Poldark | Season 1 | Episode 7

September 2024 · 39 minute read

let usresolve this peacefully.

Previously on Poldark... FRANCIS: I forbid you ever to see him again.

He left without a backward glance.

I come to offer myself.

But...

I must use my wits for something, or I'll go mad.

CARY: His company's a threat.

GEORGE: For now, they have enough copper to keep going.

But come the next auction... CARY: We'll see they come away empty-handed.

GEORGE: The question is, will that be enough to ruin them?

Poldark, tonight on Masterpiece.

♪ ♪ (wind blowing) (seagulls crying) ♪ ♪ Thank you.

Hello.

And one more thing, Mr. Tresidder.

Your mill provides rolling and cutting services for the Carnmore Copper Company?

Yes.

In these difficult times, we urge all who bank with us to consider where their best interests lie.

Particularly when they have several outstanding loans with us.

Still building your empire, Ross?

And you bought all the copper.

All we could afford while the price was low.

Next time, they'll be wise to us and the price will rise.

That is good news for the mines and your shareholders.

In the short term, yes.

And in the long term, anything which breaks the Warleggans' stranglehold and stops them keeping prices artificially low... Benefits Leisure and Carnmore.

Benefits miners, smelters, and shareholders alike.

The Warleggans only seem to benefit themselves, Francis.

I hope you know who you're taking on.

I would I had your support.

I know I have your discretion.

Of course.

I've been too busy to bake.

How's that?

I told you.

I've been helping Dr. Enys with his work.

Enys ain't your husband.

But people hereabout depend on him.

Fennel root and ginger in warm water.

Come and see me in a month.

(coughing) Trencrom's finest!

Need you inform half of Cornwall?

Tucked her away, I did, in your father's old mine!

Wheal Grace?

Best hiding place there be.

Take a brave man to venture down there.

Folk say it's haunted.

You'll be haunted if that barrel's not intact when I return home.

Aye, sir.

You know me, sir-- honest as the day is short.

(laughs) Trencrom?

Suppliers of fine goods, direct from France.

Without troubling the excisemen?

(laughing) Will you break even this month?

With luck.

And a fair auction.

You must be relieved.

Yes.

I should get back to my patients.

Dwight... (softly): Have a care.

Of course.

You look weary, Mark.

Keren.

She do have me up all hours, mending the roof.

Mind you don't exhaust yourself.

MARK: 'Tisn't I who wants minding, Ross.

Ross, I bring word from Tresidder's Mill.

As of next week, we must look elsewhere for our rolling and cutting.

(sighs) So be it.

We shall take our business elsewhere.

(birds chirping) (snoring) (Jud singing loudly) ♪ And a strange woman be a narrow pit ♪ ♪ For she lieth in wait for a man ♪ ♪ Those that tarry too long at the wine ♪ ♪ Their eyes shall behold strange sights.

♪ I know that fizzogg.

'Twould make milk curdle.

Cap'n Poldark'll fetch ye such a colloppin'!

Cap'n Poldark.

Who be Cap'n Poldark giving himself airs?

Everyone do know he's had half the maids from here to Truro!

Keep your voice down afore the child!

The child?

That child?

What about Jinny Carter's child?

What about it?

Everybody do know that Cap'n Ross be its father!

(starting to cry) 'Tis a lie!

Ignore him.

'Tis a wicked, wicked lie!

No wonder he went to Bodmin to see Jim Carter in the ground!

And don't ye bend ye brows at me, girl.

He ain't naught but a trull from 'Luggan!

Go.

Go where?

I neither know nor care.

But if you're still in this house by daybreak, I will personally horsewhip you from here to Truro!

(crying) Where's Verity?

Is she not in her room?

Best place I ever know'd.

And now, thanks to thee... 'Tisn't right, 'tisn't fair, 'tisn't just, 'tisn't fitting.

Hold your clack, you black worm, or I'll crown thee meself!

Where's Verity?

Little Verity?

Out, I believe.

Did she say where?

Not as I recall.

Left something, though.

What?

Sealed, it was.

As if I care to know her secrets.

"I've known and loved you all my life, dear Francis, "so I pray you will understand the grief and loss I feel that this should be our parting."

(sighs) You will lie here tonight, my dear.

I've arranged to sleep onboard my ship.

And tomorrow... We shall be wed.

So this is how she cares for us?

To sneak away under our very noses and marry that wife-murdering drunkard?

But how was it arranged?

She must have had help.

(sighs) Has anyone been calling unbeknown to us?

Or been seen about the grounds?

Someone that knew Miss Verity and might have carried a message?

I knew this was Ross's doing!

Why would you think that?

Because he has helped them before!

I can see it all.

He's encouraged Verity... We do not know this.

He's been acting as agent to Blamey, keeping the skunk's interest warm, and using Demelza as a go-between.

You're too hasty.

We've no proof Demelza's involved, let alone Ross.

Oh, yes, of course, you will always stand up for Ross!

I stand up for no one.

But it is the merest justice not to condemn people unheard.

There is no other way this could have been managed.

She has no post, I have seen to that.

Damn Ross!

Damn this family, damn this entire pitiful excuse for an existence!

(door slams) (sighs) (footsteps approaching) I hope I'm not intruding.

But I see that I am.

Is something amiss?

What I despise most is the deceit.

And from someone I trusted.

Your sister?

My cousin.

You blame Ross?

Entirely.

You mentioned a reason for your visit?

FRANCIS: No doubt I've... omitted some payment.

GEORGE: On the contrary.

We, our family, find ourselves indebted to you.

How?

You're aware that substantial gaming losses were accrued by Francis to my cousin Matthew?

It's possible-- probable-- that you were a victim of Matthew's dishonesty.

That being so, we wish to make amends.

How?

By canceling some of your debts to our bank.

We cannot accept charity, George.

Charity be damned.

Our family's integrity has been compromised and we wish to recover it.

I insist you accept our apology.

And £1,200.

12?!

(relieved laughter) (laughing) (laughs) And now we need detain you no longer.

Do not keep Francis up too late.

I have his best interests at heart.

You see?

I did mend your smile, after all.

(laughing) Aniseed... Hartshorn... Senna... Aqua Mirabilis.

What are they for?

I've a thirst for learning.

Some are nature's remedies, others I concoct myself.

All are as efficacious as any Thomas Choake prescribes, but infinitely more affordable.

You'll not make a living like that.

(chuckles) I came here to heal my patients, not bankrupt them.

You've already made me whole again.

This must stop, Keren, this coming here.

Your husband does not like it.

Do you like it?

I have work to do.

My purpose here is...

Kiss me.

No.

Just the once.

Keren, you and I know it would not be just the once.

Would that matter?

What matters is... where it would lead.

Shall I go on?

And on?

Till you tell me to stop?

'Tisn't just Jud.

'Tis Carnmore do trouble you.

There are forces opposing us.

Warleggan forces?

With what aim?

To put us out of business.

Well, if Tresidder won't have you, where will you go?

We'll find somewhere.

The whole of Cornwall doesn't yet knuckle to George.

Nor will it, if I can help it.

What could George do?

For now, nothing.

He's leaned on Tresidder, but unless he discovers these names...

If he did?

He'd realize that, barring myself and Henshawe, all bank at Warleggans'.

What are you doing?

Hiding it.

(laughs) (bell ringing) (baby cries) (men shouting) (coughing) (coughs) 'Twas a rockfall.

The charge was damp.

We thought it dead, and then out of nowhere... Are you badly hurt?

Get Dr. Enys to look at that.

I'd sooner bleed to death!

It's galling for the family, but your sister will realize her mistake and soon come crying home.

Well, then let Ross take her in, since he encouraged her treachery.

Damn it, I expect more loyalty from my only cousin.

What did I ever do that he should go behind my back like this?

Well...

I suppose you married the girl he loved, didn't you?

Yes.

Yes, that.

Hm.

No, that was long ago, and he's happily married himself now.

More happily, in fact, than... No, it's not on that score, I assure you.

(shouting): Keren?

Keren?

(fire crackling) I sympathize.

I, too, find Ross unfathomable.

In some ways, you and I are in the same boat.

What's perplexed me of late has been Ross's attitude towards me.

When he opened his mine, the other venturers were for banking with Warleggans', yet he fought tooth and nail to go with Pascoe's.

No, I doubt that was personal.

And then this wildcat copper-smelting scheme.

It's clearly directed against us.

I don't think against you, precisely.

The aim is to get fairer prices for the mines.

It's not the scheme which upsets me, for it will fail for lack of money.

But it demonstrates an enmity towards me which I don't feel I deserve.

Any more than you deserve his betrayal.

(sighs) Of your family.

Where have you been?

Oh, Mark!

You're back early.

Why did you...?

You're hurt!

What happened?

Let me see.

Where have you been?

I couldn't sleep, I had a pain.

I thought maybe a walk would ease it.

You've been with Enys.

I've not!

You've been lying with Enys.

I went to see him.

He's a doctor, isn't he?

I needed something for the pain.

How long were you there?

About an hour.

I waited three.

'Twas nothing, Mark.

'Twas only a kiss.

'Twas only the once.

It was him, he... he pestered me, he wouldn't let me be.

'Tis you that's to blame.

You left me alone overmuch.

You never loved me enough!

I loved ye more than life!

You don't know what love is!

You don't know!

No... You don't know, you don't know!

You don't know!

(struggling) (cracking) (sobbing) Oh... (panting) Keren?

Keren... Don't ye fool with me, Keren.

Wake up now.

No... Oh, no.

Oh, no, Keren!

(crying) Damn Ross!

Damn his scheming!

He has married my sister to a wife-beater and he has disgraced my family name.

You know, if he cares so little for my interest, why should I care for his?

(sighs) You were saying you thought Carnmore was well supported.

Mm.

Surely no man of sense would invest in such a scheme.

(laughs) What would you say to Lord Devoran?

Henry Blewitt?

Thomas Johnson?

William Aukitt?

(birds cawing) JUD: What I said, 'twas nothing worse than usual.

'Tis he.

Getting soft since he did wed her.

And since the blatherin' child come.

And there be another.

Cakey as custard.

Mr. Daniel?

I regret this intrusion, but...

I believe I've wronged you.

I have no excuse, but I was...

I wish to make amends.

Oh, God, no!

We had it from surgeon hisself.

'Twas maybe an accident.

Where's Mark?

Haven't seen him since he went home last night.

'Tis never Mark's doing.

He did love her.

Little as she deserve it.

I must speak with him, Paul.

Your brother's in serious trouble.

If you know where he is... How would I?

Surgeon needs to watch his back, though.

He's no more than a boy.

Mark could snap him easy as a twig.

And Keren?

We all know his strength.

We know he wouldn't mean to hurt her.

You'd never turn him in!

I've known him since I was a boy.

I've no wish to see him hunted down and hung from a gibbet.

But if he's done this thing...

He'll get no justice!

You know that!

Just ask Jim Carter.

Dear God!

Every villager is bound by law to help in his capture, but I don't believe a single one will do so.

They'd take his side.

And rightly so.

Not against you, Dwight.

Within a week, he'll be found and brought to justice.

It will then be safe for your return.

What do you take me for?

To skulk away to safety while the man I wronged is hunted down like an animal?

No.

I'd sooner meet him face to face and take the consequence.

Which could be fatal.

I'll take my chance.

Besides...

I cannot leave these people.

I have been met with nothing but kindness here, and to repay them like this... No.

I thank you for your concern, but I will stay.

Then your blood be on your own head.

Keren's is there already.

Is it true about Keren?

Folk are saying her neck was broke.

On purpose?

I doubt it.

But the magistrates will think otherwise.

And what of Mark?

The constables are out in force.

And your admirer, Sir Hugh, has called in the soldiers.

How?

They were in the area looking for smugglers.

As a magistrate, he has the power to commandeer them.

And if Mark is found?

He'll hang.

MARK: And well deserve it.

(thunder rumbling) I didn't mean to, but I did.

You know as well as I she brought him to it.

Her and Enys.

The courts will never accept that.

I must give myself up.

No!

I ain't safe.

If I see Enys, I'll swing for him, as I'll rightly swing for her.

No, Mark.

One life's already lost.

What would it serve to waste another?

If it's to happen, it must be tonight.

And from Nampara Cove.

And in our boat?

She's not fit for ocean-going when the seas are rough, but a resolute man could do worse in fair weather.

And go where?

Ireland?

Brittany?

And the oars?

Might find their way to the cove after dark, together with enough supplies to keep a man alive.

'Tisn't lawful.

No.

But some might say it is a kind of justice.

We must keep Mark away from Dwight.

We don't want more blood on his hands.

(Garrick barking) Go upstairs and change.

And prepare to be the lady.

My dear, this is Captain McNeil.

Captain McNeil, may I present my wife, Demelza.

The pleasure is mine, ma'am.

Captain Poldark and I are old comrades.

We were together at James River in '81.

Oh, I see.

I understood he was acquainted with the murderer, and wondered if he could give me any pointers as to where the felon might hide.

None that spring to mind.

Though I don't imagine he'll linger.

Mm.

Any suitable boats hereabouts whereby he might make his escape?

A few, I suppose.

I have one myself.

Where is it kept?

In a cave down by the shore.

But it couldn't be handled by a single man.

Can I persuade you to stay for supper, Captain?

My wife has made kidney pudding.

Another occasion, I'd be delighted.

But if you'll oblige me by pointing out the coves hereabouts, I could search for the smugglers and murderer at the same time.

Two birds with one stone, you might say.

May I offer you some brandy, Captain?

I trust you'll be able to tell by the flavor whether or not the duty's been paid.

(laughing) You were so good.

No one would've guessed you knew a thing.

Don't underestimate him.

He's smarter than he looks.

Now I must fetch the oars.

Oh, Ross...

I clean forgot, this came from Trenwith.

What does it say?

"As you may know, Verity left us yesterday "for Captain Blamey.

"They are to be married today.

Elizabeth."

So she's done it at last.

Why "As you may know"?

Why should she think we would know?

Well, perhaps the news is already about?

I must go to Trenwith.

This letter is abrupt.

They must be upset.

I'll call there on my way back from the cove.

You'll be well enough here with Garrick to guard you?

This is our very first meal together.

Does it seem strange to you?

No.

'Tis only that in all our lives, we've not met more than two dozen times.

Tonight, we close the book on our old lives.

Tomorrow, we open a new one.

And write it together.

If you should ever feel unhappy, my love, I swear... it'll not be of my doing.

(seagull crying) (Garrick barking and growling) Judas!

(laughs) You gave me such a fright!

Forgive me.

I did not mean... Ross counseled me to leave.

For your own safety.

I cannot contemplate such a thing.

But I'm sick of my own company tonight.

May I avail myself of Ross's?

He isn't here.

I came as soon I could.

How's Francis?

He's half a mind to go after her.

Persuade him against.

He's no match for Blamey.

Or Verity, for I think she's now the bolder of the two.

Certainly the most reckless.

She has the courage of her convictions, which I applaud even if I seem to disapprove.

(footsteps approaching) Well, Ross... Are you pleased with your handiwork?

Clearly, it was you who helped her.

I?

Arrange Verity's elopement?

Have you taken leave of your senses?

I don't think that Ross would want you here.

Have I forfeited his good opinion?

Or his trust?

No, no, it's not that, it's just...

He has business tonight, and maybe visitors.

(knocking) (growling) I'll see who it is.

No, no, I must.

'Tis maybe the soldiers.

Wait here.

There be soldiers everywhere.

We couldn't think where else to come.

FRANCIS: You've helped them before.

You allowed them to meet secretly at Nampara.

To my eternal regret.

You were nearly killed!

Do you imagine I want a repetition of that?

No, no, no, no, you cannot abide to lose face!

Francis!

You were defeated then, and this is your revenge.

Francis, stop!

I think you must be drunk, Francis.

I think you must leave, Ross.

Ross is down at the cove.

You can wait in here till he comes back and tells you it's clear.

(door opens) Verity could not have managed it on her own.

It must be your doing!

You and that impudent brat you married!

Francis!

You've been using her to carry letters between Verity and that skunk!

When I say I have not, I expect to be believed.

If you continue to doubt my word... Dwight, go back to the kitchen.

You bastard... You should've come for me.

Not broken a girl who couldn't defend herself.

I'll break ye soon enough!

Stop this!

Are you mad?!

Do you want to bring the soldiers down upon us?

I gave you credit for more intelligence.

I gave you credit for more loyalty.

But perhaps your choice of wife has coarsened your finer instincts!

Enough!

Enough!

Both of you!

Have you forgot you are family?

You would fight and kill each other in our house?

Does friendship mean nothing to you?

Let me finish him!

'Tis finished already.

It isn't, don't you see?

Dr. Enys can't betray you without betraying us.

You can trust him.

I'd as lief trust a snake.

What you did is on your conscience.

As what I did is on mine.

You have my word.

I won't betray anyone.

Call him back, Francis.

He's your cousin.

I have no cousin!

And I have no sister!

I have a wife, a son, and an estate in considerably less debt today than it was yesterday.

So I'm content.

What in God's name...?

Go home and sleep.

And tomorrow...

Tomorrow, I will tend to my patients and try, God knows how, to make amends.

I've been hiding down that old mine of your father's.

Wheal Grace?

Wheal Grace.

Shh!

To keep from going off my head, I went all over her.

There's money in that mine.

Copper.

I never see'd a more keenly load.

Where is it?

On the east face.

'Twill be underwater most times.

Soldiers!

(soldiers shouting) I never meant to hurt her, Ross.

We know that, Mark.

I must pay for what I've done.

(bat squeaking) (gunshot) (soldier shouting) Get in the boat, Mark!

Mark, get in the boat!

SOLDIER: This way!

By the surf, there's a boat!

Mark, take the oars!

Make haste, make haste!

(grunting) (shouting) Can you see anything?

Lights in the distance, heading this way.

Help me with the boots, quick.

Ross, your hand!

It must've happened when I hit the soldier.

Hide my clothes away, hurry!

(knocking) Gently now, love.

Let them knock again before we make light.

Get into bed.

We mustn't wake Julia.

(knocking) (sighs) Oh, damn it!

This is a fine time to call!

Mark Daniel escaped.

Is that certain?

And in your boat.

I see.

You do not seem very distressed.

I'm becoming philosophical in my old age.

Not that I'm happy to lose a good boat, but sighing will not bring it back any more than it will bring back yesterday's youth.

Your attitude does you credit, Captain.

May I, as a man a year or so your senior, offer ye a word of advice?

By all means.

Have a care for the law.

'Tis a cranky and twisty old thing.

And you may flout it half a dozen times, but let it once come to grips with ye and you'll find it harder to be loose from than a great black squid.

I'd welcome your assurance that my advice has been heeded.

You may rest easy on that score, Captain.

In that case, I look forward to calling upon you and your charming wife when I'm next in the county.

Have you hurt your hand somewhere, Captain?

Oh.

Caught it in a rabbit trap.

(cheering and applause) First Jim, now Mark.

My band of brothers is shrinking.

At least Mark got clean away and McNeil suspected nothing.

It was a good night in the end.

Not entirely.

You forget I went to Trenwith.

Was it dreadful?

Suffice it to say Francis and I have broken.

Possibly for good.

(knocking) (sighs) MAN: A letter for you, Master Poldark.

I've been called to a meeting.

What manner of meeting?

An extraordinary one, to be called at such short notice, all partners summoned.

(birds chirping) (knocking) Elizabeth's not down yet.

'Tis you I wish to see.

What is it?

(birds chirping) The meeting went well?

In a word... no.

Tell me.

I'd rather hear your news.

I'd rather you did not.

What happened?

I went to see Francis.

What the devil for?

Did Ross send you?

I came here of my own accord to tell you that you are mistook about Ross.

He had no hand in Verity's elopement.

When I did not believe him, why would I believe you?

Because I know who did arrange it.

You've been passing letters between them these last three months?

Tell me you're joking.

No, Ross, I wish I were, but... (sighs) There's more.

'Twas I who first sought Captain Blamey out.

I wanted to see if he still had feelings for Verity or was as wicked as people did say.

And you were able to divine that in a single meeting?

Not in a single meeting.

I brought them together again.

I encouraged Verity.

What have you done?

I don't understand.

All I did was bring two people together who loved each other.

No, Demelza, that is not all you did.

I had yesterday a letter from the Warleggans' bank, telling me they could no longer support my loan and that I must make immediate arrangements to repay it.

I too had such a letter, word for word.

That's unheard of, to suddenly withdraw credit.

I called upon George Warleggan today to ask him to reconsider.

He declined.

And to me.

And when I asked him the reason...

He suggested you look to your connection with Carnmore.

I regret to announce that not only do I have no more capital to contribute...

I expect any day to be declared bankrupt.

For months, you lied to me.

No.

Gone behind my back.

I thought you'd be angry, but... At what?

Your ignorance?

Your arrogance?

Your utter disregard for truth and consequence?

All I've done is make two people happy.

Oh, Demelza, do not underestimate the scale of your achievement.

What do you mean?

What now?

For me?

Debtors' prison.

Or the poor house.

'Twas a glorious scheme.

And I'll never regret the impulse behind it.

But it has cost us dear.

It has cost us everything.

Someone has betrayed us.

Someone close to us.

How did it end with Francis?

What I did, perhaps it was wrong, but I did it for love of Verity.

Get out.

I came here to take the blame, and so I have.

Be angry with me, but not with Ross.

He had nothing to do with it.

Will you go?!

And never enter this house again!

And the same goes for Ross.

If he will marry such an ignorant trull as you, well, then he must take the consequences.

ROSS: Good men reduced to poverty.

Their families, our family, everything we've built.

Our very lives together!

Now do you understand?

I have betrayed you.

And been the cause of a greater betrayal.

I've ruined everything.

And this?

Have I ruined this too?

Have I lost your trust?

Is it forever?

It is.

I can see it in your eyes.

Can I ever win it back?

I don't know.

I'd be lying if I said I did.

You've married into a peculiar family, Demelza.

We Poldarks are hasty, sharp tempered, strong in our likes and dislikes.

Perhaps yours was the more reasonable view.

If two people love each other, why shouldn't they marry?

And be damned to the consequences.

I only meant to help.

I know that.

I know you could not have foreseen.

Can you forgive me?

I will try.

But Francis will not.

No.

And you will not forgive him, and I have caused a rift between the two sides of our family.

Yes.

I will never be happy until it is healed.

Then I'm afraid you'll be unhappy for a very long time.

(sighs) ♪ Memories like voices that call on the wind ♪ ♪ Medhel an gwyns, medhel an gwyns ♪ ♪ Whispered and tossed on the tide coming in ♪ ♪ Medhel, oh, medhel an gwyns ♪ ♪ Songs like the dreams that the bal maidens spin ♪ ♪ Medhel an gwyns, medhel an gwyns ♪ ♪ Weaving the song of the cry of the tin ♪ ♪ Medhel, oh, medhel an gwyns ♪ ♪ Voices like songs that are heard in the dawn ♪ ♪ Medhel an gwyns, medhel an gwyns ♪ ♪ Singing the secrets of children unborn ♪ ♪ Medhel, oh, medhel an gwyns.

♪ Do he think he can buy we off with faggons?

Hush, ye black worm!

Cap'n Ross already be looking after we by turning a blind eye to us living in his barn.

Do he know we live here?

Course he do!

PRUDIE: Bless him for it, maid.

And ye, too.

And curse 'ee, ya mizzerly, maazerly mongrel!

Oh, I could leather the arse of him.

(horse whinnying) (bell tolling) GEORGE: Impressive operation, though, the smelting works on Trevaunance land.

CARY: Mm.

Though it's difficult, I imagine, without any actual copper.

Yes, pity it will shortly no longer be required.

Their mines produce a fraction of what's needed.

At the last four auctions, they were outbid.

And if they get no more copper at the next auction, surely that'll be the death knell for Carnmore?

Were I Sir John Trevaunance, I might regret having a brand-new smelting works on my land, and my money invested with nothing to produce.

You should go, dear.

Kate'll be wantin' you.

How is the child, Jinny?

She's better, Cap'n Poldark, sir.

Dr. Enys says 'tis not the putrid throat after all.

That's a mercy.

'Tis, sir.

Only this week, there's three dead of it in Sawle.

Here, take these for you and Jim's mother.

I'm that glad to serve 'ee again, ma'am.

I know 'ee can scarce afford me.

Jinny, if we did what we could afford, we wouldn't get out of bed.

She has a new tooth coming.

Soon she'll be able to bite like Garrick.

(laughs) What's this?

It's from Verity.

When will Verity be home?

This is not Verity's home.

My throat's afire.

Get Mrs. Tabb to fetch me a posset.

She's unwell.

All the servants are unwell.

I'm not unwell.

93, and the appetite of a girl of 20!

If Verity were here, she'd prescribe honey and liquorice.

Dr. Choake prescribes leeches.

I've no faith in Dr. Choake.

Nor I.

And even less in Verity.

Verity seems content.

So your experiment ended well.

And yours?

Carnmore?

Our hopes are pinned on tomorrow's auction.

We have scraped together enough capital to bid high.

If we get sufficient copper, we'll survive.

If we had more capital, we'd stand a better chance.

I wish to help.

Let me help.

We could raise a mortgage on Nampara.

Already raised.

You could sell my brooch and my best frock.

By no means.

We're not yet so desperate that I must steal the gown off your back.

But I would feel better.

If I could somehow make amends...

I'll be home tomorrow.

Tonight, I'll stay at the Red Lion.

'Twill go well at the auction.

You'll win all your bids, get all the copper you need, and Carnmore will be safe.

Wave!

You're wasting away.

I've no time for feasting.

Since Keren's death, you take no care of yourself.

Since her husband's exile, I try to care for those he left behind.

You've had word of him?

Safe and well in France, with no plans to return.

So you may cease to lash yourself into a frenzy of work.

May I?

With this latest epidemic?

The putrid throat?

I'm struggling to contain it.

Whole families have gone under.

If the poor were better fed and housed...

It's no respecter of privilege.

Choake has been summoned to Trenwith.

Who has it there?

All of them, I believe.

Can you not call?

They're Choake's patients.

He'd resent my interference.

Besides, I lay no claim to a cure.

Sometimes the weak survive and the strong go under.

Stand aside, Mr. Poldark.

We are on urgent business.

I won't detain you.

I came to inquire after the family.

Is it the putrid throat?

Morbus strangulatorius?

What fool gave you that idea?

We have isolated the symptoms, we have applied remedies, and they are all on the mend.

So soon?

'Tis merely a question of competent treatment, sir.

They'll be up and about in no time.

(sighs) (coughs) (glass clanks on table) I have next to dispose of a dole of ore from United Mines.

50 tons.

Sold to the South Wales Smelting Company for £7, 16 shillings a ton.

Do you want some bread?

Hm?

(door opens) You've heard the news from Trenwith?

Tell me.

Wheal Busy.

Parcel of red copper.

45 tons.

Sold to the South Wales Smelting Company for £8, 4 shillings a ton.

All the servants ill?

Not one fit to tend them?

And Dr. Choake called away to Truro and not back till morning.

Wheal Leisure.

40 tons.

Wheal Leisure ore is sold to the South Wales Smelting Company for £7, 19 shillings.

And that concludes the auction for today.

Thank you, gentlemen.

(sighs) If I'm not back by nightfall, see Julia's milk boiled and that she's put to bed.

Hm?

Are we all that remain?

The Warleggans have been most efficient.

I call to order this meeting of the Carnmore Copper Company.

Proceed, sir.

I have to report that today, yet again, we got no copper.

Since the prospect seems unlikely to change... We bow to the inevitable?

It is with extreme regret that I declare the Carnmore Copper Company dissolved.

Ross!

You're becoming a hermit.

Margaret was only saying how much she's missed you at our little gaming parties.

I've no time for cards these days.

Oh, well, Cousin Matthew will be sad to hear that.

You know Margaret's on her third Lord?

I don't know how, but she sucks the life out of her lovers.

Her instinct for survival is voracious.

And you should know!

She told me she once had a fancy to marry you.

Not you?

My sights are set somewhat higher.

And how is your wife?

She was much remarked on at the last ball.

You should bring her out more.

We've no time for socializing, George.

The smelting company keeps you busy?

Wheal Leisure.

Ah, yes, one of the few mines which still offer prospects for the investor.

I believe some shares are shortly coming onto the market.

And whose are they?

Oh, I understood them to be yours.

But perhaps I was misinformed.

You were.

(door creaking) Verity?

Is that you?

No, it's Demelza.

Ross's little bud.

I came to inquire after the family.

They're sick, every last jack of 'em.

And who's to care for 'em with Verity gone?

She'd no business to go.

Her duty's here.

'Twas a selfish, cruel thing she did, to leave us like that.

(coughing) GEORGE: It goes without saying I would offer a generous price.

ROSS: I have no control over my partners.

You could approach one of them.

What is it that offends you, Ross?

That we Warleggans have dared to drag ourselves out of poverty and aspire to gentility?

Poverty doesn't offend me.

Nor does aspiration.

But you are mistaken if you think greed and exploitation are the marks of a gentleman.

You know, one of these days, you'll find yourself without means, without colleagues, without friends, and with no one to blame but yourself.

Good day to you, George.

(indistinct conversation) Demelza?

I came to see if I could help.

Oh, that's very kind of you.

I'm in despair.

My poor little boy.

He has these spasms, then he vomits and there's relief, but only for a time, and then it begins again.

You're sick yourself, Elizabeth.

You ought to be in bed.

I cannot leave my boy.

I'll stay with him.

I'll stay and look after you all.

(sobbing) The man imagined he could drive up copper prices.

(chuckling) And get a "fairer deal" for the mines.

GEORGE: And so he did.

Till we became wise and outbid him.

And now?

His smelting works stand idle.

The price of copper will fall again.

He'll be left with enormous debts.

And no obvious means to discharge them.

Perhaps he will throw himself upon your mercy.

He may try.

Excuse me.

PASCOE: It must be galling.

ROSS: To have nothing but debt to show for 12 months of hard labor?

Bad enough.

But to see your assets now in enemy hands...

The smelting works?

On Trevaunance land?

What did you hear?

That Sir John, after battling against the wind for months, is now preparing to sail with it.

By selling to the Warleggans.

He must cover his losses.

While the rest of us go bankrupt.

If the servants hadn't been so ill...

But Dr. Choake said half the village is down.

Shh.

You ought to rest.

(stirring from sleep) Who is it?

Demelza.

She's come to help us.

FRANCIS: It is good of her to... overlook past quarrels.

Mm.

So my own debts, in addition to the mortgage on Nampara?

Around £900.

More than I feared.

You have assets.

My shares in Wheal Leisure.

I was approached only yesterday by a man named Cole, with a good offer.

One that could clear all your debts.

For all of my shares?

I got the impression he'd go even higher.

Oh, he would.

On behalf of his master, George Warleggan.

As you once remarked, beggars cannot be choosers.

This time I can.

The Warleggans have a habit of buying up mines and closing them down just to suppress competition to their own holdings.

I'll be damned if I'll let that happen to Wheal Leisure.

So...?

So...

I require capital of £1,000.

Without security.

(chuckles) (breathing fitfully) Here.

It will ease the rawness.

Will he die?

Not if I can help it.

Any luck?

Would I call it that?

To saddle a man with a 12-month loan at interest of 40%?

I urge you to reconsider.

Start again, rather than plunge in so deep there might be no getting out.

I'll take my chance.

The odds are against you.

I know it.

And should I doubt it, the sight of Matthew Sanson parading about like a prize cockerel, permitted to trade and socialize as if his integrity were not in tatters.

Who's to gainsay him?

The Warleggans are complete masters of the district.

And this ship?

The Queen Charlotte.

Their latest venture.

They seem pleased with her.

They consider her their flagship enterprise.

And themselves unassailable.

(whinnying) You shouldn't be out alone at dusk.

Poverty breeds desperate men.

You have news?

It will keep.

There's sickness at Trenwith.

Geoffrey Charles had it worst.

But I believe the crisis is past.

That's a relief.

I may never forgive Francis, but I would not wish the putrid throat on my worst enemy.

Ross.

Yes?

I swore I would never keep secrets from you again.

And so?

I went to Trenwith.

But they turned you away?

No.

I stayed all last night.

In God's name, why?

Ross, I had to.

They were all so sick, even the servants.

They had no one to tend them.

And Geoffrey Charles was so weak.

Twice I thought him gone.

But this morning, he brought round, and Dr. Choake says the worst is now over.

I cannot believe you would do such a... What would you have done?

What did you do for Jim Carter?

You're right.

It was a kind and generous act.

Perhaps in a fortnight, I'll be in a mood to appreciate it.

(thunder rumbling) (baby's cries echo) (crying continues) Put on a gown.

You'll catch a chill.

I'm hot.

'Tis she that is cold.

(Julia continues crying) Bring her to bed.

Shh.

My throat is dry.

I'll get some water.

Shh.

What is it?

My throat is swollen.

You have a rash.

(thunder rumbling) (door opens) DWIGHT: They both have it.

The symptoms are unmistakable.

How bad will it be?

If they get through the night?

Dear God.

Surely...

There's no reliable treatment.

What can I do?

Pray.

(breathing fitfully) Can you hear me, my love?

(whimpering) Can you hear me, Demelza?

Try to drink this.

Just a sip.

She won't take it.

The fever's worsening.

Can you save her?

(panting) Saved?

Are ye saved, daughter?

Are ye saved?

Are ye saved?!

FRANCIS: Saved from what?

An impudent trull like that?

DWIGHT: We must get her to drink something.

TOM CARNE: Drink is the devil's work!

Turn away, daughter.

Come home and live a clean and pure life.

DWIGHT: There's little more I can do.

ROSS: You must fight, my love.

You must fight.

TOM: Fight me?

Fight me?

Come on, then, come on!

JINNY: Corn!

We must have corn!

How else are we meant to feed our starving children?

SANSON: 15 shillings a bushel!

15 shillings and not a penny less!

ROSS: Demelza, do not underestimate the scale of your ignorance, your arrogance, your utter disregard for truth and consequence.

DWIGHT: She's fading.

She's fading, oh, dear God.

ROSS: What can I do?

ELIZABETH: Let go, my dear, let go.

I'll take care of Ross.

You know he would rather be with me.

You know he would rather be with me.

You know he would rather be with me... (thunder rumbling) Forgive me.

Forgive me, I cannot save her.

I will stay with her.

I would not have her be afraid.

(sighs) Julia... ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ Poldark will not be bothering us for a while.

Because?

He'll be otherwise engaged.

With what?

His daughter's burial.

(birds chirping) DWIGHT: You should try to rest.

I should have provided for them.

Who?

It's the custom after the burial.

The winter's been savage.

The least I could've done was fed and watered them.

Who would expect it?

They know of Demelza's illness.

Everything I touch is cursed.

You cannot believe that.

So many came.

Yes.

So many.

They care for you.

I should have provided for them.

There's no change.

For better or for worse.

You should take some air.

And then sleep.

(wind blowing, waves roaring) ♪ ♪ (wind whistling) The maiden voyage of the Queen Charlotte...

The demise of the Carnmore Copper Company... ...and its chief architect.

(thunder rumbling) Something amiss?

Far from it.

Today, I omitted to provide for the mourners.

Now that will be remedied.

Jud!

Jud, wake up!

Damn, if a man's not king of 'is own blathering 'ouse...

There's a wreck, Jud!

Where?

Where's she struck?

Hendrawna Beach.

Go and rouse the others.

I'll to Sawle and Marazanvose.

Why bring in all they?

She's a prize of a ship.

Carrying food.

There'll be pickings for all.

Zacky!

Zacky!

Hendrawna Beach, there's a wreck.

Paul!

Go rouse the village.

What is she?

A brigantine.

Grain aboard, pilchards, enough to fill your bellies for a month!

How do you know?

I know who owns her.

Yah!

Yah!

How long mun we wait?

My gizzards is rumblin'.

You'll be fed soon enough.

Paul, Zacky, get the fires going.

Tell the women to form a line.

And keep the children clear.

Hellfire and damnation!

It cannot be!

Hendrawna Beach, isn't that...?

Poldark land.

(shouting) Feed the children first.

There'll be plenty for all later.

These people should hang!

Give me a rope and I'll do it myself!

Captain Bray must testify.

To what?

To the plunder and lawlessness!

Better still, Matthew.

He can testify against Poldark.

Always assuming he witnesses.

Whether he witnesses or not!

Good God, boy.

You don't suggest we wait for actual evidence?

Matthew is a gentleman.

He's a Warleggan worth two of any Poldarks, and his word will carry twice the weight.

And I'll be damned if we don't turn this debacle to our advantage!

♪ ♪ (laughing) Do we think he'll be there?

If the reports are true.

Of his daughter?

He may not be in the mood for plunder.

Then again, he may.

And if he is?

He'll be caught in the act.

Cap'n Ross!

Cap'n Ross!

They be comin' from 'Luggan.

Who?

Why, the blathering miners!

They saw the boat up from the cliffs and followed her round the coast to 'ere!

They'll be wantin' a piece of her, that's for certain!

We'll give 'em a bastin'!

We bamfered 'em once, we can do it again!

'Tis a clubbish lot they are, though.

'Tis said they'll leave a man drown just to 'ave the shirt off his back.

'Tisn't right, 'tisn't fit, 'tisn't fair, 'tisn't proper.

'Tis our beach, 'tis our vittles.

Clear as much cargo as we can before they arrive.

Once they're here, it'll be out of our hands.

It's mine, it's mine!

She's mine!

I'll not be parted from 'er!

Ugh!

The situation is grave.

I'm given to understand there's a serious risk to passengers and crew.

From drowning, sir?

From the rabble on the beach.

And since many of the passengers are gentlemen, in particular my own cousin, Matthew... And then there's the matter of the cargo.

'Tis generally accepted that what's washed ashore is property of the finder.

It is the property of the Warleggans, and anyone plundering will be guilty of theft and committing a capital offense.

I'm certain we understand each other.

Indeed we do, sir.

I had hoped...

I could've sworn she'd come round by now.

Will she yet, do you think?

I wish I could know for certain.

You should go, Jinny.

Help your family at Hendrawna.

(knocking at door) (door opens) I'll be off now, sir.

Who was at the door?

Someone to look after mistress.

The 'Luggan miners be 'ere, Ross!

Far end o' the beach.

Go home.

Make the women and children safe.

Keep your doors shut and bolted.

Nay, I'll budge for no man!

'Tis our cove, 'tis our pickings.

Let them strip the vessel if they choose.

We've had the best of her.

Take him home, before his mouth gets him into mischief it can't talk him out of.

Yes, Mr. Ross.

Lord bless you, Mr. Ross.

Survivors, Ross!

Bein' washed ashore!

Where?

Far side o' the beach, comin' in on the tide.

They won't last long with 'Luggan's finest to greet 'em!

Get everyone off the beach now.

What will you do?

See what I can do for the survivors.

(shouting) (faint screaming) (screaming) (shouts and screams) (blade rings) Help!

Help!

Help!

Hey!

(coughing) Sanson!

Keep your distance, man!

We are armed!

I was about to offer you shelter.

Who are you?

My name is Poldark.

I have a house nearby.

Have you no control over these savages here?

None whatsoever.

It's a disgrace.

Two years ago, I was shipwrecked off Patagonia and treated less barbarously.

Perhaps the natives were better fed than these miners.

Fed?

If it were only food!

But all of our cargoes has been pillaged and we ourselves barely escaped with our lives.

It's monstrous.

There is much in this world which is monstrous.

Those who prefer not to freeze to death, follow me.

How do we know it's not a trap?

You'll have to take my word for it.

The word of a gentleman?

I must get word to Mr. Warleggan.

He's already apprised, sir.

'Twas he who dispatched us.

You'll set about reclaiming our goods from this rabble?

Never fear, sir.

We'll soon restore order.

I wouldn't count on it.

I have my orders.

Then at least wait till daylight.

These people are fighting drunk and quarreling among themselves.

Interfere and they'll turn on you.

But if we fired into them... Not half of you would come out alive.

You'll pardon me, gentlemen, but may I ask for quietness?

My wife is seriously ill. Ross, you're back.

These men survived the wreck.

They will need your attention.

Forgive me.

I was trying to sleep.

Then who's with Demelza?

I was too weak to come to the funeral.

But hearing she might still be in danger...

There's no need.

She saved my child.

Yes.

And lost yours in return.

Oh, Ross, if I could do anything that would... You can.

You can pray to God I do not lose the love of my life.

Of course.

Come back, my love.

Come back.

Come back.

Has she come to take you?

No.

No, my love, she will never take me.

(seagulls crying) I was sorry to hear of your loss.

The world is a darker place without her.

And a brighter one without him.

Could you have saved him?

Why would I wish to?

Common decency?

He showed none.

You insist that we are enemies when, in fact, we have much in common, and could be allies.

God forbid I should ever be so desperate.

Where's Julia?

Shh.

You've been asleep a long while.

There was a shipwreck.

Where?

On Hendrawna Beach.

I've never seen a wreck.

Where's Julia?

(crying) But I was not with her.

I was.

Could you tell that she was leaving us?

Was she afraid?

She was peaceful.

I held her in my arms.

Oh, Ross!

(crying) ♪ ♪ That upstart is here again.

I really cannot face him.

I... Let him be told we're not yet recovered.

I will make our excuses.

Forgive my intrusion.

I was returning from the wreck.

No doubt you heard my cousin Matthew perished.

I wish there was some consolation I could offer.

There is.

These are strange times, Elizabeth.

We should no longer stand on ceremony.

If you say so.

Sooner or later, we must all declare for one side or another.

For which side do you declare?

For no side.

At least... for no man.

You must not say this to me, George.

Oh, I must.

And I do.

I will no longer have my feelings misunderstood.

Or my intentions.

I bid you good day, Elizabeth.

(crying) I wish...

I wish... What do you wish?

I wish I'd had the chance to say goodbye.

DEMELZA: Geoffrey Charles is well.

We must take heart from that.

Can you?

And so must you.

Will you make it up with Francis?

Even though he betrayed us?

You make me ashamed.

Your heart is so generous.

You always see the good in things.

I will invite him to join me at Wheal Leisure.

Together, we will try to resurrect the fortunes of the Poldark mines.

Will that satisfy you?

So there is hope.

And it will not have been for nothing after all.

Captain Poldark?

I have orders to take you to Truro Jail.

On what charge?

Wrecking.

Inciting a riot.

Murder.

'Tis a mistake!

You cannot believe it.

Ross, tell him!

Who accuses me?

Who accuses me?

George.

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