Contents

Early Life

Demelza was born to Tom Carne, a miner, and his wife sometime in 1770. She had two brothers, Sam and Drake Carne. She came from a very poor family, and worked as a scullery maid. At some point, she adopted a dog she named Garrick. Her mother died sometime prior to 1783.

Marriage

While at the market in 1783, she was attacked by a group of people trying to steal her dog and was saved by Ross Poldark. She speaks with Ross while he buys her a meal. Demelza explains to him about her abusive father so Ross says he will employ her as a scullery maid at his home in Nampara. Demelza agrees.

The next day, Demelza's father came looking for her. Her found her at Nampara, shortly beforeRoss came home. When he did, Ross told Prudie to send Demelza home. Ross then meets Tom, who tells Ross to stop trying to save her, thinking he seduced her. Tom has brought with him a group to help him fight Ross, so Jud goes to get help from some of their friends, and so, despite Demelza's protests, the two groups fight. Tom and his friends then flee in defeat.

Later on, Prudie tricks Demelza into hearing Ross complain about her, and how she is more trouble than she's worth. Demelza leaves, but Ross finds out and with a change of heart, goes to retrieve her. He finds her by the coastline and persuades her to return home with him.

Demelza finds having to clean herself all the time annoying,