinking a litre of warm piss. Every man must have his flaw and yours is making a shit cup of tea. I don’t even think Horace would even drink your tea, even if you told him it was water.”

“You know Caroline.” Dwight shrugged. “There are worse things.”

“This is true and my flaw.” She yawned. “Is that I can’t hold my alcohol. Which is why I’m making this tea. I’m serious about making it to midnight. This is what you do for the people you love. Plus I always miss the fucking group photo. Not this year.”

“Well,” Dwight looked down at his expensive dress watch, a gift from Caroline last year, “It’s about quarter to 12. How about we go and bring in the new year, together?”

Caroline picked up her mug, with much of her usual gracefulness back and strode over to kink her fiancé’s arm. “I can’t think of a better way to spend my evening.”

[tiffanyachings]

caroline penvenen appreciation week

day 3: Caroline + best qualities

[rather-impertinent]

Blankets and bees

A/N: I’ve been so tired lately I can’t even begin to think about the amount of errors in this. But I hope you enjoy this nonetheless! Future canon-based fic so I guess sort of spoilers for S5 xo

~~~~~~~~~~~~

It was a beautiful summers day in late July and Dwight Enys made his way through the gardens in search of his family, walking slowly to savour the calming chirps of the birds in the trees and the bees whirring from flower to flower. He’d spent the morning in his study concocting potions, syrups and possess for his patients, but decided it was time for a break. He visualised an afternoon picking apples, or playing cards, or attempting to make daisy chains with his daughters or other such lovely activity. His pleasant daydream was interrupted by a familiar and unmistakable sound: his daughters crying. His stomach instinctively churned and he quickened his pace, heading towards the sounds, where he then - literally - bumped into a very distressed-looking Nanny Hosking.

“Oh!” she exclaimed as she walked into the side of him. “Sir! Beg your pardon, Sir!”

Dwight frowned at her. “Nanny, is everything alright? Where are the girls? Where is Caroline?”

Nanny look fit to burst into nervous tears. “I was just searching for her, Sir. There be a lady, I don’t know ‘er name, she says she and Mistress Caroline be friends but I never did see her hereabouts. She have a young girl with her, and the girl broke Mistress Sophie’s toy and pulled Mistress Meliora’s hair, though I swear I did try to stop ‘er, Sir,” Nanny whimpered, fearing a dismissal.

Dwight raised a hand and gently patted the middle aged woman’s arm, who seemed embarrassed at the unconventional show of affection. “Of course you did. Worry not, I will take care of the matter. Might you go inside and fetch us all some jugs of lemonade? It is rather hot today.”

“Thank ‘ee, Sir. Very good, Sir.” Nanny curtsied and set off in the direction of the house.

The quiet whimpering of the two young Enys girls could still be heard as Dwight continued in the direction that Nanny came from. As soon as he turned the corner, he saw his daughters sitting on blanket on the grass, accompanied by Ruth Treneglos and her youngest daughter, Annabelle. Dwight rolled his eyes and groaned internally at the sight of that woman. She caused trouble wherever she went. But what on Earth was she doing here? Caroline had said nothing of her visiting.

“Good afternoon to you, Mrs Treneglos, Miss Treneglos,” he greeted, nodding politely at them both. “Are you here to see Mrs Enys?” he asked, his light tone sounding forceful to even his own ears. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Sophie’s plush dog, Sir Spot, lying in the dirt with one of its legs ripped off. That was Sophie’s favourite toy, Demelza hand-made it for her when she was born. Dwight clenched his jaw.

Ruth Treneglos narrowed her eyes at Dwight. It was no secret that Caroline ran the estate in her husband’s place, which she found queer and improper. She could only suppose that a man of his station and upbringing wouldn’t even know where to begin with the upkeep of such a large, ancient estate. She would not let him talk down to her. “Dr Enys,” she greeted in return, looking as though she’d sucked on a lemon, “such a surprise to see you here, you are normally tending to those poor wretches in Sawle at this time, are you not? No, we are not here to see her, we are simply taking a walk this fine afternoon. Dear Caroline gave me permission to use your gardens a few months ago, she feared they were going unused.”

Dwight knew this to be a lie, Ruth had not dined at Killewarren for some years now, long before the girls were born, as Caroline had grown tired of her mind-numbing chatter, her rude husband and her spoilt children. Dwight opened his mouth to reply but Sophie seemingly caught a glimpse of her injured toy in the mud and began to cry softly by her father’s knee. Dwight scooped her up and pressed her against his chest, her little arms wrapping around his neck as she cried into his shoulder. Meliora sat at his feet, giggling at a bumblebee hopping from flower to flower, seemingly now unbothered by the missing bonnet which was evidently yanked from her head.

Dwight found now that he didn’t much care about the laws of the land, or at least, not as much as he cared about his daughters. He pursed his lips together. “Our nanny tells me that Annabelle pulled Meliora’s hair and ripped Sophie’s teddy bear. Is this true?” He knew it to be true, the evidence spoke for itself, and Annabelle Treneglos was known to be a terrible spoilt brat, but he wanted to give Ruth the chance to deny it.

Ruth smoothed Annabelle’s hair, which was done up in a fashion that made her look far older than she was, something which disquieted Dwight greatly. “It is true, in part,” came Ruth’s cool reply. “Meliora pulled Annabelle’s hair first, see this loose strand that is now framing her face? Your daughter did that.” This was said as if it were the worst thing a person could do to another person.

Dwight was losing the battle with the rising tide of anger and frustration within himself. “And I am sure she is very sorry for making the hairstyle untidy. But you see, the difference is that Meliora is two and Annabelle is eight. Might I suggest that Meliora is not used to such fashionable hairstyles, and would only have liked to touch it, whereas Annabelle should not have pulled on her hair so hard, or at all, in fact. One would expect an eight year old girl to know better than to bully an infant!” Dr Dwight Enys was not regarded as an impatient or angry man by anyone who knew him. But, in certain situations, he could be just that, and it was rather a sight to behold - or so Caroline thought. Ruth opened her mouth to speak but Dwight raised his hand and continued, “As for Sophie’s toy, perhaps a discussion about sharing and property is in order.” Dwight was in full dad mode and nothing could stand in his way.

Ruth’s hackles rose at the upstart doctor’s emphasis on the word ‘property.’ “I disagree, sir, I think my daughter was right to do what she did. I say do to others as they do to you, they are never too young to learn. As for the little dog thing, I’m sure you can well afford a replacement,” she said in a challenging tone, one that oozed bitterness.

“That is not the point!” Dwight barked. Meliora jumped and looked up, not used to hearing her father’s voice raised. “The point is about teaching kindness and respect, or have you nothing to drawn from in that regard, Ma’am?”

Ruth’s mouth fell open and she clutched her chest. “Well, I don’t think I’ve ever been so insulted in all my life. How dare you! You think you are so grand now, but we all know what you really are,” she spat, her face smarmy and snobbish.

Her comment struck a personal chord with Dwight and rendered him silent. A smug expression came over Ruth’s face, before she spotted Caroline approaching them, or rather charging towards them.

Caroline gently placed a hand on her husband’s arm. “Good day to you, Ruth. Would you be so kind as to leave our property at once? Or perhaps after you have apologised to my daughters and my husband?” Caroline said smoothly, with a confident firmness that made Ruth feel small and embarrassed.

She quickly recovered herself, bowed her head and smiled. “Caroline, my dear, what an age it’s been. I would be happy to - were I in the wrong. You see, what happened was-“

Caroline held out a hand. “There is no need to relay the tale, I heard almost every word of your conversation from my reading bench just over there.” She pointed vaguely back over her shoulder. “You see, you are very much in the wrong, and manners cost nothing, do they not?” She asked, her tone icy and challenging. Caroline had always been regarded as a strange woman by society; flippant, sarcastic, frivolous, but one could not regarded her as rude. Caroline hated rudeness, and not more so when it was directed towards her friends or family.

Ruth clutched Annabelle’s hand, politely inclined her head and stormed off before she said something she would regret. She certainly would not apologise, Annabelle had done nothing wrong, and what was the use of owning such a large estate if the people in it did not savour its grandeur? Well, she would just have to tell all the betters of society to avoid Killewarren unless they sought to be so ill-treated as she had just been!

“Oh, Ruth, dear,” Caroline called after her, her tone sweet. Ruth stopped in her tracks several paces away but did not turn around. “Should you dare venture onto our land again, I must warn you that our gamekeeper is rather old and may mistake you for a fox!” Dwight and Caroline laughed together as the two Trenegloses scurried over the hill in the direction of their own, much smaller, estate.

“Oh, what a loathsome woman!” Caroline exclaimed, crossing her arms. How dare anybody speak to her husband like that! Or lay a finger on her children! At any rate, she and Dwight had been married for almost ten years, and he was widely accepted by everyone - from highest to low - so it simply Ruth’s own problem and jealousy.

“Oh, she is that,” Dwight agreed, kissing Sophie’s forehead. “You were tremendous, though, my love,” he laughed, recalling Ruth squirming like a fish caught on a hook the second Caroline arrived on the scene.

Caroline smiled and made a face that Dwight did not quite understand. She rubbed her hand against her eldest daughter’s back, whom Dwight still held. “Sophie, my love, why do you not play with your sister? I trust you are grown enough to ensure neither of you are stung by the bees?” Sophie’s face broke into a smile, displaying all of her little white teeth, she loved nothing more than responsibility. “And then later we shall go visit aunt Demelza and see whether she can fix Sir Spot.” Caroline kissed Sophie’s cheek gently, took her from Dwight and placed her onto the ground beside Meliora, the two of them giggling quietly at the flowers.

“What time should we-?” Dwight began before he was silenced with a deep kiss. “What-?”

“Dr Enys,” Caroline mumbled huskily against his lips. “You are fortunate I have not yet dragged you upstairs to our bedchamber to create another child - I do love it when you use your authority.” She bit down on her lip.

Dwight flashed a grin, a light blush colouring his cheeks. He chuckled quietly, drawing her in closer by her waist. “Well, perhaps later we-“

“Mama, bee,” Meliora sang, clapping her hands excitedly.

Caroline smiled warmly. “Yes, my love. How clever you are.” She leaned down and placed a kiss in Meliora’s fawn hair. “No, no, no!” She cautioned, pulling her little hand back. “No, my love. You mustn’t touch it, it will sting you.”

Meliora frowned in confusion. “Pwetty.”

“Yes, bees are very pretty but you still mustn’t touch them,” Caroline insisted, kneeling down beside Meliora to play with her little fingers, hoping to distract her.

“Why, Papa?” Sophie asked aloud as she absently ripped some unsuspecting buttercups from the ground.

Dwight, too, knelt down and joined his family on the large blanket. “Why mustn’t you touch them? Because they will hurt you, and hurting you also hurts them.” He couldn’t bring himself to say die.

Sophie looked at the red-orange bumblebee which suckled on a rose, and then looked back at her father. “Why?”

Dwight struggled, he had never really thought about it himself. “Because that is just nature, my love,” he explained smoothly.

“Why?”

Dr Enys took this moment to appreciate the almost cloudless sky, seeking an answer to his daughter’s question, or perhaps to simply acquire some more patience. “Because God made nature, as He made all things, and that is just how it is,” he said, not entirely convinced in the notion himself, but hoped it would suffice for his three-year-old.

She titled her little head in deep thought. “Who’s God?”

Caroline giggled as Dwight ran a hand over his face. “Heavens, Sophie, Papa is tired. Shall we save some questions for another day, my love? Oh, look, here comes Nanny with some lemonade, how nice.” She grinned as the woman placed the tray, which was complete with some afternoon tea and snacks, on the grass beside them.

Meliora stumbled across the blanket towards her father, who received her with open arms. She melted into his hug until he manoeuvred her to sit on his knee. Caroline smiled when her youngest daughter squealed in delight when her husband blew a raspberry on her chubby cheek.

“Mama, can we have a story?” Sophie asked sweetly, her large blue eyes just like her father’s - completely irresistible.

Caroline’s mouth twisted into a coy smile. “Very well, my sweet. Shall I tell it or Papa?”

Sophie made a face, and whispered into her mother’s ear so that her father wouldn’t hear: “You tell it. You have good stories.”

Caroline laughed and wrapped her arms around Sophie, kissing her hair. “Did you hear that, Dr Enys? It would appear I am the champion storyteller of the family,” she proclaimed proudly.

Sophie looked momentarily panicked that her papa would be cross with her, but he simply laughed. “That I can well agree with, my love.”

“Because you’ve no imagination beyond which powders to mix to create some cure or other?” she asked in a tease, her eyes sparkling with mirth.

Dwight smiled, his eyes soft. “Because I’ve no imagination beyond which powders to mix to create some cure or other,” he confirmed in a murmur.

“Meliora, do you want to sit with Mama for the story?” Caroline asked, patting to a place beside her on the blanket. They Enys girls always sat together for story-time, it was almost a family tradition at this point. Dwight was usually home late, and so it was Caroline who often put them to bed - but never without a story.

Meliora wriggled free of Dwight’s hold and wobbled over to her mother and sister, planting her small bum down heavily and clapping her hands when a small, white butterfly flew by them.

“Does no one want to sit with me?” Dwight asked, not entirely feigning his pout. Even Horace was no where to be found.

The Enys girls giggled and shook their heads in unison, clinging to their mama for story-time. Caroline her raised chin with such pride, one would think she had won one of history’s great battles. “Perhaps one of the bees could sit with you,” Caroline suggested in a tease.

“No touch bee, Papa,” Meliora cautioned with such sincerity that Dwight and Caroline burst out laughing. Dwight reclined to lay down on the picnic blanket, his head resting by Caroline’s folded knees.

Their laughter continued throughout the afternoon as they enjoyed tea and biscuits while Caroline relayed the “entirely fictional” fairytale of the princess who fell in love with the poor, village potion maker.

[carolightpenvenys]

DEADLY NIGHTSHADE CHAPTER 6

Chapter 6: poldark  matter

It had truly been a traumatic morning for Caroline Penvenen.

She’d ambitiously worn a white pantsuit, to have coffee spilt down it from shaky hands. Today was the day she had to interview the Poldarks. Dwight had recused himself from the interviews so it was going to be intense. She had a niggling feeling they were innocent and this was pointless but the more ruthless side of her wanted to find something, anything to help solve this case. The envelope from the donor was not enough and she was starting to feel the pressure from her boss.

She was scribbling furiously on her notepad. Demelza.Ross. Sam. Will any of them know anything? It seemed unlikely as they really did seem like the wholesome family they seemed.

“Detective? There’s someone from the morgue here.” An officer was at her door, too early for her liking.

“Oh.” Caroline sighed in relief. “Let them in.” She hadn’t seen Dwight since Monday and it was Thursday now, probably the longest time they’d spent apart since the case began.

But, to Caroline’s dismay, a young, green looking girl was at the door in a white coat.

“Um, hello.” Caroline was taken aback. “Are you lost?”

“Oh no, Detective Penvenen. I’m Dr Rosina Hoblyn- I’m taking over from Dr Enys when he leaves the morgue.”

She looked thoroughly too young to be a doctor. “And where,” Caroline’s voice was a little uneven. “Is Dr Enys today?”

“Oh, he’s at the morgue. They just got a body in. But I believe he’s signed all the responsibility for this case over to me.”

Caroline was shaken. “Is that so?” This made no sense. She hadn’t had a text since Monday and wasn’t he supposed to be leaving after this case had ended? “When will Doctor Enys be leaving?”

“Oh, in about a week I expect.” Rosina replied innocently, but Caroline’s lips were pursed.

“Interesting.”

“Anyway, I thought I’d pop in and give you my number, in case you need any info about the body- I’m just a call away.” She popped a note on Caroline’s desk but Caroline was too taken aback to take any notice.

“Thank you, Dr Hoblyn.” She stuttered. “I look forward to working with you.”

Rosina left with a cheery wave but Caroline was left less than cheery. She felt like a used wet wipe. “What the fuck.” She whispered to herself.

And she was almost blessed that she was then interrupted by another officer at the door. “Your first witness is here, Detective.”

“Thanks.” She said weakly. She didn’t have time to think about this. She would bottle this up and never think about it again. She cleared her throat, put her hair in a ponytail and walked towards the interview room where Demelza Poldark was waiting with a huge grin on her face.

POLICE INTERVIEW WITH SUSPECT:

MS DEMELZA POLDARK (SISTER OF DRAKE CARNE (DC), POSSIBLE WITNESS): DP

DET. CAROLINE PENVENEN: CP

CP: Good morning, Ms Poldark.

DP: Morning! I’m excited to finally meet you.

CP: Um, could you tell me your whereabouts on the night in question between 5pm and midnight?

DP: I was at home with Drake, Sam and Ross. Sunday is family day!

CP: So I’ve heard. Do you hear often of Morwenna Whitworth?

DP: Not since her marriage. Osborne Whitworth is a monster though.

CP: Could you expand on that?

DP: I just have a sixth sense about it. Trust me there.

CP: Unfortunately your description will not hold up in a criminal case so if you know anything I would tell me or another officer immediately.

DP: I like you, you get to the point. But unfortunately I got nothing on them. But Drake really loved Morwenna you know.

CP: Did he have intention to marry her before her eventual marriage to Whitworth?

DP: Yes- but he has not a penny to his name really. I can see why her family were so keen for her to marry Whitworth.

CP: What makes you say that?

DP: Well George has limitless ambition but I’m sure you know from financial records, the Chynoweths have been in financial trouble for years- even before Elizabeth and George married.

CP: I actually didn’t subpoena the family bank account but I take this accusation seriously and look into it. You wouldn’t suggest that Morwenna was somehow sold to Whitworth?

DP: No, these rich families aren’t stupid. But the remaining Chynoweths are all women and they need them to marry safely. Someone with finances.

CP: Thank you Ms Poldark, you have been most helpful.

DP: The pleasure is all mine.

END OF INTERVIEW

Caroline filled out paperwork to subpoena the Chynoweth family bank account, and thought again to the monthly £1000 for Rowella. She sensed there was a more serious side to this case that she was yet to uncover, but she couldn’t quite put her finger on it.

“Bring in Ross Poldark please.” Caroline took a sip of her water.

POLICE INTERVIEW WITH SUSPECT:

MR ROSS POLDARK (BROTHER IN LAW OF DRAKE CARNE (DC), POSSIBLE WITNESS): RP

DET. CAROLINE PENVENEN: CP

CP: Detective Poldark, could you tell me where you were between 5pm and midnight on the night in question?

RP: I was at home and all my family could vouch for me.

CP: Any unusual activity from Drake Carne at all?

RP: I don’t think so. He always goes to the shop at around 7pm to buy some last minute dessert but I’m sure the cameras in the shop could pick that up.

CP: This is interesting as he told me he was in the house all night,

RP: Ah. It’s part of the routine though, so he probably thought nothing of it.

CP: Are you sure he was at the shop that night?

RP: Well I didn’t go with him, but he returned home with a chocolate trifle, earlier than usual.

CP: And what time would you say that was?

RP: Around half seven.

CP: How far is the Whitworths from yours? If you know?

RP: I’ve never been but I believe it’s a fifteen minute drive, but Drake always walks.

CP: Thank you Ross.

END OF INTERVIEW

Caroline submitted another form for security tape footage, but wondered if she’d reached a dead end here. She still had one interview left, but she really didn’t expect much of it at all.

POLICE INTERVIEW WITH SUSPECT:

MR SAMUEL CARNE (BROTHER OF DRAKE CARNE (DC), POSSIBLE WITNESS):SC

DET. CAROLINE PENVENEN: CP

CP: Mr Carne, could you tell me where you were on the night in question?

SC: I arrived at the house at 6pm, just in time for dinner.

CP: So a possible time bracket for the murder stretches into 5pm, could you tell me where you were then?

SC: I was at Church. I guess the congregation, but more importantly, the Lord, can vouch for me.

CP: Ok Mr Carne. Did you detect any unusual activity in your brother that night. Allegedly you two are very close.

SC: We are. (He clears his throat).

CP: Mr Carne, you haven’t answered the question.

SC: I’m afraid if I answer I might make my brother a suspect.

CP: I do advise if you know anything now, to tell the police.

SC: I feel I must tell you as a duty to the Lord.

CP: Whatever pleases you.

SC: Drake didn’t go to the shop that night. He never does. I mean, who takes half an hour to go to the shop that’s less than a five minute walk from the house. He just pops in on the way back.

CP: Where does he go every Sunday, Mr Carne?

SC: To Morwenna’s house. He’d climb up to her window all Romeo and Juliet style and speak to her.

CP: And you place him there the night of the murder?

SC: I don’t know where else he could’ve gone. You can’t blame Demelza and Ross, they know nothing of it.

CP: You’re allowed to state if they do, Mr Carne. You’re not under oath.

SC: I am, to God. That, is all I know and he was back earlier than usual.

CP: What time?

SC: 7.26pm

CP: Thank you Mr Carne, that will be all.

END OF INTERVIEW

Caroline sighed as soon as Sam Carne had left the room. She now had someone at the scene of the crime, from an outside household during the timeframe of the murder. The only problem that prevented Drake being the perfect suspect is that he had no motive. Why would you kill someone you loved that deeply? It made no sense.

She wished she had someone to bounce ideas off. She hadn’t been assigned a partner yet, despite being given this huge case. She realised she’d been using Dwight like a partner this whole time, never really asking what he thought of it all. Maybe this time apart had bought her back to what she did best. Solving a fucking crime.

But she’s already allocated time to go and visit Dwight in the morgue. She could disguise it as wanting to see Rosina.

The morgue was a mere ten minute walk, what could go too far wrong?

She packed her bag up and disguised it as her lunch break, setting a reminder to get Drake Carne back in. She was about to place it on her desk but already lying there was-

Another brown envelope, identical to the first. “Holy-” She picked it up. Whatever lay inside was folded into quarters and she opened it to find an A2 set of blueprints.

“What the fu-” It was blueprints of an extravagant garden, unlike any of the houses she’d searched. They’d have to have been rich to afford to maintain it, but it was only after a whole ten minutes of looking that she saw it.

The deadly nightshade bush.

In the corner, there was a creeping bush of deadly nightshade. Caroline scribbled on her jotter, folding it away quickly Have we just found the garden of the murderer?

She put the envelope in her bag for safekeeping, knowing she had to get away from this case for at least an hour or so.

She walked as fast as her Yves Saint Laurent heels would allow straight out of the precinct and over to the morgue building. Yet as she opened the door, she was suddenly hit with a wave of uncertainty. Was it really her place to come here anymore? Surely Dwight had distanced himself for a reason. She crept closer and closer to the doors of the main theatre, but suddenly she heard voices.

“Oh, by the way, I met Caroline,” A familiar female voice. Was that Demelza Poldark? “I kind of don’t know if I want to be her best friend or if I want to marry her or if I want her to stand on my throat. I don’t know what it is about a powerful woman.”

She then heard the familiar sound of Dwight’s laugh and she hated how warm it made her feel. “Caroline is confusing, to say the least.”

Caroline’s heart sunk a little but he continued. “That’s why I feel if I’m going to ever leave, I have to separate from her- otherwise it could get too personal.”

Ok, now she wanted to fucking sob. Any future she’d ever fantasised about with Verity had just been thrown back in her face. She felt nauseous and like she needed to leave, but she felt rooted to the floor.

“You’re an idiot Dwight,” Demelza replied in a sing songy voice, and Caroline was kind of annoyed at her flippancy but happy that someone was in her corner. “Girls like her don’t just come around.”

“Don’t you think I know that Demelza?” She had never heard Dwight sound like this before- she was absolutely shocked. “I’m sorry.” He apologised. “But I’ve got to put myself first.”

Before she could hear anymore, someone said her name. “Caroline?”

She whipped her head around to see Rosina. Literally the very last person she wanted to see. “Oh hey,”

“Are you lost?”

Caroline almost wanted to scoff. Her? Lost in the morgue? Please. But she had to think of something. “Nope. I’ve actually come to see you.” She said with (completely false) confidence.

“Well,” the young woman smiled, “Come on in then.”

[rather-impertinent]

Dwight and Caroline Enys + reunions

[carolightpenvenys]

UGH I FUCKIN LOVE THEM

[carolightpenvenys]

A BIG THANKU!

to my fantastic followers who have supported me in my endeavors, whether it be making a dank meme or a half decent fic! a lot has changed in the last year, my whole life kind of fell apart and this blog kept me going quite a lot. i had to kind of up sticks and leave home but now i live in cornwall- it’s funny how things work out isn’t it? this is just to say i love every single one of you always feel free to drop me a PM or ask! 💞💞💞💞

-your blogger, anna

[poldarktea]

A Comprehensive List Of Stuff Luke Norris Has Been In

(And where to watch it)

-Poldark (obviously) Series 1&2 on Netflix UK

-Firstborn Netflix UK

-Our World War I only have a clip https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p024lydv

-The Inbetweeners Series 1 Episode 4 on All 4

-Skins Series 3 Episode 10 on Netflix UK, here’s a clip too https://youtu.be/epb1nz08a2Y

-A View From The Bridge (Play) I only have the trailers 😟 https://youtu.be/15j1Kz7fhe8 and https://youtu.be/Sp5CMTEJHdo

-As You Like It(Play) I only have a clip https://youtu.be/cHL6LzDpZ_4 ( he’s the one in red trousers)

-The Duchess He’s only in it for a second (I’ll find the time stamp later) but I don’t know where to watch it

-Dead Meat (Short Film) https://vimeo.com/108086241

-Mine(Short Film) https://vimeo.com/57465965 (this was a really weird short film and I had no clue as to what was going on)

[carolightpenvenys]

DEADLY NIGHTSHADE CHAPTER 5

A/N: this was supposed to be angst but i ended up writing 4.5k words of fluff so

Chapter 5: a break from the case

Caroline was wide awake. It was 1am and Dwight was still in her bed.

Keep reading

[carolightpenvenys]

MASTERPOST: READ PREVIOUS CHAPTERS HERE

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

[carolightpenvenys]

DEADLY NIGHTSHADE CHAPTER 5

A/N: this was supposed to be angst but i ended up writing 4.5k words of fluff so

Chapter 5: a break from the case

Caroline was wide awake. It was 1am and Dwight was still in her bed.

I mean she could forgive him for falling asleep after they’d had sex a number of times, he was genuinely exhausted. But he normally made such an effort to leave it just didn’t seem character consistent.

She however, felt a bout of insomnia as she began to plait her hair as she normally does before bed.

Caroline 1.02am

psst verity

Verity 1.03

pls for my sanity stop making a habit of this untimely texting

Caroline 1.04

Psst verity

he’s still in my bed

Verity 1.04

FUCK OFF

did you tell him how you feel?

Caroline 1.06

no but still

Verity 1.07

if i don’t hear from you the next week i will just assume you’ve eloped

Caroline 1.08

haha very funny

Caroline sighed, locking her iPhone and walking over to place it on the desk opposite her bed. It was a tactic you see, to make her actually get up by putting the alarm away from the bed.

“Caroline? What’re you doing?” Dwight’s voice scared the life out of her as she jumped back. “You look like that princess from Frozen.”

Caroline quickly composed herself before turning around. “Oh please, Princess Elsa has nothing on me.”

“Oh my God did I fall asleep?” Dwight checked the time on his phone next to him? “I’m so embarrassed, I will leave now.”

“Hey don’t worry.” Caroline smiled. “You can stay, I think I’m a good enough colleague to allow you to stay the night.”

“As long as I’m not intruding,” Dwight pointed out as Caroline climbed back into bed. “I mean Horace has been stuck in the kitchen all-“

Caroline impulsively chose this time to lean in for a kiss, which Dwight returned quickly. “Don’t worry about Horace, I’m sure he’ll understand.”

“Wow.” Dwight sighed, “There really is no one quite like Caroline Penvenen is there?”

Caroline shook her hair out from the plait (Rest In Peace the effortless wavy look she wanted tomorrow) “I’d hate to think of someone else killing it as much as I do every day, it’s disconcerting.” She smiled. “Thank you though.” She edged closer to him, in a position that might even be considered cuddling.

Dwight may have fallen asleep almost instantly but holy shit, Caroline was hyperventilating. If there was anything more beautiful than Dwight Enys every day, it was Dwight in her bed. Plus, she was kind of cuddling him which was not their usual behaviour at all. She set an alarm for 6am, thinking Dwight would probably want to go home to avoid the same clothes as yesterday at work debacle. But this talk after sex, this whatever it was, it wasn’t friends with benefits-who-are-also-working-a-case-together business. And that’s why she was fucking panicking.

She stared at his sleeping form in the dark and ran her fingers across his five o'clock shadow, then his hair. It was crazy that her feelings had intensified so much and yet she had little to no concept of how he felt back. If she were in therapy, that would probably be flagged as an issue. But she wasn’t. So she tried sleeping instead.

Caroline was drinking her morning coffee at work and again, trying not to think about how Dwight tried to work her coffee machine and instead made terrible tea but they in fact had a fantastic time because she was pretty sure she was in love with him and now he was at home and she had to work with him professionally in less than an hour and he was going back to Cambridge in September and-

“Sorry to be a pain, can you pass the Kinder Bueno next to you?”

Caroline jumped out of her skin and whipped round, thwacking the speaker with her ponytail as she did so. “Ross Poldark?”

“So you’re Detective Caroline Penvenen, we meet at last.” Caroline tentatively passed him the Bueno which he opened with his teeth. “I thought the rumor about you having snappy pantsuits was a lie, I was wrong clearly.”

“And what about it?” Caroline laughed, stirring her black coffee. “What are you doing here?”

“Um,” Ross raised his eyebrows, “I work here. My office is next door to yours.”

“Ah yes.” Caroline smiled weakly. “Forgive me, my mind is elsewhere at the moment.”

“Yeah.” Ross smirked. “I can tell by the hickey on your neck.”

Caroline’s eyes widened, her hand coming straight up to the site of the crime. “Fuck.”

“Come, I’m sure you’ve got some concealer in your bag, sit down and drink your coffee.” Ross smiled more relaxed.

“I’m not sure we really should because of the case.” Caroline shrugged. But also, she was very embarrassed.

“Believe me, I don’t want to talk to you about the case.” Ross led her over to the couches in the communal office where she’d never sat. She always ate lunch in her office. “Let’s cut to the chase, what’s your intentions with Dwight?”

Caroline suddenly realised she hadn’t put her contacts in this morning and was staring at him like a blind fool. She grabbed her glasses out her bag, and propped them on her face. “Why? What has he said?”

“No no Caroline Penvenen. I’m not playing this game.” Ross shook his head. “It’s bro code to not tell you what he said.”

“Bro code is yet another example of toxic masculinity that I’m sure Dwight is not consensual in so.” Caroline smiled. “Don’t play this game with me, Detective Poldark.” She’d relaxed a little, knowing she could take Ross in a game of wits and she’d got her  compact mirror and concealer out, ready to cover the monstrosity (it was kind of hot though) on her neck.

“You know everyone in the office has bets on whether you two are sleeping together.” Ross laughed. “You guys are way more obvious than you think.”

“I don’t like to involve myself in petty office drama.” Caroline said dismissively. “They can think what they want- I won’t say anything to them.”

“You know you’re weird.” Ross chuckled a little, “I can’t quite place you. You seem to me like this cool, calculating, professional Detective but Dwight seems to think otherwise.”

Caroline stopped what she was doing and side eyed him. “What did he say?”

“Got you!” Ross pointed. “You do care about him.”

“I never said I didn’t.” Caroline tried to put her cold face back on, but it wasn’t really working. “You’re clearly dying to tell me what he thinks of me, why don’t you just tell me?”

“I couldn’t possibly.” Again, he was trying to be coy.

“You know me and you are alike.” Caroline observed. “I’ll spill if you spill first.”

“Oh my God he is just obsessed with you.” It sounded as if Ross had been holding on to that for a while. “He came into my office the first day you guys met and was like, ‘Ross I’m in real trouble.’”

“Is that so?” Caroline smirked, but inner Caroline was well and truly shook. “I didn’t know he thought that much of me.”

“Oh my God, look at you,” Ross’s eyes widened. “You so did.”

“I really didn’t.” Caroline smiled. “It’s called investigating.” She was pretty satisfied with her work.

“Detective Penvenen?” An officer asked from the doorway. “Your associate is here.”

“Caroline don’t you dare leave without telling me-” Ross started.

“Sorry Detective Poldark.” Caroline packed up her bag. “You really were great company, and thanks for tipping me off about the hickey, that could’ve been really embarrassing.” She got up and flicked her ponytail before leaving.

She took a deep breath before opening her office door, suppressing those forbiddeny-romanticy-feelings and putting her sensible police hat on.

“Morning Dr Enys.” She smiled, briskly sitting down at her desk. Yes. professional. She could do this.

As soon as she made eye contact with Dwight she realised that she literally, could not do this. Why was he giving her heart eyes so fucking early in the morning? Or was she just blind.

“It’s a pleasure as always, Detective Penvenen.” What the fuck. I. Love. You.

She shook her head. “Who’ve we got in today?”

“No one, we are chasing up the lead on the anonymous tip.” Dwight reminded her.

“Oh, you don’t have to be here, it’s going to be pretty boring.” Caroline smiled weakly. Please. Leave. Before. I. Have. The. Urge. To. Cross. Every. Boundary.

“It’s ok. I’ve got nothing to do down there and,” His excitement seemed to intensify. “I just gave my notice in at the morgue.”

Caroline’s face fell. Oh. That’s why he was so excited. “That’s great news Dwight.” She smiled weakly.

“They said I can start the retraining any time, so it could be next month, it could be next week!”

So, that just gave Caroline a premature heart attack. “How exciting. You must be so… excited.”

“I just feel like.” Dwight took a deep breath. “It will make me much happier.”

So Ross was clearly lying. Any ‘obsession’ Dwight had with her was either in the past or purely sexual. Otherwise maybe he’d feel a bit worse about leaving her 7 hours away.

“That’s the dream.” Caroline sighed.

“Caroline... “ Dwight suddenly looked concerned. “Are you ok?”

“Yeah.” She hesitated. “I just feel a little under the weather suddenly.”

“What’s wrong?” Dwight asked. “I can see if I can help.”

“No it’s really-”

“Detective Penvenen.” There was a knock at the door. An officer was holding an envelope in a plastic bag.

“Caroline is fine.” She replied, more snappily than she intended.

“The DNA results of the envelope are back.” She passed her an accompanying sheet of A4.

“Thanks.” Caroline made her best attempt to recover her social skills.

The officer promptly left and Caroline was left staring at the results. Honestly it really was the icing on the cake. The sender had been careful- handwriting matched none on the database, no samples of DNA found. “Shit.” Caroline put her head in her hands. “Shit shit shit.”

“Caroline?” She could hear Dwight’s voice in the back of her mind but it was foggy and she could feel tears heating up in her eyes.

“Dwight you should leave.” She said, but her voice was wavering.

“Caroline hey,” Dwight had walked round the side of her desk and crouched down next to her. “I’m going to ask you to breathe in for seven and out for eleven- is that ok?”

“Ok.” Caroline sobbed but she barely made it to four. “I’m just so shit at my job!” She hid her face in her hands again, taking her glasses off to wipe under her eyes. “It’s just utterly humiliating, I can barely put a single piece of this together.”

“Hey that’s normal, some cases take years to solve.” Dwight had put a hand on her back and she wasn’t sure how she felt about it. “And I, for one, know that you’re an amazing detective, you’re so easy to work with, you treat everyone you interview with respect, even ones that- let’s be real, don’t deserve it.” She laughed a little about this. “It’s ok for you to be overwhelmed.”

“I’m so fucking embarrassed right now.” Caroline wheezed. “You’re the last person I want to break down in front of.”

“I think we’ve already established we are pretty shocking at keeping professional boundaries.” Dwight joked and Caroline giggled. “But it takes a lot to be able to cry in front of somebody.”

“You didn’t give me much of a choice.” Caroline teased.

“Touché.” Dwight thought hard for a bit. “I would go to your boss and take the rest of the day off, then you can recuperate for tomorrow.”

“But that’s a day wasted.”

“It would be more wasteful to not be in the right frame of mind to work and try and do it anyway. Trust me. I’m a doctor.”

“Yeah.” Caroline beamed at him, wiping away the tears underneath her eyes. “You’re going to be the best fucking doctor ever.”

“And I’m telling you Verity.” Caroline was trying hard not to get face mask on her phone. “I cried right in front of him and I literally want to vomit it was so embarrassing.”

“You’re pretty enough to look good when you cry though.” Verity tried to sweeten the situation. “Wait.” I don’t even think I’ve seen you cry. Are you even capable?”

“I know, I’m humiliated. How am I going to face him, I’m having a breakdown.”

“Crying once is not a breakdown Caroline.” Verity scolded. “How long have I been a police authorized psychologist for?”

“Too long.” Caroline replied. “The nation of Portugal is much richer for it.”

“Well I’m going to have to go I think Horace wants a wee.” Caroline looked in her peripheral to see him scratching at her (expensive) patio doors.

“Don’t keep the prince waiting. But I want updates please!” Verity insisted.

“Of course, I’ll speak to you soon.” Caroline put her phone down and let Horace out. She turned and looked in the mirror. She’d thinned out, her cheeks a little hollow, she looked like she hadn’t slept in weeks, even with a face mask on and she wondered if this self care day was entirely selfish after all.

She felt her phone buzz in her pocket and she nearly jumped out of her skin.

Dr Enys (Work) 13.42

Hey, was just wondering if you felt any better? It’s important to take time for yourself. X

Caroline 13.43

I’m his slave today

But yeah seriously, thank you for everything, it was super embarrassing to obviously have a meltdown but this case has taken up my whole life!!

Just as long as you don’t tell anyone else about it, can’t have them thinking I’m a softie 😉 x

Dr Enys (Work) 13.50

I’m still convinced Horace hates me!!!

Also Caroline I’ve got some bad news.

You’re literally the softest person in the world. X

Caroline 13.52

I just think he’s jealous of you tbh.

Um that’s bullshit. I’m not soft.

X

Dr Enys (Work) 13.53

Jealous? Of what? He always has your full attention!

I don’t know you’re always pretty soft to me… x

Yeah, because you’re special. She rolled her eyes.

Caroline 13.55

I’m sure once he stops growling if you hug it out with him, he’ll be fine.

I AM NOT SOFT I’M CALLING THE POLICE!!!

Oh wait.

Dr Enys (Work) 13.56

You’re only soft about things you care about, like you’re so soft for Horace and when you talk about Verity, the colour pink… x

And you. Caroline sighed. When we are together.

Caroline 13.57

Dwight what are you doing after work

Do you want to come round

And just like

Hang out

No pressure or anything

Like I will be in my pjs x

Sorry that was stupid to ask

Dr Enys (Work) 14.00

Caroline

I’d love to come x

I know you walk Horace at 5 so I will come round at six x

Caroline 14.01

You, me, at six lol x

See you then x

“Right Horace this is the dark hours.” Dwight was supposed to be round in fifteen minutes and Caroline was waxing her upper lip. Not an enticing look but a necessary one. She ripped off the wax, “Fuck, shit ouch,” before slipping on some comfortable satin pajamas and slippers. Her freshly dried hair cascaded down her back and although she was a bit of a mess, at least she was a clean one.

She picked up Horace and nearly fell asleep cuddling him on her bed when she heard her doorbell go.

She effectively ran down the stairs, with more energy from her well rested body than she’d had in ages. She threw open the door. “Hi!”

“Oh hey.” It was not Dwight.

It was the delivery guy. “Here’s your package.” And Caroline remembered the food she’d ordered for Horace online, that she quickly signed for and then popped inside the door. However, when she came back again to shut the door, Dwight Enys was stood in her doorway.

He’d changed into more casual clothes, but still claimed to feel “overdressed,” whilst joking about Caroline’s pyjamas. He’d clearly gone home and showered whilst Caroline was walking Horace, but he just looked so refreshed and so good, she could not stop staring at him.

“Are you going to let me in Caroline?” He joked, but he had a point.

“Oh shit. Oh shit yeah sure.” She stood to the side of the door, waiting for Horace’s hysterical barking, which was right on cue. “HORACE SHUT UP.” She turned around quickly, worried Dwight would’ve been horrified but he was just smiling blindly at her. “Sorry it’s a little mad in the Penvenen household.” Horace came running down the stairs and was yapping at Dwight’s feet.

“See!” Dwight laughed. “He hates me.”

“I think he hasn’t got to know you yet.” Caroline said with a sly smile. “You’re kind of one of those people who are very difficult to hate.” She led him to the kitchen and sat on a barstool, inviting him to put his bag on the table.

“Really? Expand on that.” Dwight replied.

“I don’t know, you’re so like… inoffensive. I don’t think you’ve ever offended anyone ever.”

“Ah if only that were true.” Dwight shrugged. “Life would almost be too easy.”

“You’re really hard to work out Dwight.” Caroline walked over to put the kettle on.

“Um I think you are too, Caroline Penvenen. I have so many questions. Like how do you afford the rent on this house?”

“I own it.” Caroline said in a small voice.

Dwight’s eyes widened. “Are you serious?”

“I rejected my family’s lifestyle, took my section of the money and bought myself this house with it. But I’m still sole heir to the stately home they own.” Caroline hated talking about her family because for people who knew the Penvenens locally, it was all they wanted to talk to her about. “That’s why I lived in London, to get away from their aristocratic bullshit.”

“It really seems that I do know nothing about you.”

“I feel people who don’t are the people who treat me better.” Caroline stirred milk into the tea. “Do you still want that heinous amount of milk you usually have?”

“Of course.” Dwight laughed. “It’s my trademark after all.”

She sighed, taking out the bag way too early and pouring a liberal amount of milk in. “There. Better?”

“Perfect.” Dwight gratefully took the mug. “I hear you stock Earl Grey in your house now.”

Caroline shrugged, going back to stir her tea. “I’ve become accustomed to the taste. Horace hates the smell though, he makes an awful fuss when I brew it.”

She was shocked when she turned around to see Horace sat on Dwight’s lap, more like sprawled, having his tummy tickled. “Oh god.” Caroline laughed. “I forgot to mention he forgives you anything if you tickle his tummy.” She sat on the bar stool next to them, taking a sip of her tea.

“Oh my god I knew you liked tea but I didn’t know you drank it like a northerner.” Dwight exclaimed looking at the colour of Caroline’s tea.

“I don’t respect much of Northern culture.” Caroline joked, “But I do respect the way they drink their tea. Yours, however, is piss.”

“Hey!” Dwight feigned annoyance. “Each to their own.”

“You’re going to be shocked.” Caroline giggled. “I’m drinking it with the tea bag still in.”

“What? Is that even human?” Dwight was well and truly grossed out.

“I’m lazy.” Caroline replied. “You told me to have a lazy day.”

They drank their tea together and talked about anything and everything from Horace’s recent bout of illness to what shampoo Caroline used and why it smelt so damn good. This almost made it worse for Caroline’s crush though because she’s always wondered how well they’d get on in a casual atmosphere and the answer was they were hideously compatible. Although different in upbringing and in some opinions, Caroline found listening to Dwight so intellectually stimulating, she felt more in love every minute she spoke to him, which is why she asked. “Hey, do you want to watch TV?”

She turned the television on and poured herself and Dwight a glass of red wine. It was The Chase. “Mark my words,” She laughed. “If I went on this show, I’d win it. It’s so easy.” She pretty much downed her glass and Dwight looked at her in awe.

“You seem very confident about that.”

“I am. Pointless too. Maybe I should just give up being a detective.”

“Maybe you should.”

Caroline carelessly tied her hair up in a ponytail, leaning back carelessly but Dwight was staring at her intensely. She was feeling the effect of the red wine now.

“Oh my god, did I do that to your neck?” Dwight blushed a little, but Caroline just laughed.

“Don’t worry about it. Concealer exists. No one will ever know.” She winked.

He remained unconvinced. “I didn’t hurt you, did I?”

“Oh my god Dwight.” Caroline shook her head. “An important note is women generally tend to like it, I did. Don’t worry about it.” She hesitated before adding, “If anything, I’m mad that I didn’t give you one back.” She realized she’d made eye contact and this was probably a mistake. She put her red wine down on the table, waiting for his reaction.

He gulped. “Yeah?”

“No it’s stupid.” Caroline dismissed.

“It’s not stupid Caroline, you’re entitled to feel that way.” Dwight persuaded. “We truly are the worst at professional boundaries.”

“Ugh!” Caroline put her wine on the table. “I’ve only had one glass of wine and I want to fuck you.”

“Caroline!” Dwight’s eyes widened before he spoke in hushed tones. “You can’t just say things like that.”

“I’m sorry.” Caroline curled up. “That was out of line. I should probably think before I speak.” She thought about it for a whole second, she shook her head. “No fuck it.” She crawled over the sensible distance she’d left between herself and Dwight.

“Caroline…”

She threw her leg over his lap so she was straddling him.

“Caroline, what are you-”

His voice was hoarse but before he could even finish his sentence she had kissed him square on the mouth. She was nervous as it took him a few seconds to respond before he wrapped his arms around her waist to pull her closer and she let out a moan, the alcohol clearly going to her system (as she was a confirmed lightweight). Who knows how long they kissed for? It could have been hours, it could have been minutes. Caroline knew she was going to blame this on their ‘friends with benefits’ relationship later on but realistically, she knew this was different. As much as she pretty much always wanted to have sex with Dwight, she was currently utterly content just kissing him deeper, enjoying the chemistry they clearly had together, without thinking of consequence. Her hands caressed the sides of his face and she drew back for a second, just to look at how beautiful his face was.

“Hi.” She whispered, to which she could tell he was speechless. “I hope this is-”

But this time it was him who pulled her in for more and honestly she dug it. She drew away from his lips for a second and started to kiss down his neck. “Caroline what are you- oh, I know what you’re doing.” Dwight muttered.

“Yeah this is going to bruise badly, I would come in early and borrow my concealer tomorrow.” Caroline laughed before going back to his lips for a peck. “At least we match now.”

Fond. That was the look in their eyes. They were  becoming fond of each other and that was such a danger. All their boundaries were fucked, just because they wanted to kiss each other after a glass of wine.

“Dwight…” Caroline sighed, her hands on his chest. “What did you pack in your bag?”

“Well,” Dwight seemed embarrassed, “I didn’t know how long I was staying so I packed an overnight bag- I think I’ll just go home though.”

“Over my dead body.” Caroline furrowed her brow. “I was just about to ask you to stay. I know we have work tomorrow but I like spending time with you.”

“Well you’re lucky.” Dwight sighed sarcastically raising his eyebrows. “I much enjoy your company, Caroline.”

That night, Dwight and Caroline crossed an unspoken line between them. It may not have seemed like it as it wasn’t their usual routine of sleeping with each other, but they were together, in bed, in their pyjamas being affectionate. Inner Caroline was screaming because this was the kind of thing only couples did. But inner inner Caroline had just been starved from genuine affection for so long, she didn’t care.

They’d been kissing under the covers for a while when Caroline suddenly drew back, “Ugh,” she turned over so she was facing away from Dwight.

“Caroline hey,” His voice was soft. “What’s up?”

She laughed dryly. “Why do all the hot doctors have to leave me for Cambridge?”

Dwight sighed. “Caroline, it’s not like that.”

“I have no right to say that.” Caroline recognised. “I’m just a colleague after all.”

“For now, on this case, yes.” Dwight explained. “But it’s hard because I have to leave, even with this energy between us.”

“Maybe if we’d have met earlier things would be different.” Caroline thought.

“No. If you’d have even tried to come with me, I would’ve stopped you because I’m so confident you’re going to make Captain one day.”

Caroline scoffed. “Yeah ok. The frazzled detective who is fucking her medical examiner and can’t put a single clue together is going to make Captain? Funny.”

“Caroline you’re so shielded with self deprecating humour that you can’t see all the good things about yourself.” Even she wasn’t facing Dwight, she could feel his cool blue eyes in the back of her head. “You’re better than that and you know it. You know at your old precinct you made more arrests than anyone else and you’re determined and kind.”

“You know what?” Caroline said to no one in particular. “I could’ve lived without a career. I could’ve  just lived in Killewarren and married a Duke. I could’ve just been a socialite. Probably would’ve been easier.”

“But the Caroline I know, the Caroline I-” He hesitated. “You never take the easy way out. Literally look at us.”

Caroline chose that moment to turn and face him. “Ugh there’s no point even trying to shield myself now, I’ve literally broken down in front of you.” She smiled weakly, a perpetual Caroline mood.

“I admire you a lot.” Dwight said to her then and there was a pang in her heart. On one hand it made her feel wonderful inside but a voice was telling her she didn’t want to be admired, she wanted to be loved.

“Then why do I feel empty?” Caroline asked, her voice cracking at the honesty. “I feel like nothing makes sense. I miss my best friend who is literally a thousand miles from me, I’m struggling with my job, this house is so big and lonely with just me and Horace, I probably should’ve just got an apartment. And now you, someone I finally connect with is leaving.”

“I didn’t know you felt like that Caroline.” Dwight looked dismayed. “You’ll find other people to connect with, I promise. You’ll find another medical examiner that likes you very much too.”

Caroline chuckled under her breath, “Oh, don’t be a dick. You know I don’t happen to get complicated with every medical examiner I meet, you’re special.” And with that, she leaned closer to Dwight, encouraging an embrace. And maybe she could just sit there for a while, pretend that it would all work out.

[rather-impertinent]

The Friendship of Dwight Enys and Ross Poldark: a summary

[carolightpenvenys]

DO U BLAME HIM MEG ROSS JUST KILLED A BITCH AND DWIGHT IS AN INVOLUNTARY ACCOMPLICE

[tiffanyachings]

Can you elaborate on how Caroline's character in the show is butchered? I haven't read the novels but she's one of my favorites in the show and I'd like even more incentive to read them.

Now, I don’t know if I want to give you an incentive to read the books (some of them are not that great sshhhh), but thank you so much for that question, the show’s treatment of Caroline is one of my favourite things to talk about (which is why this has turned into an essay).

First things first: book Caroline is probably less classically “likeable”. She’s a lot sharper and hides more behind her flippancy which at times makes it difficult to figure her out (plus Winston Graham never writes from her POV - we only ever see her through other characters’ eyes), but imo she’s also much funnier than her show version. I also recently saw someone describe the Caroline in the books as “tougher” than her show version and I do think that’s true: she’s still a gentlewoman, but more of the ‘spirited young lady’ rather than ‘refined, delicate flower’ kind.

Second things second, when I’m talking about the show butchering Caroline, I’m really only talking about season 3 and 4. Because I can’t deny it: Debbie did a fantastic job with Caroline in season 2, making her slightly softer to help the audience understand her more easily, but retaining the spirit and wit of the original book character.

I have no idea what went wrong with the writing after season 2, but my best guess is that Debbie just lost interest in Caroline after her fun 'will they won’t they’ story with Dwight was resolved. You notice a similar phenomenon happening in the books: after Dwight and Caroline finally get married in one of the first few chapters of 'The Four Swans’, Graham just seems to have gone ’……..right. what do I do with them now?’. The overarching issue imo is that Debbie doesn’t care enough about Caroline to actually put some serious thought into writing her as a complex character. Not that she seems to actively dislike her, but Debbie is more interested in other plots and characters. Caroline takes the backseat, it often feels like her story is an unfinished afterthought, and it manifests itself in a number of issues.

My first problem is that Debbie has taken away a good deal of Caroline’s agency and voice.

Every time we meet her in The Black Moon, she’s telling Ross and Demelza of some new plan she’s had to get news of or rescue Dwight - meanwhile, in the show, she appears to spend 75% of her time passively sitting around in Killewarren, staring into the fire. There are mentions of Caroline’s plans, but only for Ross to grimace at her hopefulness, turn around and inform us that of course he knows better and is sure her plan will fail. For this to work, they made Caroline a good deal more naïve and Ross much more foresighted than they are in the books, and there are few things I dislike more about this show than its tendency to sacrifice other characters’ plots and characterisations in order to put Ross Poldark on a pedestal. The worst offense imo was taking Caroline’s corn exchange scheme away from her and making it Ross’ idea (3x04). Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed the scenes of her and Demelza sweet-talking people into paying into their fund for the poor, but they leave a bitter taste if I remember this was solely Caroline’s scheme in the books. Debbie is so obsessed with writing Demelza as a “strong woman”, she often seems to forget about all the other amazing ladies on the show. It’s so damn hypocritical. Caroline is an intelligent young woman who speaks her mind and is much more than a pretty face, but it’s incredible how often she gets reduced to a mere plot decive* or a lamp stand to be talked at**.

Problem number two is that - as I mentioned earlier - book!Caroline can be quite flippant. And Debbie doesn’t know how to handle that.

It’s just one of Caroline’s defense mechanisms and probably wouldn’t be an issue for a character on a show like Hulu’s 'Harlots’, but Poldark is supposed to be light Sunday night entertainment, and the casual 'here for the pretty costumes and Aidan Turner’s bare chest’ viewer might not see through that pretense and dislike her and that’s not Debbie’s intention - on her black and white chessboard of morality, Caroline is supposed to be one of the good guys, so she needs to behave a certain way.

Debbie did find the right balance between 'likeable’ and 'recognisably Caroline’ in S2, and then…..I don’t know what happened, but at times S3 Caroline seemed like an entirely different character. It’s like they went from slightly softening her edges to throwing her into the washing machine with ten litres of fabric softener - she’s too openly emotional and lacking in sarcasm, she sits around and sadly stares at firesides/rings/the sea when she should be running around, frantically trying every possible option to save Dwight to prevent exactly that from happening, she stays at home when she should be defying anyone who tells her what to do…you get the gist.

And then season 4 happened, and as if Debbie Horsfield had read all of my furious text posts (maybe she did lol), she brought back Caroline’s flippancy……and turned it up to eleven. What Debbie doesn’t seem to understand is that there are nuances to that behaviour and it very much depends on the situation who she’s around with (as I mentioned earlier, it’s one of her defense mechanisms*** - her 'shiny brittle armour’ (to quote Dwight) is what she needed to shield herself from fortune hunters which why her letting down her guard with Dwight is such a big deal). Take the Sarah plot, for example. Caroline is quite adamant about not wanting a baby in the book as well, but she does love Sarah once she’s born. And I’d totally understand it if Caroline was making flippant comments about her in the company of people she’s not comfortable being herself around, but doing it when she’s alone with Dwight or Demelza - pretty much the only two exceptions to that rule - as it’s shown on the show makes no sense. Neither does her telling Dwight that “I can’t wait for the day the little beast runs away.” (or something like that). I do get Debbie is trying to create some dramatic irony, but c'mon. Caroline pushing Dwight’s buttons to provoke a reaction is so two seasons ago.

Thirdly, Debbie is prone to either ignoring or simplifying Caroline’s struggles.

In the season 3 finale, Caroline proposes Dwight should cut down on his work a bit and make room for “more kisses, more bonbons and more lying abed”. Now, Caroline asking Dwight to spend more time with her is book canon, however, on the show it’s portrayed in a really lighthearted way that almost makes her seem a bit selfish and shallow which irks me because in the book she does actually have a pretty good reason to ask that of Dwight.

Some book background: Caroline is still nursing a slowly dying Uncle Ray when Dwight becomes imprisoned. This obviously is quite emotionally taxing and, as we discover later, has quite the impact on her. After Dwight is rescued and works himself to exhaustion trying to act as one man NHS for half of Cornwall (because he believes that his mental and physical health are connected), Caroline becomes genuinely worried that working so much while he still hasn’t recovered properly from France will make him ill and she’ll have to sit on his deathbed. (On a less selfness note, she’s disappointed they’re spending hardly any time together and she wants them to have some fun together, but that’s a pretty reasonable thing to ask of a husband if you married for love?)

It still baffles me that Debbie ignored this entire series of events from start to finish when it’s so important for Caroline’s character development and it’s not like she and Dwight had any other storyline in the second half of s3.

As for season 4, Debbie was a teensy tiny bit better at taking Caroline’s struggles seriously and acknowledging them, but nevertheless, all of her decisions - to leave after Sarah’s death, to come home, to feel ready to have children again - felt rushed and without sufficient explanation, we never really see her working through her emotions. However, in fairness, Debbie still handled them in more detail than Winston Graham did and I am somewhat grateful for that.

But then that’s one reason I hesitate to recommend reading (all) the books - they vary in terms of quality and I don’t think it’s worth dragging yourself through all of them. (Well, I occasionally dragged myself. Maybe you won’t.) As for Caroline, she isn’t in the first two books that provided the material for S1 and personally, I prefer season 2 to 'Jeremy Poldark’ and 'Warleggan’ although those two aren’t bad. Most of Caroline’s scenes from 'The Black Moon’ (early season 3) were left out, so that’s a book I’d actually recommend if you’re interested in her. 'The Four Swans’ is when Graham started losing interest in her - there are still two or three good Caroline scenes that should’ve made it into the show, but she’s clearly becoming more of a background character - and 'The Angry Tide’ was a disappointing struggle for me since Caroline is hardly in it and there’s never any resolution to the Sarah plot whatsoever. But of course that evaluation is only based on quality Caroline content, you might want to read some of the books to learn more about other characters as well. It’s your choice!

Anyway, thank you again for giving me an excuse to expand on everything I’ve ever wanted to expand on and thanks @ everyone who actually sacrificed time to read this. :D ——-

*E.g.: having her offer to stay with an injured Drake at the smithy in 3x09 so Demelza can go home and see Hugh. Or visiting Elizabeth in 3x08 and telling her about George’s visit to Dwight because the plot requires Elizabeth to know George is becoming suspicious about Valentine’s parentage, not because Debbie wants to explore the (canon) friendship between these two women. Neither of these scenes contribute anything to our understanding of Caroline or her character development, she’s just doing what is needed to drive the plot.**This unfortunately even happens in some of her scenes with Dwight. Take for example the fireside scene in 4x08 when Dwight talks about how he hopes they can heal together after everything they’ve been through. You’d except that to be a conversation in which Caroline gets to say something, but nope. No lines for you, Caro.

*** Another one is talking non-stop to cover up her emotions and I’m super sad that didn’t make it into the show. Show!Caroline doesn’t talk enough nonsense.

[carolightpenvenys]

this is so interesting as a non book reader! thanku ♥