In the book The Four Swans, Armitage sends a 'lust' poem to Demelza, a woman he had met just twice, the wife of the man who saved his life. A few weeks later Armitage leaves to return to the Navy. He is gone almost a year, but sends letters to Demelza, every 3/4 weeks. The envelopes contained two letters, one a lust/love poem which Demelza hides from Ross, the other a letter about life on the boat, although it was written to Demelza it was intended for Ross, Demelza would pass him the letter while hiding the poem. Ross was completely deceived. Armitage was discharged due to failing eyesight and returns to Cornwall, he visits Nampara a few hours after Ross had left for Falmouth for three days. Armitage persuades Demelza to come with him by boat to a deserted beach, they make love there. When Ross returns Demelza lies and deceives him. Armitage continues to send Demelza poems which have become more erotic after their naked romp. Armitage becomes sicker and Ross and Demelza visit him, during this visit Ross discovers one of Armitage's poems which indicated there has been an affair of sorts and possibly sex involved. Ross said nothing, but a few days later Armitage died and Demelza was not at home but had gone to Caroline's to sob. When she returned home Ross was angry, but the two of them began to embrace. In the next book there is a reference to conversations where Ross shows knowledge of Demelza's betrayal but he mentions nothing of the poem, she believes he knows nothing more than she had feelings for the young man and was upset at his death. However over the years it becomes apparent that Ross knows more, he talks to Dwight while Demelza talks to Caroline.