"So you are not to be rid of me, my love."
The 'stocking scene' from series two episode six of the last BBC adaption of Poldark (2015-2019) is an iconic Poldark scene. It is taken from a scene in book four (Warleggan). The adaption of this scene has generally been hailed as one of the most romantic and sexiest scenes of all five seasons. Essentially Ross Poldark returns home with a gift of white stockings for his wife (although in the book they are garters), Demelza, who in turn conveys that she is seeking his love rather than his gifts. In giving firm instructions for her to open her present he proceeds to offer her both the gift as well as his love.
Though Demelza was bare legged for the TV show, for the book ‘She was wearing stockings tonight, old ones, but they were black and her skin above them glistened like ivory.' However just like in the TV show 'He put the garters on with a good deal of care.’ It goes on to say that he was kneeling with his hands cool on her legs as she leaned back in the chair with eyes that glowed at him. As is seen in the TV adaption their moment of connection is marked with pent up sexual tension which manifests itself in the most tender and sensuous way (as opposed to insistent and impatient). This is captured in the adaption through smouldering looks between the two and Demelza quite literally having to catch her breath as Ross slowly dresses and caresses her leg as if it were fine china.
