This is Masterpiece.

ELIZABETH: "The true and sensational life "of Captain R.P.

: adventurous seducer, wrecker, and suspected murderer"?

JUDGE: How do you plead?

Not guilty.

(crowd murmuring) To Ross Poldark.

MAN: He's tenacious.

In truth, I would do the same again.

Is that a threat, Ross?

Is it?!

You think you can do as you please!

ROSS: Cannot love overcome such obstacles?

ROSS: If you can risk your heart again, then so can I.

"Poldark," beginning tonight on Masterpiece.

ELIZABETH: I wish you to return.

ROSS: It won't be for long.

MAN: Fire!

Ross Poldark is alive.

My boy is to be married.

ROSS: Who is it to be?

Elizabeth.

Elizabeth?

ROSS: What's your name?

Demelza Carne.

Ross Poldark.

AGATHA: As the stronger rises, as the weaker falls, for all is fair in love and war.

MAN: Copper!

Copper's been struck!

(cheering) Francis staked the mine on a game of cards.

He lost.

(gunshots) You sneak away under our very noses and marry that drunkard?

DEMELZA: Perhaps it was wrong, but I did it for love of Verity.

Will you go?!

Perhaps you prefer your guests to be ruined in silence.

Go.

Is it the putrid throat?

I'll stay and look after you all.

DWIGHT: They both have it.

The symptoms are unmistakable.

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

Forgive me, I cannot save her.

(crying): Ross!

GEORGE: I will no longer have my feelings misunderstood, or my intentions.

Anyone plundering will be guilty of theft and committing a capital offense.

I'm certain we understand each other.

Captain Poldark, I have orders to take you to Truro jail.

On what charge?

MAN: Wrecking, inciting a riot, murder.

MAN: Mr. Poldark, it is alleged that you roused the neighborhood and led a blood-thirsty mob down to the beach.

Incorrect.

Which part?

They were not thirsty for blood.

They were starving for food.

Did you encourage the riot which broke out on the beach?

I did not consider it a riot.

Do you approve of plunder and lawlessness?

Do you approve of whole families being without sufficient food to keep them alive?

What part did you play in the death of Matthew Sanson?

Regrettably, none whatsoever.

(sighs) Enough of this insolence.

Ross Vennor Poldark, I am committing you for trial at the Bodmin assizes.

Bail will be set at one hundred pounds.

And may God have mercy upon you, for I most assuredly would not.

♪ ♪ Julia... (door opens) Ross!

They let you go!

I knew they would!

Did they dismiss all the charges?

Not quite.

I'm to be tried by Justice Lister at the Bodmin assizes in five days' time.

I must present myself at the jail the night before.

Oh, God.

How has it come to this?

George?

This entire thing is a nonsense.

I'll be back before you know I've gone.

FRANCIS: He should never have been charged.

He's a gentleman and a Poldark!

His own worst enemy.

I would speak to him, but he avoids me.

ELIZABETH: He avoids us all.

Since they lost Julia.

Well, something must be done or he will walk his head into the noose.

Or that new contraption they have in France.

If he's a sensible man, he will seek assistance.

Have words in the ears of those that matter.

ELIZABETH: The Boscowans?

St. Aubyns.

Warleggans?

When their cousin died in the wreck?

No, George is very likely behind the accusations.

But he could exert influence if he chose?

Mm-hmm.

His reach extends everywhere.

Why would George throw his might behind Ross?

You're right.

Why would he?

ROSS: There's a storm coming.

DEMELZA: Julia's afeared of thunder.

I keep thinking that she's still here, and if I just call her name...

I'll be better, by and by.

I tell myself that every day.

And every day, I fail.

We must think of the trial.

Oh, must we?

Ross, 'tis no little thing.

'Tis a proper trial, not just a magistrate.

You must answer to judge and jury, and if you're found guilty...

They cannot hang me.

I've too much to do.

Truly, Ross!

Truly, Demelza, I decline to be distracted by matters beyond my control.

Give me leave to attend on something I can influence.

ROSS: Gentlemen!

I leave for Bodmin in two days.

What are we waiting for?

ZACKY: No doubt you aim to strike a new load before you go?

A couple, at least.

So let's get down there.

New load?

He'll be lucky!

The old Trebartha lode's near petered out, but he won't have it.

DEMELZA: No more than he'll have this trial.

To hear him, you'd think he was heading for Michaelmas Fair.

Dwight!

He cannot just bury his head.

And will you tell him?

It's almost upon him.

How will he defend himself?

Who will speak for him?

DWIGHT: I will.

But there must be others.

And plenty of them.

The Crown will already have assembled its case.

And no doubt there'll be plenty who'll be glad to help it.

Can I rely on you, Tankard?

Of course.

Always happy to be of service.

CARY: Why is our attorney here?

He's been assisting the Crown to strengthen its case.

Theft, riot, attacking a Customs officer?

Is that not enough?

I wanted murder.

And I told you that charge would not stick.

Cousin Matthew was dead before he washed ashore.

Poldark merely found him.

And left him lifeless on the strand.

Which is not a crime.

But it is a personal affront to this family.

And one which I intend to make him regret.

TANKARD: Prudence Paynter?

My name is Tankard, acting for the Crown in the case of Rex versus Poldark.

What do you recall the night of the shipwreck?

Shipwreck?

MAN: See thee now, woman.

When there's riot and robbery like there was on that night.

The law says naught of those who follow if it can lay hold of those who lead.

MAN: So 'tis best for all concerned that the right man should stand in the assizes.

PRUDIE: The right man?

Ross Poldark?

I never see'd sight nor sound of him.

(hammering) Elizabeth.

Are you alone?

I was about to return to Trenwith.

Would you consider a small delay?

GEORGE: Are you suggesting I intervene?

ELIZABETH: The family would be so grateful.

The family means little to me.

You alone are the person I care to please.

It distresses me to think of my cousin at risk of his life.

It is I who would be indebted to you, George.

How difficult would it be to have him come before a sympathetic judge?

There are ways of encouraging such sympathy.

But does Ross ask it of me?

You know, you and Ross are more alike than you know.

I have said so.

I said it to him.

I do not think he could fail to feel gratitude if he felt himself beholden.

If he could see his benefactor in a new light.

PASCOE: You are chief shareholder in Wheal Leisure.

Other than that, you have no income.

Your tenants regularly default on their rents, your house is mortgaged, and you have outstanding debts of one thousand pound at interest of 40%.

My wife will be sorry she wed me.

Your wife deserves better.

Have you made a will?

Of course not.

I need a list of all your assets.

That shouldn't take long.

ELIZABETH: My dear Demelza...

I know that recent events have caused a breach between our two families, but wonder if I could persuade you and Ross to visit us at Trenwith tomorrow afternoon.

Ah, Captain Poldark!

Mr. Trevaunance, how goes your campaign?

Better than yours, I imagine.

Who was that?

No one of any influence.

Jud Paynter?

Never heard of him.

You were on Hendrawna Beach the night of the shipwreck.

Was I?

Perhaps this'll jog your memory.

Ah, well now!

Get off home, you bladderwrackin' pifflin' piece of offal!

Uncle Ray!

Caroline!

My dear!

And Mr. Trevaunance, our prospective member of parliament.

I see you travel light, niece.

RAY: How long were you intending to stay?

CAROLINE: That depends.

If my little Horace and I get bored, we may be forced to return to London.

No doubt you're much in demand there.

An heiress is much in demand everywhere, especially one who's not yet of age.

Why so?

It's assumed she will do the bidding of her wealthy uncle and marry where he chooses.

You confident, Unwin?

Of winning his seat, or my hand?

Both, I trust.

I hope we can come to terms soon, sir.

I hope so too.

She runs rings round her old guardian.

I'm sure a younger man would benefit from the exercise.

Did I mention I saw Unwin Trevaunance, our would-be MP?

And his intended-- Ray Penvenen's niece.

No doubt she's in town for the election in Bodmin.

I've never been to Bodmin.

Be grateful you're not going now.

Why?

The elections take place the same days as the assizes.

The town will be seething.

Will Elizabeth go?

I shouldn't think so.

She sent us a note.

What could she want?

Same as I.

You did promise me after Julia died that we would all be reconciled.

You still want that?

With the trial nigh upon us, maybe I'll be glad of the friendship.

Even though they cost us Julia?

Nay, Ross, you cannot lay it all at their door.

Why can I not?

'Tis why I do wish to make peace despite all that we lost.

Will it not mean Julia didn't die in vain?

(sighs) It's good of you both to come.

Is Francis here?

ELIZABETH: Somewhere hereabouts.

I wanted to speak with you first, to ask if some help might be given when you come to court.

I hope you will take the gesture with the kindness in which it's intended.

Gesture?

ELIZABETH: George might know the judge who will hear your case.

How convenient.

And thought that perhaps he could be...

Pointed in the right direction.

For a price, no doubt.

Not one that you would personally need to pay.

But I see that I would.

(door opens) And it strikes me as more than my liberty's worth.

Demelza, we're leaving.

Ross?

Elizabeth, what's the meaning of this?

I thought if there was something we could do to help Ross... "We"?

We appreciate the thought.

But not the method.

FRANCIS: Ross... You'll excuse us, George.

Of course.

I thought it the least we could do.

For Demelza's sake.

FRANCIS: Demelza's.

Of course.

Could they seriously imagine I would stoop to beg favors from that upstart poodle?

If I wished to prostitute myself, I'd sooner grovel to Ray Penvenen-- who's actually acquainted with Judge Lister!

Is he?

It really is the end for me and Francis.

Where are you going?

To the mine, where it's still possible to do an honest day's work.

GEORGE: "A known Jacobin "and revolutionary, "fomenter of unrest and affray, "once escaped justice by taking the king's shilling, "fathered numerous bastards, "bedded and wedded his scullery maid "upon whom he got his latest brat, "this creature being a notorious doxy from a family of murderers and thieves."

Our friend "Anonymous" has an engaging style.

How many copies?

Enough to paper all Truro and Bodmin?

If he's found guilty, he could hang.

If he hangs, he'll have only himself to blame.

♪ ♪ Mistress Poldark to see Mr. Penvenen.

Mrs. Poldark?

I don't believe I've had the pleasure.

Forgive the intrusion, sir.

I was taken queasy as I was out walking and yours was the first house I saw.

Ah.

'Tis no use, Ross!

The lode is petered out.

We knew it a week ago.

So we give up?

We move on.

There sits our old mine, lost in a game of cards to a Warleggan.

Oh, Ross would never gamble away his most precious asset, would he?

He's too wise and clever.

Francis... What is done is done.

DEMELZA: Thank you for the refreshment, sir.

I hope that you're not too downcast about your husband's coming trial.

(sighs) Truly, I fear the worst.

If only one knew who the judge would be.

Oh, that's no secret, ma'am.

Tis Justice Wentworth Lister.

Oh!

Are you acquainted with him?

We know each other.

He'll be supporting Unwin Trevaunance at the elections tomorrow night.

A stern fellow, though generally accounted fair.

It does puzzle me exceedingly how a judge can be expected to listen to a case and get to the bottom of it all in a few of hours.

Does he never ask for the truth in private before the trial begins?

(chuckling) Perhaps he should!

(laughs) Will you be in Bodmin for the assizes?

For the election, yes.

Well, I hope we may meet again, sir.

Who was that, Uncle?

Ross Poldark's wife.

What did she want?

She didn't appear to want anything.

I doubt that, sir.

She looks like a dangerous woman to me.

Ross!

Well, this is well met!

May I walk with you awhile?

I'm pressed for time.

The encounter yesterday... That was not my doing.

Still, I'd hope we could put past quarrels behind us.

I had hoped so too, but I find now I cannot.

Ross, if something goes amiss in court, how is Demelza fixed?

How is that your concern?

If your sentence is prison or worse, well, she'd be entirely alone, with no source of income.

Whereas you yourself are swimming in guineas?

No, no, I've a little put by.

Why would you offer it?

I don't forget what we owe Demelza.

(knocking) WOMAN: Mr. Warleggan, ma'am.

Elizabeth.

You look ravishing today.

And you too, of course, ma'am.

I do not.

Nor may I say do you!

Quite pasty-faced.

Consequence of sitting too long indoors, fingering coin.

(clears throat) I've bought a small gift for my godson.

ELIZABETH: Oh.

That's kind of you, George.

Papa!

Look, my very own horse!

Uncle George bought it for me.

Did he?

(door opens) George!

Here again.

I hope you're taking care of our guest, Elizabeth.

(pouring drink) Saw my cousin just now.

He was not eager to exchange pleasantries.

AGATHA: No doubt he's thinking of the trial.

Do you think he'll be acquitted?

I don't see how he can be.

So many witnesses to his activities that night.

(scoffs) And the fact that he's treated the law with contempt on previous occasions.

And the court will not be left in ignorance.

As I came past Sawle, a villager showed me this pretty paper.

"The true and sensational life "of Captain R.P.

"Adventurer, seducer, wrecker, and suspected murderer"?

Oh yes, I've seen them about.

They're not important.

Except to Ross.

But if this is believed, it will prejudice the jury.

Pay it no heed, Elizabeth.

These scurrilous sheets are always defaming one person or another.

Yes, but this author has gone to some trouble and expense.

You wouldn't happen to know him, would you, George?

I imagine he must be desperate to earn his money in such a manner.

Only a bankrupt would sell his services that way.

♪ They had no tail nor bill ♪ ♪ They had no tail nor... bill!

♪ TANKARD: Jud Painter?

'Tis said that you and your good wife were once servants of Captain Poldark.

And his father before him.

And that after serving faithfully for all those years, you were turned out without a word.

Monstry ingratitude!

So you understand your duty under the law is to report what you saw the night of the wreck.

We know you took part in the riot and pillaging.

We know you played a part in resisting officers of the Crown.

I never heard such loitch.

But we're willing to overlook all that if you will turn King's evidence.

You owe him no loyalty.

It's common sense to testify against him.

We'll make it worth your while.

DWIGHT: I have no idea what to say in your defense and you leave for Bodmin tomorrow.

I was not on the beach, so I cannot refute the charges, but from what I hear, they are not easily dismissed.

Salvaging spoils from a wreck?

No jury in Cornwall would convict me of that.

Attacking a customs official?

Not guilty.

You doubt me?

We both know you're capable of it.

Your situation is not good, Ross.

I'll ask Demelza not to come to Bodmin tomorrow.

So you and I will ride together?

Perhaps as we go, some brilliant defense will occur to me.

♪ ♪ (spinet playing) Who's this fine lady, and what has she done with my wife?

Judas!

There she is!

For a moment, I thought I'd lost her.

Why?

'Cos she's prink'd up to the nones an' her fizzog powdered?

Clearly I needn't worry about you when I'm gone.

You'll have a line of suitors from here to Penzance.

So I should hope.

♪ ♪ (knocking) May I join you awhile?

Perhaps another night.

Goodnight, Francis.

Goodnight.

So you leave me abed like the Queen of Sheba while you see to all the chores?

Is it not my duty to cherish my wife while I'm here and to provide firewood for when I'm not?

I wish we could stay like this forever.

I wish that too.

I'm only glad for your sake you're not seeing me in court.

No, Ross.

You will stay here.

Yes, Ross, if that's what you wish.

Elizabeth?

I'm leaving for Bodmin.

Shall I not come with you?

A court is no place for a lady.

It's a terrible thought, is it not?

A world without Ross.

I wonder how Demelza would bear it.

How would any of us bear it?

For which of us does not secretly adore him?

How different might our lives have been.

Had Ross not returned from the war?

Had he never gone away in the first place.

Goodbye, my dear.

God bless you.

Francis?

Yah!

No.

Hey... You'll come home again.

I promise.

♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ Ross!

PENVENEN: You spoil him.

How else could I persuade him to come to Bodmin with me?

Indeed, he wonders why either of us must go at all.

You tell him it is because tonight is election night and as Unwin's intended, you are expected to be at his side.

Horace and I will spend an agreeable evening in our lodgings eating jellies.

Caroline!

What?

You'd prefer I caught a cold in some drafty assembly rooms, watching dreary men voting?

I may venture out later, if Horace can spare me.

Bodmin, Horace!

I bet nothing of moment ever happens there.

TOWN CRIER: Hear ye!

By the sheriff's precept, notice of election... ♪ ♪ (kisses) Your room, sir.

Beg pardon, sir.

Be you a surgeon or such like?

I am.

There's someone took mortal sick at Priory House.

I'll go at once.

Verity!

I've saved you a place, my dear.

Oh, thank you.

MAN: Yah!

You did tell Ross you're coming?

Of course not!

(crowd chatting) Jeffrey Clymer, King's Counsel.

I'm here to see if we can wriggle you off the hook.

Theft.

Inciting a riot.

Attacking a customs officer.

Impressive.

I'm a physician, ma'am.

May I be of service?

I hope so.

My darling little Horace has had two fits and now he's barely breathing.

Will you attend on him, please?

Your dog?

Your footman made a mistake.

It would be a farrier you sent him for.

It's not my custom to employ a horse doctor for Horace.

I want the best advice, and I'm willing to pay for it.

What is your fee?

But perhaps you do not know your trade well enough.

Perhaps you should leave-- we'll call someone else.

That was what I was about to suggest.

Wait.

Have you never had a dog of your own?

Yes.

And would you have let him die on a point of formality?

How old is he?

Twelve months.

Fits are not uncommon at that age.

An aunt of mine had a spaniel.

His pulse is steady and there's no sign of fever.

Nevertheless, I'd advise a lowering system of treatment.

No more sweetmeats.

Plenty of running and jumping.

Dogs do not need to be carried.

Have a druggist make up this paregoric of black cherry water and Theban opium.

Thank you.

You were saying?

About your aunt's spaniel?

Oh, yes.

He used to have fits when she played the spinet.

One hesitates to say whether he was musical or the reverse.

(chuckles) What is your name?

Following to your arrest, your statement to the examining magistrate was unhelpful.

I answered truthfully.

Is that not what the law requires?

A common misconception is that truth is the same as innocence-- it is not.

My job is to position the truth so that you don't pay for it with your life.

I see.

So now we're politicians, positioning the facts to suit our own ends.

And the people on the beach that day?

Shall we pretend that they were not desperate?

Should we explain that starvation and poverty are also relative?

Let me be clear.

Anything other than absolute contrition would be sheer folly.

So my task is to grovel.

Play the game by bending the rules.

Excellent.

Thank you.

Oh, the town is a-boiling!

I'd forgot it was election week.

Yes, I lately met one of the candidates-- a friend of our neighbor Penvenen.

Indeed, later, I must go out on an errand.

With the streets full of drunkards?

'Tis for Ross I must do it.

PENVENEN: When are the votes to be counted?

MAN: Not until this evening, sir.

Have you seen this?

It's an assassination of Ross Poldark's character!

How unfortunate.

FRANCIS: Not a single room?

I'm sorry, sir, we're full.

In the entire inn?

I'm afraid not, sir.

(scoffs) Enys!

Are you here for the trial?

I am indeed-- and you?

Yes, I thought I'd look in.

Look, um... Do you know where I can find a room for the night?

This place is full and the town is fermenting with people.

You may be unlucky.

I trust your sister had the foresight to reserve her room at The Crown.

Verity's here?

I saw her go in just now with Demelza.

Is your wife with you?

Elizabeth prefers to remain at Trenwith.

If you should be without a place to sleep tonight, I'm at the London Inn, beside the church.

You may be held to that.

Terrible!

A man of his standing!

And that young wife of his.

Francis, are you joining us?

Will I not be interrupting your council of war?

Against whom?

My cousin.

As declared in your recent literary effort.

Excuse me.

'Tis a piece of fiction entirely worthy of you!

Tell me, what could induce you to throw your weight behind Ross instead of against him?

The very same question your wife asked me.

Naturally, I could not now consider it.

Ross has offered me insolence once too often.

In that case, may I offer you some advice?

By all means.

You may flaunt your guineas on lavish garments and fancy carriages.

You may purchase a coat of arms and deck out your servants in gaudy livery.

You may even buy your way into every club, mine, and drawing room in the county.

But what you will never buy is nobility or breeding or even common decency.

Are you quite sure you don't wish to apologize, Francis?

Given the nature of our association?

You own me.

I acknowledge that.

And my indebtedness to you has long muddied the waters between us.

So I trust that any confusion about my feelings is now entirely cleared up.

♪ ♪ I'll visit you in jail with a list of the witnesses who are to appear against you.

And those for me?

A shorter list.

Friends' and workers' testimony, presumed biased, will be easily dismissed.

Meanwhile, I advise you to reconsider your attitude.

It's no detriment to me if you choose to run your neck into a noose, but I suspect it might be to yours.

Mr. Warleggan.

I see Unwin speaks the truth.

He cannot stir an inch without you.

He says the same of you.

Of course.

We're both indispensable to his ascent in the world, I as a hunting trophy.

Caroline... And you as... how to describe you?

Benefactor?

Sponsor?

Paymaster?

I'm most certainly lending my support to his campaign.

Shall we go out and wave to the crowd?

And I am lending mine to his arm.

I wonder which one of us stands to gain the most?

(keys jingling) (keys jingling) Are you sure Ross meant you to go out alone?

You're a lady, after all.

But I was brought up a miner's daughter, and there's naught that a few drunkards can do that I couldn't give them back.

TOM CARNE: I am the voice crying in the wilderness.

Make ye ready the ways of the Lord, for the kingdom of God is at hand!

DEMELZA: Judas!

Father?

So.

Now ye be cast into the pit, daughter?

Thy child is buried, thy husband's to hang.

See now the wages of sin?

I know of no sin.

Turn again now, daughter.

Come home and live a pure life!

Thank you, Father.

I appreciate the offer, but I hope it will not be needed.

"Vengeance is mine," saith the Lord, for the day of calamity is at hand!

(knocking) What have you forgot, Demelza?

Oh!

Have you brandy or rum?

There's port.

Demelza's tipple.

(pouring drink) Well, sister... How does it feel to be married to a drunken brute?

Francis, I hoped... What, that I'd come to make peace?

With my sister, perhaps, but not with a Mistress Blamey!

We're happy, Francis.

And I hope the day will come when you'll be glad for me and allow me home to Trenwith.

Oh, as soon as you like.

As soon as you like.

Without him.

Oh, do I disappoint you?

Well, I disappoint most people: Father, Elizabeth, myself.

Why is it I amount to precisely nothing?

Whereas Ross... Ross is considered such a threat that men will spend a fortune in order to get him hanged!

And yet I envy him.

You cannot.

If I were going to meet my judges, I would give them a piece of my mind.

Francis Poldark, Esquire of Trenwith!

It wouldn't be the first time today.

I met a man handing out pamphlets defaming Ross in the grossest manner, and I happen to know the author, so I went to pay him a visit and left him in no doubt as to my opinion.

George.

Was that wise, when he owns the very roof over your head?

Oh, no doubt he's planning this moment how to punish me.

But he may be defrauded.

Do not lose heart, Francis.

Tomorrow's a new day.

A new day.

And it may never come.

I wonder if I shouldn't go to Bodmin?

To what purpose?

To be with Francis.

And his cousin?

Ross has Demelza.

Mm.

Be advised, sir.

The woman approaching is a harlot and must on no account be admitted.

DEMELZA: Excuse me, sirs.

MAN: Entry to the assembly rooms is for voters only.

I've come to see Mr. Penvenen.

He did particularly ask for me.

I bet he did.

You can't come in.

DEMELZA: I beg you to let me through.

'Tis all the reason I've come to Bodmin.

My husband's life depends on it!

Move along now.

Move along now!

Are you sure Dr. Enys was agreeable to you sharing his chamber?

'Tis a small chamber, sir, and but a single bed.

I shall not be needing a bed.

Oh, my dear, I was so worried.

The crowds in the square!

What is it?

Did all go well?

Not exactly.

(footsteps) I'm in no mood for visitors.

GEORGE: Sounds ominous.

I hope I'm not disturbing you.

I was writing to my wife.

I've not come to fight, Ross, but to confess.

Confess myself disarmed.

Impressed.

Well, of course you might have guessed Elizabeth would ask me to intervene, but would you guess that Francis did too?

That Ray Penvenen tried to fight your corner?

Alfred Barbery?

Lord Deveran?

How do you inspire such loyalty?

It impresses me.

I see its value.

I could use it.

I could do what they ask me to do: remove the hostile witnesses, drop a word in the ear for prosecution.

I could even take the stand, give you a character reference.

How would that sway the jury?

The very man whose cousin perished?

What do you say, Ross?

Will you meet me halfway?

Will you take the hand of friendship?

Forgive me.

Are you truly so deluded?

Do you think I would ever shake your hand?

(laughs) No.

No, not for a single moment.

But when you go to the gallows, I'll be able to say, hand on heart to Elizabeth, "I offered Ross Poldark my help and he turned me down."

So thank you.

For being every bit as predictable as I hoped you'd be.

And thank you.

For reminding me what can and cannot be bought.

(door closes) ♪ ♪ My dear!

Where are you going?

I have one last thing I must try.

(gun cocks) (bell tolling) (gunshot) (waves lapping) ♪ ♪ (footsteps) (men clamoring) ROSS: Sounds lively up there.

The rabble are out in force tonight.

The list.

Of those summoned to speak against you.

ROSS: A long list.

Jud Paynter?

You know him?

He was my servant.

Well, now he's the Crown's.

The testimony of a loyal servant against his former master?

Nail in the coffin.

(laughing) Mrs. Poldark!

How delightful.

Mr. Penvenen.

To think of us meeting again so soon.

And may I introduce my niece Caroline?

Mistress Demelza Poldark of Nampara.

And Mr. Unwin Trevaunance.

Are you here for the election, ma'am?

No, ma'am-- for the assizes.

Oh, yes.

Unwin, were you not telling me there was a Poldark to be tried this week?

That's my husband, ma'am.

And is he guilty?

What did he do?

(clears throat) Well, if I were the judge, I would sentence him to be returned to his wife without delay.

(men shouting) That must be the crowd clamoring for me.

Will you join me outside?

Why not?

I enjoy a baying mob.

May I be of service, ma'am?

Well, since you mention it... For pity's sake!

Must we always have these dire predictions?

Not once have I known you forecast an outcome which was remotely cheering.

I'm not divining the future.

I'm entertaining myself with a game of snap.

Go to Bodmin, Elizabeth.

You'll never be satisfied till you do.

MAN: This election?

'Tis a joke!

What difference do it make?

Who suffers when mines close?

Not fancy folk.

PRUDIE: Stuffed to the gizzards with beef while we scrape by on black bread and beech leaves!

In France, they wouldn't stand for it.

MAN: It's come here to Bodmin soon enough.

It won't be long before it reaches you down in Truro.

Been out there, have ye?

'Tis like a powder keg.

Dr. Enys!

What brings ye here?

Same as you, Prudie.

To speak for Captain Ross?

As I'm sure we all will.

Mr. Paynter, are you ill?

Dammit, can a man not study the innards of a jug without being clepp'd malingerer?

I commend you to your studies.

(men shouting outside) MAN: Going out there?

Have a care.

It will take but a spark.

(mimics explosion) CLYMER: Your defense is proving more of a challenge than I'd anticipated.

ROSS: Do you have the document from Harris Pascoe?

Your Last Will and Testament.

Influence?

I do not have that sort of influence, ma'am, and it would prejudice your husband's case, not help it.

But if it was put the right way?

If it were put any way, ma'am.

No, no, no, I wouldn't dream of trying to persuade a judge.

Believe me, I sympathize.

I really do.

I do dearly hope that the court look kindly on your husband.

But the surest way of attaining the opposite would be to try and influence the judge.

I see.

(sighs) Forgive me, sir.

I'm a little despairing.

Is he a kindly man?

In appearance, I mean.

Justice Lister?

Somewhat severe.

DEMELZA: Small and stout?

Tall and lean.

Does he likes his port?

Resolutely sober.

If there's to be a reckoning, it's as well to have one's affairs in order.

Little as there is of value.

My household effects, my shares in Wheal Leisure... Mr. Pascoe mentions a "Wheal Grace."

My father's old mine.

It's derelict.

But still yours, and still deemed an asset.

Not by me.

I deem it a worthless hole in the ground.

But by all means, let me bequeath it to my wife, along with my other debts and liabilities.

I really have left her nothing.

Ow!

Oh, dear!

My deepest apologies.

Are you hurt?

Only my dignity, sir.

May I assist you to a chair?

Some port, perhaps?

No, thank you.

I never touch it, sir.

Are you stalking me, Dr. Enys?

Not at all, ma'am.

But now I'm here, may I be of service?

Can you prescribe something to keep me awake?

You find the election boring?

Exceedingly dull.

And the rabble out there insufferable.

Oh, I grant you it seems unpleasant.

But take each man for himself and he's likeable enough.

Are you a Jacobin, like Ross Poldark?

It's clear you don't know Ross Poldark.

No, but I expect to tomorrow, and I'd hope for better entertainment than I've had here tonight.

Perhaps you're the sort who takes a window at Tyburn for the pleasure of seeing someone choked to death.

And is it any business of yours if I am?

No, I'm thankful not.

MAN: Gentlemen!

I have here the results of the Bodmin constituency!

(men shouting) Chenhalls, Michael: 2,250.

Dagge, Hugh: 1,203.

Trevaunance, Unwin: 1,203.

It's a tie for second place!

Farcical state of affairs!

There will have to be a second vote to decide the remaining seat.

There can be no question of that.

The key is to regard yourself as elected and act accordingly.

UNWIN: How?

I'm tied in second place!

GEORGE: The chair, man, take a second chair!

Claim your seat before Dagge has a chance to contest it!

Come now, there's no time to lose.

MAN (shouting): Who is he?!

Who are ye?

Uh, well... D'you know me?

D'you speak for me?

I'm your elected member of... Who elected ye?

Did I?

Did any here?

No!

Ye don't speak for me!

But maybe this will.

Turn it round.

(shouting) UNWIN: Get me back inside!

I hope he brought his rose water!

There'll be a reckoning marque.

Commons don' 'old wi' bein' tramp'd underfoot!

Bring down the fancy folk and let the poor rise!

Nay, ye shan't muzzle me!

I'm a free man-- I've a right to speak!

Apparently not.

This has not helped our cause.

Mission accomplished.

Unwin has established his claim.

Almost at the expense of his own life!

Is it always like this in Bodmin?

I couldn't say-- I live near Truro.

I'm only here for tomorrow's trial.

You speak for Ross Poldark?

I look forward to seeing you acquit yourself.

Happily, it's not I who is on trial.

Are you quite certain of that?

You flatter yourself, ma'am.

Are all men so odiously conceited?

I shouldn't put conceit as the particular property of one sex.

How gracious of you to correct me, sir.

I wonder you're so solicitous for one you so clearly despise.

You're mistaken, madam.

I neither solicit nor despise.

PENVENEN: That rabble!

Have they no respect for their betters or for the law?

I mean, someone needs to take them by the scruff of the neck and... Oh good god, what is the woman doing?

She'll hang her husband if she's not careful.

So let me ask, your Lordship, how can a body judge if a person be telling the truth?

Well... For some of them be so downright convincing and have all the evidence to back them up.

But if the evidence be false?

Excuse me.

For instance, if a body did know the truth about an accused, wouldn't he or she then be obliged to speak?

Most assuredly.

In the appropriate place, which would be the court.

Then put the case, sir, that a body knowed some other body who paid money so that other bodies might speak lies.

You list a great many bodies, ma'am.

Are any of them here now?

Well, in truth, seeing as you do ask me directly, your Lordship...

Mistress Demelza, what a pleasure to see you.

And your Lordship-- out unusually late?

Indeed, sir.

Though not unagreeably detained.

You must be grateful for the distraction, ma'am.

Were you speaking of your husband?

Of course, you will meet him tomorrow.

Sir?

Ross Poldark.

When he comes before you in court.

Oh.

You were not aware?

No, sir, I was not.

You will pardon me, ma'am.

Sir.

Let me accompany you.

What do you make of this assault on our newly elected MP?

Barely escaped with his life.

If this goes on, we'll have revolution on our hands.

In Cornwall?

People are fearful, sir.

People are wondering when a clear message will be sent.

Those who stir up disorder should expect the severest penalty.

Would you not agree?

LISTER: I do, sir.

Beg pardon, sir, there's a gentleman within.

A Mr. Francis Poldark?

Oh, yes.

Francis.

(doorknob rattling) Francis?

Locked, sir.

From the inside.

We may need to break it down.

Nay, it will damage it.

Dammit, man, Mr. Poldark may be ill.

He may even... (door opens) This is the statement I've prepared for you.

You may find it a little contrite for your taste.

There are limits, even if one's neck is at stake.

So you'd go to the gallows on a point of principle?

Of course, it's your life to do as you please.

Are you a fatalist, Enys?

Or do you believe that we are masters of our own destiny?

Well... Because a short while ago, I... ...pointed this at my head and it misfired.

The flint went down, but the powder did not ignite.

Since then, I've been trying to decide whether to do it again.

I agree it's in very poor taste to use your hospitality for such a purpose, but I, uh...

Anyway, the thing's not done, so... ...for the moment, you have a talkative companion instead of a silent one.

I don't understand.

Why would you wish...?

Francis, you are young, propertied, respected.

You have a beautiful wife, a healthy son... Stop!

Or I shall weep for joy.

Let's have some brandy, hm?

At any rate, I can do no damage until I have fresh powder.

I hope you will reconsider.

Here's to the devil.

(glasses clink) Lord knows whose side he's been on tonight.

Why do you hate him?

What has he ever done to deserve it?

I doubt you'd understand.

Because I am not so well-bred as you?

I am a miner's daughter, but you are a blacksmith's grandson.

What is the difference?

The difference is that you will always be a miner's daughter, whereas I am a gentleman.

I am a gentleman's wife.

Soon to be a gentleman's widow.

CLYMER: Got a wife.

Got a family.

You don't think it's worth making this concession for their sakes?

I appreciate your efforts.

But I cannot put my name to beggary and flattery.

Dammit, man, you have no choice!

The case against you is too strong.

It's not a question of whether you'll be found guilty, but when, and what the sentence will be.

All you can do is paint a penitent figure so that you may escape the worst.

The worst, I tell you.

Perhaps you will consider that before you sleep tonight.

(keys jingling) (door opens) Did you have better luck?

If anything, I've made it worse.

What did you hope to achieve?

I don't know.

Anything.

Verity, I lost my child.

How could I bear it if I lost Ross too?

(gun cocks) Ask me, Enys.

Am I cleaning it to put away, or do I intend to use it again?

Do you?

If I see a suitable target.

What ye be up to, ye lizardy lousedy pissabed?

Up to?

I?

Innocent as a newborn babe!

Witnesses primed, and we've augmented the crowd with persons who share our view of the accused and will not scruple to make their voices heard.

And his Lordship?

Is immune to persuasion.

On the contrary.

I believe he was persuaded last night without a penny changing hands.

MAN: Jack Tripp, on your feet!

Do you go before the court?

With head held high.

And sore, no doubt.

Not for long.

The noose is a great curer for headaches.

I wish you justice, if there's any to be found.

Which there ain't, as we both do know.

(keys jingling) So luck it must be.

For us both, then.

(door opens) As ringleader and instigator of the affray in which you did unlawfully assemble together a violent and unruly mob, you have been found guilty.

It now only remains for me to pass the dreadful sentence of the law, which is that you be taken from hence to a place of execution, where you will be hanged by the neck until you die.

CLERK: Call Ross Poldark.

(men clamoring) Murderer!

MAN: Murderer!

WOMAN: Murderer!

CLERK: Order!

Why do they cry murder?

That is not the charge.

Silence in court!

(shouting) VERITY: So many against him?

Only the ones paid by George.

But if the jury believe them?

CLERK: Ross Vennor Poldark, you stand accused that you did incite riot, viciously attack a customs officer, and did plunder diverse goods belonging to a ship in distress.

How do you plead?

Not guilty.

(crowd shouting) TOM CARNE: Let the court beware this man!

The devil in gent's clothing!

He stole my daughter, debauched an' left her unfit for neither man nor beast!

Have him taken.

And when I did go to the rescue of my child, this man did viciously assault I, a poor, god-fearing man, in his dotage, with fists and with weapons.

I tell you, this man do think himself above the law, do think he may take whatever he please, and never pay the price for it.

I do implore the court to see that justice be done in the name of I and all who've suffered at his hands!

LISTER: Continue.

Gentlemen of the jury.

You'll recall that in this summer's great winds, a ship got into distress and was driven ashore on Hendrawna Beach, just below the house of the accused.

You might expect that such a man's first thought would be the safety of the poor souls aboard.

Instead, he sought to rouse the lawless spirits of the district so that when the wreck came in, it might be plundered with the utmost dispatch.

Witnesses will testify that the accused personally directed the plunder, and that survivors from the wreck were beaten as they struggled ashore.

When a contingent of soldiers and excise men arrived, the prisoner warned them not to interfere and threatened them with violence if they did.

When they nonetheless went down to the beach, they were set upon by the accused.

One of them received near-fatal injuries.

Did you see the prisoner attack the customs officer?

Yes, sir.

See'd him strike a blow across his face and kick him when he's down.

PAUL: Bloody liar!

That's a lie!

(men shouting) PROSECUTOR: "Roused from sleep," you say?

MAN: Aye, sir.

By him, sir.

PROSECUTOR: Saying what?

MAN: "Pickings for all!

"Hendrawna beach, wreck's coming in!

Strip her to the last plank!"

And when you reached Hendrawna Beach, what did you see the accused do?

Pluck cargo from the sea, pile it up on the strand, and direct others to do the same.

Did you see him assault the customs officer?

Aye, sir.

Assault, sir.

Terrible thing, sir.

(men shouting) CLERK: Order!

PROSECUTOR: Ephraim Oliver, you were on the beach on the night of January the seventh last.

What did you see?

OLIVER: That man strike a gauger across his skull and kicked him to the ground and leave him for dead.

PROSECUTOR: William Fiddick, how close were you to the accused when he struck John Coppard, the excise man?

FIDDICK: As close as you be to me, sir, and felt the blow like it was across me own head.

PROSECUTOR: Sergeant Tremayne, the prisoner warned you not to go to the beach, and yet you did so.

Why was that?

TREMAYNE: Well, I felt he was casting doubts upon my resolve... (voices fading) (gasping) Oh, Demelza!

Is it not intolerable in there?

I could scarce breathe.

Nor I. I came for Francis.

I never thanked you for tending me in my sickness.

You saved my son.

And at such a cost.

How can you bear it?

I'm with child again.

Is Ross glad?

I've not told him.

If things go ill today... Pray God they do not.

I must... Of course.

CLERK: Call Jud Paynter.

PROSECUTOR: Describe to us, Mr. Paynter, what took place the night of the gale.

So there's Prudie-- that's the wife-- snoring fit to rouse the dead, when along come Captain Ross, saying, "Ship gone ashore down Hendrawna."

I cannot believe he would turn against Ross like this.

Yes?

Yes.

And what did he do?

Do?

Did he urge you to do anything?

Urge?

Oh, aye.

He says to I, "Roust the rest of the village and head down to the shore."

Did he give you a reason?

Reason?

Aye.

"Come now," he says, "sharp as you can, for likely there's..." "...women and children aboard who need saving from a watery grave..." PROSECUTOR: Come, man, recollect yourself.

Think what you're saying.

Aye, that's what he said, right enough.

And I tell you, man, to think again.

What you say is not in accordance with your sworn statement.

"When Captain Poldark came to my house, "he told me to hurry and rouse the village "because there was a wreck, and the sooner it was stripped, the better before the authorities turned up."

No, sir, I never said them words and I never thought them neither.

I would remind you, Mr. Paynter, this statement was made before witnesses and read aloud to you before you signed.

Aye, well, sir, see...

I is hard of hearing.

So it's likely I misheard what they said and they misheard what I said.

JUDGE LISTER: Mr. Bull, I would have thought it was clear that this witness has committed perjury, either now or when he made his original statement.

I would suggest that you turn him out of the box and get on with your case.

You should have brandished less carrot and more stick.

We could not possibly have foreseen...

I beg to differ.

These people have peculiar loyalties.

What of Captain Bray?

Did you manage to prevail there?

CLERK: Call Captain Bray!

BULL: Describe, Captain Bray, the sight that met your eyes as you came ashore that night.

Like Dante's Inferno.

Drunken men cavorting, mules struggling beneath the spoils from the ship.

All semblance of order gone.

It was as close to hell as I ever hope to come.

And your passengers and crew?

BRAY: Confronted by viciousness of the grossest kind.

I had to stand guard to prevent them being torn to pieces.

Thank you, Captain Bray.

Your description would strike a chill into the heart of any decent human being.

(crowd murmuring) The prisoner begs leave to question the witness.

Granted.

Captain Bray, do you recall seeing me on the beach that night?

You came and offered me and my passengers shelter in your house.

And did you see or hear me encouraging anyone to wreck your ship?

It was dark, sir, but I don't believe I'd set eyes on you until that moment.

Did you see the meeting of myself and the captain of the soldiers?

As I recall, you warned him not to go down to the beach.

ROSS: And did I accompany you into my house, sir?

You did.

Thank you.

(murmuring) BULL: One moment, Captain.

How long did the accused stay with you after you entered the house?

About five minutes.

He said that his wife was ill and he needed to tend her.

When did you see him again?

About two hours later.

So there was nothing to prevent him leaving the house as soon as you were settled and returning to the beach to attack the excise men?

I suppose not.

Thank you-- you may stand down.

(crowd murmuring) It is no exaggeration to suggest that what we have here is a revolutionary: self-serving, contemptuous of his class, careless of other's property.

Of all the crimes that were committed that night, this man was the instigator and chief perpetrator.

It is not within my scope to call to attention the previous acts of lawlessness that have marred the accused's character.

Objection!

Confine yourself to the present allegations, Mr. Bull.

But it is relevant to draw conclusions from statements made by the accused at the time of his arrest.

Statements purporting to explain his actions, justify them, and which brand him an obvious admirer of the bloodshed and tyranny in France.

(men shouting) Asked if he encouraged the riot which broke out on the beach, "I did not consider it a riot."

Asked if he approved of plunder and lawlessness, "Do you approve of whole families being without sufficient food to keep them alive?"

Asked what part he played in the death of Matthew Sanson, "Regrettably, none whatsoever."

If you have ever heard a more damning indictment from a prisoner's own mouth, I would frankly be amazed.

Such a man is a danger to us all.

The country and justice itself deserves the severest penalty.

The Crown rests its case.

(scattered cheering) Witnesses for the defense?

Are there any?

Call Dwight Enys.

My Lord, I am the physician who attended Captain Poldark's wife and child during their attack of the putrid throat.

At that time, I was constantly in the house and can testify that Captain Poldark had no sleep for almost a week.

His only child died and was buried but a few days before the wreck.

On the day itself...

I formed the opinion that he had suffered a mental breakdown.

I consider that any strangeness in his actions should almost entirely be attributed to that.

You're an apothecary?

A physician, sir.

A licentiate of the London College of Physicians and a Cornishman by birth.

And an expert in mental afflictions?

I did not say so.

Then your views on the matter can hardly be expected to carry much weight.

I believe they can, sir.

In my view, Captain Poldark was temporarily, through grief and lack of sleep, not himself.

And do you consider that anyone who loses a child and a few nights' sleep is justified in creating a riot.

I do not believe he created the riot.

We require your opinion as a physician, sir, not as a friend or a drinking companion.

I speak purely as a physician.

I've based my opinion on clinical observation.

Captain Poldark was unsteady on his feet and disordered in his remarks.

Perhaps he was drunk.

He had not touched drink in several days.

My lord, when his infant daughter died, a great many people came to the funeral.

All of society, from highest to low.

He's held in very great esteem.

But with his wife ill, it was impossible to give them refreshment.

This weighed heavy on his mind.

And I suggest to you that he did provide for them.

In rousing the rabble and leading them to the wreck, he both assuaged his conscience and filled his larder with pillaged goods.

That was not my meaning, sir.

Thank you, sir.

You paint a very clear picture of the prisoner's state of mind.

(men shouting) JUDGE LISTER: Enough!

(gavel bangs loudly) Remove these persons from the court.

Quite right, they should be taken out and whipped!

CLERK: The court will take a short adjournment!

We could not have hoped for a better judge.

Poldark will surely hang.

Yes.

That is what you wanted?

The mine he will leave to his wife.

We can soon acquire the shares.

Was she not his kitchen maid?

She will give us no trouble.

Do not believe it.

You will be celebrating tonight.

I certainly intend to.

You could not bear to keep away.

I was concerned.

For me?

Do I not have cause?

Well, as you can see, I am well, so had you not better return to Trenwith?

Having come so far, I may as well stay.

Ross will be gratified.

Are you?

Are you resolved?

To prostrate myself and beg for mercy?

Good god, man!

Do you not see what's happening?

You stand accused of a riot and lawlessness.

This country lives in dread of France.

This court must be seen to set an example.

That is why you must grovel.

Do so now, or you will not live to see the sun rise tomorrow.

My lord.

Gentlemen of the jury.

I can only apologize that this case has taken so much of your time.

I will try to take as little more as may be necessary to beg your clemency.

It is true that I saw a wreck come in.

That I rode and told several villagers.

That a number of people came upon the beach.

And that items were carried away.

Though not by me.

My house was searched, and none were found.

Why?

Because I took none.

The counsel has suggested that I'm a revolutionary, that these people are revolutionaries branded with a desire to overthrow authority.

Well, nothing could be further from the truth.

The people of Sawle, Mellin, and Grambler who came upon the beach that day were ordinary people, no more or no less law-abiding, loyal subjects than any here.

As to what happened when they came up on the beach, I ask you to think of the traditions of our county: that people scour the beaches for flotsam.

This is commonly known.

That in times of dire need, when fathers have seen their children without a crust for their bellies or a rag for their backs, these pickings have been the means of keeping ordinary people alive.

What else would you have them do?

After they have rescued the crew and brought goods ashore, are they then to await the arrival of the excise men and watch them carry off the goods that they have salvaged?

You ask if I was in my right mind.

Well, you've heard evidence that I was not.

But is it insanity to think that rich pickings strewn across a beach are better used to sustain those in need than returned to those whose only goal is profit?

I cannot believe it.

I will not believe it.

I make no apology for my actions.

In truth, I would do the same again.

Thank you.

I've heard more penitent speeches.

But rarely more eloquent.

My apologies.

Mm-hmm.

What happens now?

The judge's summing up.

I would not expect much benevolence.

JUDGE LISTER: Gentlemen of the jury, this man stands accused of riot, theft, and assaulting an officer of the Crown.

Your duty is to decide, beyond reasonable doubt, if the prisoner is guilty or innocent.

But in law, if you are satisfied that a riot took place, you only need to be satisfied that the prisoner was involved to find him guilty as a principal.

The prisoner has attempted to find mitigating circumstances in the distress generally prevailing amongst the poor.

You may find this an admirable sentiment, but you would be failing in your duty if you allowed it to influence your judgment in any way.

Will you now consider your verdict?

You may retire if you wish.

DWIGHT: Bad, is it not?

Very bad.

Not that I don't admire his stubbornness, but...

He'll pay for it.

Will I have a chance to say goodbye to my wife?

You will be removed from court and taken directly to your fate.

FRANCIS: "The quality of mercy is not strained.

"It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven upon the place beneath."

And God knows it droppeth sometimes on those who least deserve it.

I must congratulate you on your eloquence.

You almost convinced me I was guilty.

In truth, I believe there's nothing either you or anyone could have said to change the old man's mind.

He seems determined to make an example of you.

They're coming back.

Gentlemen of the jury, have you reached a verdict?

We have.

Do you find the prisoner guilty or not guilty?

We find him... ...not guilty on all three charges.

(sighs of relief) I thought we'd lost him!

I was sure of it!

Francis, dear brother, can we not take heart from this?

Is there not hope in it for all?

Hope?

Of a reconciling?

Of you and I, gladly, gladly.

But Verity, for your husband?

While I live and breathe, it will never happen.

So he will come home after all.

Yes.

No, no, don't stop on my account.

I wonder if you would have wept so prettily had I not come home.

Why would you not have come home, Francis?

Let's not distress ourselves to no purpose.

I am coming home.

And so is Ross.

And tomorrow, the sun will rise again.

So let us count our blessings.

Seems I shan't be rid of you yet, Captain.

A pity-- I was looking forward to dealing with the sensible side of the family.

♪ ♪ ZACKY: Is it over?

Are ye free?

It would appear so.

(laughing) How did he get off?

How could the accursed jury disregard all the evidence and find him not guilty?

And to think I let my uncle persuade me against pressing a charge of murder!

I tell you, there was not one atom of proof and we could not have manufactured it.

And Paynter recanted!

He will pay for it shortly.

What now?

Do we accept defeat?

By no means.

Wheal Leisure is his one real asset.

We must set about buying up shares.

When I control the mine, I control Ross.

And Francis?

His finances are in your hands.

You can break him tomorrow.

I could.

But for the moment, I intend to make no move at all.

You care nothing for his good will.

Not his.

But there is another person to consider.

Not guilty!

As I expected.

Sit here, my dear.

May I get you a glass of wine?

Thank you.

Stay a little longer with us!

Nay, Jinny, leave them be.

They'll be wanting to be away home.

Caroline.

Thank you.

Thank you.

To Westminster.

To Ross Poldark!

You must toast as your uncle bids you, Caroline.

You are his ward and you must obey his wishes.

And what are his wishes?

Why, for you to engage yourself to a man of substance and repute.

I intend to!

(fiddle music playing) Cheers to Ross!

ALL: To Ross!

Oh, Judas!

I might go to town tomorrow.

I've a notion to engage a couple of servants.

And what sorts would ye be lookin' for?

Fiendishly hardworking.

Pitifully grateful.

Exceedingly cheap.

If you hear of any such, tell them to make themselves known to me.

You overlook one thing.

Ross Poldark is alive and must be aware of our attempts to render him otherwise.

And?

He does not strike me as a man who takes such things lying down.

After all, he's a soldier.

A renegade.

Your point?

That in failing to get him hanged, you have left yourself exposed.

(blows out candle) (door opens) I did not care for Bodmin.

This is what I desire.

You, me, our house, candles burning, the scent of new-picked violets.

Maybe it's because I'm of common stock I'm so easily pleased.

Common stock you are not.

There is one thing I do desire.

A child in the crib.

To take her place?

Not to make us forget her.

Do not wish it.

Not ever?

Not for now.

With our future so uncertain.

Our future looks kinder than we ever expected.

Much kinder.

I believe we agreed you would not come to Bodmin.

Yes, Ross, I believe that we did.

Have I told you what I feel about a disobedient wife?

Have I told you what I feel about a reckless husband?

Next time on Masterpiece.

Mistress Poldark.

ROSS: Be careful his uniform doesn't dazzle you.

It has that effect on some people.

You are detestable, saying that.

ROSS: Somehow, you managed to bring the light back to Francis' eyes.

ELIZABETH: I cannot imagine how.

Can you not?

"Poldark," next time on Masterpiece.

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Captioned by Media Access Group at WGBH access.wgbh.org