In trying to find the subject quote I remembered another time when Demelza rued the passing of youth. In "The Miller's Dance" near the beginning Ross mentions the wrecks on the beach after Julia died and Demelza tells him to not speak of it. Ross says "Now we are not so young. But I wouldn't have it back." Demelza answers "Not THAT. Nor all that followed. But I'd like to be twenty again." And in "The Loving Cup" Ross envies Jeremy (now with Cuby) "For being at the beginning of it all". Considering all that came to R and D I think they are only remembering the good times and wishing to be young again. I think Demelza really loved being a mother especially in their babyhood and toddlerhood.
In "The Angry Tide" Demelza says she would not wish to have back the time with HA because of the "pulling of her heartstrings, the agony of divided loyalties." So I think she is just wanting youth back and for time to slow down a bit.
Lucy, I think that realisation hits most of us sooner or later. I am also in that space at the moment, so I hope we both are able to move through it as others have before us.
One of the amazing things about WGs writing is his insight into women's thoughts. I know he consulted his wife, but I don't think she had that much influence on his prose.
Thank you! I wish I had highlighted it on my Kindle. :) it just hit me rather personally at the moment I read it and now Im struggling to remember exactly what it was. But the quote you listed was exactly the gist of it. So that must be it!
Are you thinking of the following passage? In TSFTS, when Demelza and Clowance visit Bowood, Demelza falls into a reflective mood while watching Clowance perform in an impromptu play. Recalling her rough origins as she sits sedately among the highborn ladies at Bowood she thinks:
I am not of the same breed as these women, she thought; I should be different in colour or shape. But except for a few rough edges which they graciously ignore ... And who would have thought Lady Lansdowne was three months forward? I wish I were. I wish Jeremy was three again like her son. I wish I was twenty-six like her and it was all to come again. Life ... it slips away like sand out of a torn envelope. (p. 402-ish)
Its been several months since I finished all 12 novels. I checked them out at the library so dont have copies on hand.
I am wanting to remember a quote of Demelza... it is on one of the latter booksshe is reflecting on when her children were young. I believe something happens (maybe she is around Carolines children or another you g family) and she wishes for the days when her children were small.
Anyone know which novel this was in or even better, the exact quote/excerpt?
Thank you!!
