We've had visitors, Captain.
From Wheal Radiant.
Do we wish to sell our head gear?
They didn't waste much time.
-How much have they offered? -A fair price. They're decent men.
They know it could happen to the best of us.
The best of us would've bought timbers.
The men knew the risks.
Did their wives?
Their children?
'Tis the business, Ross.
No longer, it seems.
-Was that from the mine? -What?
Your eye.
Oh, no.
My wife took exception to something I said.
Oh, whate'er drifts from one place
Is with the tide to another port
And there's nought lost beyond recall
Which cannot be found
If sought
'Ee be coming down to breakfast?
Thank you, Prudie.
Master Jeremy and I will be taking our breakfast here...
...from now on.
Nay, but the chores is piling up downstairs!
You're mistook, Prudie.
This is a more genteel way of doing, I think.
Master Jeremy and I are gentle folks after all.
This is well met!
I was just debating whether to write and offer my commiserations.
-On what? -Your recent loss.
Or should I say, losses?
And, well, perhaps you've not heard, Elizabeth and I are engaged.
So in the grand scheme of things, you appear to be in disarray.
And I appear to have won.
As you say, George,
you appear to have won.
When do you expect him?
Who?
My nephew is not always the most subtle of men...
...nor the most discreet.
-I'm not sure I know what you mean. -Oh, don't be coy, Elizabeth!
There's no-one here but ourselves.
You will note that I have never married.
Perhaps you think that was an accident!
-Well, I... -Perhaps I think so, too, sometimes.
Then I remind myself...
...I've yet to meet the man who could better me.
It is the better man we long for, is it not?
Sometimes it's not the most convenient man,
...but come, let us not pretend we prefer Warleggan...
...under this roof to a Poldark!
Of course, I'm sorry for his kitchen maid.
We have much to thank her for.
But one must acknowledge the prior acclaim.
So, we can assume he will return to this house...
...as soon as he's put his own in order.
Churn, I?
-I ain't churned since... -Since the maid first come.
Show'd 'ee what a dog's gizzards 'ee ever made of it?
Smirk all you like.
She'll give 'ee no aid now with the calves now or the seeding.
Tid'n right.
-Where's your mistress? -Her bed.
-Is she unwell? -Must be.
-What's this? -What's it look like?
I can't decide.
Hence the enquiry.
'Tis been so long since mistress let me bake,
I've mislaid all my skillage.
It would appear so. Perhaps you could mislay this...
...and bring me something edible.
Oh, you're still here?
Is Trenwith not yet in readiness?
Would you like for me to help you pack?
I thought you should know that we're selling the head gear of Grace.
The venturers at Wheal Radiant have offered a fair price.
Do you suppose...
...that she ever seriously meant to marry George?
Surely it was just a trick to get you to declare your hand?
-I've no idea what she intended. -Still, it worked, did it not?
She got what she wanted.
Demelza, I never claimed to be perfect.
Have I ever asked for that?
Not as I recall. But perhaps my memory serves me ill...
...for I seem to remember we promised to forsake all others?
I realise...
...that I betrayed your trust.
Forfeit.
-And that your pride is wounded. -Pride?
My pride?
To think, I did always look up to you...
...respect you...
...revere you as my master long before you were my husband.
I see that, but...
For it had seemed to me...
...unschooled as I was...
...that you were not like other men.
You had a kind of nobility...
...not of birth, but of character, and I was so proud...
...to think that such a man had married me.
So now to discover that you are so much less than other men.
Are fallen so low because so far.
'Tis not my pride that is wounded, Ross.
'Tis my pride in you.
Sir John Trevaunance, Unwin Trevaunance. Lady Whitworth.
-Her son, Osbert? -The Honourable Maria Agar.
-Sir Hugh Bodrugan... -His brother Robert.
William Hick. Mr and Mrs Alfred Barbary.
Ray Penvenen, and his niece, Caroline.
George Warleggan to marry Elizabeth Poldark?
I could have sworn her interest lay elsewhere.
But plainly a lady may not always have what her heart desires!
Jeremy...
Demelza.
We cannot continue like this.
If you could at least see this from my perspective...
Soon you'll be asking me to see it from Elizabeth's!
-Hardly. -Of course, it's no mystery.
She can't wait to have you installed in her house...
-...or in her bed. -Demelza.
Indeed, I do suspicion that's exactly what her letter says!
What letter?
Came about an hour since.
She's doubtless wondering what's keeping you.
Truly, we wonder ourselves, don't we, Jeremy?
May I see it?
It's in the library.
On your pillow.
I may be out late tomorrow night.
I'm going to Truro and I'm unsure as to when I will be back.
Why don't you just say it, Ross? "I'm going to Elizabeth."
-The letter was not from her. -Of course not.
Here. Read it if you wish.
Richard Tonkin has been released from debtor's prison and wishes to see me.
No doubt to ask if I can assist him the way I did Harry Blewitt...
...when Carnmore collapsed, but...
As you know, I've no money to spare.
It's a pity.
You'll miss the Bodrugan party.
That's the least of my regrets.
Demelza,
I would never deliberately hurt you.
-You of all people must know that. -Must I, Ross?
So I'm to assume you inflict pain by accident...
...without a second thought?
In the moment, I admit it, there was no thought of you...
...or of the pain I might have caused.
It was as if I was possessed.
Of course. No fault of yours!
Just a greater power and you and her helpless to resist.
In a way, yes!
Perhaps I might have hoped for some understanding,
knowing you as I do.
Knowing me to be kind and simple and giving?
Would you like me to throw myself off Hendrawna cliffs...
...so that you might bury me at your own convenience...
...and wed again at your leisure?
I don't blame you for your anger, but how does it serve us now?
Serve us?
How did you serve us?
How does this serve us?
Judas, what happened? The pots is all scat to jowds!
Clear this away.
Lavish, of course!
No expense spared.
After all, how often does a man get married?
From the lady herself?
No doubt anxious about some detail of trimming or confectionery.
Will you excuse me?
My dear George,
I'm writing to request the smallest of favours,
a postponement of our wedding.
My dear, I cannot make head nor tail of your letter.
What can you mean by it?
George, I beg you, try to understand my position.
These past few days, it has dawned on me how rash I've been...
...plunging into this marriage.
Such haste, it does not look seemly.
And you tell me this a week before the wedding,
when all the guests are invited?
But did we not agree that this would be an entirely private wedding?
A few of my closest friends would be hurt to be excluded.
George, I have promised to marry you...
...and look forward to beginning our life together at Cardew,
but I feel it would not be fair to either of us to marry in haste.
Is this anything to do with Ross?
-Why would you think so? -Is it?
No!
That is, obviously, he does not favour the arrangement.
Has he been here?
-He called... -And he is behind this change of heart!
-I knew it! -No! It is my own delicacy.
Seeing him reminded me how soon it is since Francis died.
I beg you not to be angry with me.
I want to be indulgent,
both before and after our wedding.
It's a bitter disappointment to me,
but I will try to agree to your wishes...
-...if you will promise me one thing. -Yes?
That you name another date, today.
-No, I cannot... -Come, my dear, let us compromise...
...so that both of us may get something from the arrangement.
Grant me the consolation of being able to fix a date,
a month from today.
So soon?
But what is there to wait for?
What do you imagine will happen in the meantime?
I do not know.
Can I rely on you, Elizabeth?
Very well.
A month from today.
-You would not dare! -I would, Elizabeth and so would you.
Give my best to Elizabeth.
Was I not clear?
I'm not going to Trenwith.
No, Ross. To Truro. That's right. I remember.
Servant come from Werry House.
Sir Hugh d' beg to know if you will attend the party?
Judas! I forgot to reply to his invitation!
Tell the servant we sincerely regret that Captain Poldark has been called away.
Although,
Mistress Demelza would be delighted to attend.
Finally!
Compose yourself, Elizabeth.
What shall I say? How should I proceed?
With resolve, girl.
'Tis no easy thing you contemplate.
'Tis for you to dictate the terms.
You have more to lose.
Oh, my dear, I had to come.
When I heard you'd postponed the wedding, I knew at once what was behind it.
Oh, my goodness! Elizabeth!
Elizabeth! Whatever's the matter?
Ross, I don't recall seeing that black eye.
-Was it got in the rock fall? -Must have been.
-Where are you headed? -I've been summoned to Trenwith.
I imagine to treat Mrs Chynoweth.
How's Demelza bearing up?
After the disaster?
She was a godsend that day.
I know I'm preaching to the converted, but...
...you've married a remarkable woman.
Indeed.
-And where are you bound? -Truro. To meet Richard Tonkin.
I fear he wants to tap me for a loan.
Shall we meet later? Take supper? Or would you prefer to dine with Demelza?
Let's sup together.
I know what 'ee be thinking.
What's good for the gander?
I don't blame 'ee, maid.
But no good'll come of it.
There's no cause for alarm.
Mrs Poldark has a fragile disposition...
...and doubtless she's been under some strain of late.
Did she tell you she's postponed her wedding...
...to George Warleggan?
-Indefinitely? -For a month.
Give her these powders. I'll call again tomorrow.
Thank you.
Tonkin.
Captain!
-It's good to see you at liberty, sir. -I'll not forget your kindness.
When hard times come, many friends fall away.
You did not.
But your own affairs...
-Do not prosper. -So I hear.
You'll be wondering why I asked to see you.
Mistress Demelza.
You've ventured to trust yourself to my care...
...and left your husband by the fireside.
Indeed I did, sir.
I decided 'twas not the weather for firesides.
Or husbands!
Now, where have they put you for the night?
Oh, yes! The Red Room.
Two years ago, you advanced Harry Blewitt the sum of 250 pounds.
And believe me, I regret I was unable to do the same for you.
It saved him from debtors' prison.
He was able to rearrange his finances and start a small boat-building venture.
He's had his fill of mining? I don't blame him!
When I left prison, he invited me to become his partner in the business.
Our venture at present is small, but we have high hopes.
Of course, if we have more capital, progress...
Forgive me, sir, I must stop you there.
If you're looking for investment, you've come to the wrong man.
Investment?
Dear me, no, sir. That isn't it at all.
It's good of you to invite me, Sir Hugh.
I don't know why I do!
You've tripled your income in six months?
'Twas a moderate investment when we set out,
but with the war...
Demand has gone sky high, and now...
You've the makings of a first-rate business.
And you too, sir, if you choose.
Mistress Demelza!
What a sight for sore eyes!
Perhaps you'll introduce me to your friends?
By all means!
-Surely you jest? -On the contrary.
She was a scullery maid!
Then you should find her all the more eager to serve!
Come, man, I'm in sore need of entertainment!
So you wish me to heap further ignominy on Poldark...
By debauching his wife! Precisely! Come, I'll introduce you.
Mistress Demelza.
Is Ross not here?
He's been called away on business. Where is Elizabeth?
-She has family matters to attend to. -I can imagine.
May I introduce Mr Tankard?
Your servant, ma'am.
He's a little shy and barely knows a soul.
Perhaps you'll take pity on him.
Perhaps I will! Do you dance, sir?
I could be persuaded.
Mistress Demelza, do you know our friend Margaret Vosper?
-Mistress Ross Poldark. -Ma'am.
I believe that you two ladies have something in common.
I believe we do!
And what would that be?
Both devilish pretty women who've only got to crook their finger...
...and the men come running!
I had no idea there were so many handsome men...
...in Cornwall, Sir Hugh.
'Tis fortunate for you that you need not fear the competition.
I've buried several husbands and serviced countless more...
...and I never see the point in beating about the bush.
If you've a fancy for someone, go up and ask them!
Myself, I prefer to take time making up my mind.
Even if it do seem like beating about the bush.
I'd sooner do that than get scratched or worn on every bush I see!
And does your husband share your delicacy?
-Shall we dance, sir? -Mistress Poldark!
Oh, Captain McNeil.
What a happy coincidence.
May I escort you to supper?
Now you mention it, I do have something of an appetite!
And I'm a great believer in indulging such a thing!
Pray excuse me, sir.
You may reclaim me presently.
My dear, I would speak with you?
Oh, I, I do not feel strong enough to...
Elizabeth, don't be afraid.
I understand your feelings. They're quite natural.
After all that has happened...
What can you mean?
I sympathise more than you think.
You wonder how you can give your hand to George...
...when your heart is committed elsewhere.
Yes.
But...
...more than that...
There can be no more than that, my dear.
You must let him go. He would want you to.
-I do not think so. -But I know that he would.
And who can say better than I?
As his sister,
he is dearer to me than almost anyone.
I know he and George were enemies at the end,
but Francis would want you to be happy.
And if George is your choice,
I believe you would have his blessing.
And yours?
And mine.
My dear life, I'm so hot I could faint!
Then 'tis fortunate you have someone to catch you!
And now...
...I have some sad news.
Tomorrow I leave to rejoin my regiment.
Oh, I think I shall weep!
So I wonder, as a special favour tonight,
would you consider...
...calling me Malcolm?
And in return, you'll be wishing to call me Demelza?
'Tis a very pretty name.
What does it mean?
My mother once told me that...
...in the old Cornish tongue it means "thy sweetness."
I would rather it meant "my sweetness."
It's very close in here.
Shall we take a breath of air in the garden?
Well? Did they fleece you like a footpad?
No. They showered me with blessings!
The debt repaid in full or a share in a profitable business.
That's excellent! What will you do?
Truth be told, I'm half-tempted to follow your lead and enlist!
What, now? When things are looking up?
Surely you've too much to keep you here?
Yes. You would think so.
But?
When are our choices ever straightforward?
Are you cold?
-May I fetch your wrap? -I have none.
I'm glad of it.
For I know a better way to warm you.
You're most attentive, Malcolm.
Surely you cannot be short of attention?
Everywhere I look, men are snarling over you.
But I fancy they do not suit you as well as...
As well as?
Ever since I met you, I've wanted to do that.
I hope you were not disappointed.
On the contrary,
you've given me an appetite for more.
We should return to the party.
Can you not give me a word of encouragement before we go?
Surely you've had enough already.
But will you not give me something to hope for?
Later tonight?
Which is your room?
I'm not well-acquainted with this house, but...
...I think Sir Hugh called it the Red Room?
I know it.
Thank you, my sweetness.
Thank you.
You seem distracted.
-Do I? -Despite your good fortune.
Is all well at home?
Yes...
...and no.
Demelza and I...
Let us just say that attachments are complicated, as you well know.
Your cousin-in-law may agree!
Elizabeth?
It was she I was called to attend at Trenwith.
A fainting fit.
She's postponed her wedding.
She has?
Are you certain?
Clearly, the thought of marrying George Warleggan...
...was more than she could stand!
Did anyone see you?
I hope I know how to conduct an ambush, my darling!
-So, you leave tomorrow? -At noon.
And I shall not see you again.
You shall if you wish.
You may write to me at Winchester.
-Malcolm. -My angel?
-Are you kind? -Immensely.
Then I beg you to bear with me...
...to understand why I led you to believe that...
-'Tis on account of my husband. -Don't think of him.
He's betrayed me with another.
-Is he insane? -And because of that...
-...I thought that I should do the same. -Most assuredly.
-Please. Please, just hear me out. -Have I told you how beautiful you are?
I begin to realise something about myself.
Call it weakness if you will,
-but I cannot give myself to any man... -You can.
...except my husband.
I am bound to him.
-I wish it were not the case, but... -My angel...
...it does you credit to be so delicate,
but think for a moment of me...
...who's been looking forward to this encounter...
...as to a mortal's taste of heaven.
Your duty now is not to your husband...
...but to me.
Malcolm, please.
Malcolm, stop!
Stop! Malcolm!
Stop!
I like a woman who knows her own mind.
I thought you were such a one.
My mistake.
Ross, I hate you!
I hate you!
Ross! What brings 'ee here?
A disinclination to go home early!
Well, join us, then, as we drown our sorrows!
-Eke out the last of our earnin's! -Don't remind me.
Nay, Ross, don't take it hard.
All of us were willing to work without timbers.
And if it were to do again, we'd none of us think twice.
You cannot mean that.
After we lost Ted?
Risky work's better than none.
Grace put food on our table.
And more than that, she give us hope.
I tell 'ee,
were it not that the lode's buried 'neath 30 fathom of rock,
we'd be back down there like a shot.
-You would? -With Ted's blessing!
Damn, blast and set fire to it!
What the blazes!
I believe you're lost, sir. Your room is on the east side.
Thank you, sir. I know very well where my room is...
...and to whom this one belongs.
But no...
Dammit, sir, she as good as invited me.
Now why don't you scuttle off and turn a blind eye?
-Blind eye? I was going in there myself! -Don't tell me she invited you?
Blast it, sir, you've had no invitation! You thought to try your luck!
-Blast yourself, sir! I was here first! -I'm the host!
It's only right that I have first pick!
A host should yield to a guest, as you well know!
-'Tis the proper etiquette. -Etiquette be damned!
If you go into that room, I go with you!
I don't fancy we'll win her that way!
Suppose we toss a coin?
Well, one shall say I'm not a sportsman.
-Call. -Heads.
Tails!
Stand aside, sir.
What the devil?
Well, I've never known a woman promise so much...
...and deliver so little!
-Where's Demelza? -Out.
-Since when? -Since she went t' Bodrugan's party.
Did she say she would stay the night?
-Did she? -Don't recall.
So you've no idea where she is.
Reckon she's as much right as any to stay out all night.
Reckon she do.
Demelza!
Ross! Kind of you to come and meet me!
Did you have a pleasant time at Trenwith?
I told you, I went to Truro to meet Richard Tonkin.
Whatever you say, Ross.
Do what you will. Go and live with her if you wish.
It's quite possible that her marriage will still go ahead.
No doubt you did your best to prevent it.
No doubt I did.
So does she love George, then?
No, she does not.
Demelza, I cannot blame you for your anger.
But if you could bide awhile,
-have a little patience... -Patience?
This thing will play itself out, sooner or later.
I see. So you just expect me to sit and twiddle my thumbs...
...until you decide whether or not you want me?
It's not a question of wanting you!
It's a question of not wanting her.
-Do you not want her? -No!
I don't know.
-Sometimes... -I'm not content to be second best.
-Have I asked you to be? -Have you not made me so?
Why am I here, Demelza?
-Why do you suppose I'm still here? -I don't know why you're still here, Ross.
-Because Elizabeth can't make up her mind? -No!
Because Elizabeth does not want you?
Because she knows George is the better bet?
I came here with good news!
I came here to tell you...
...that Blewitt can repay the money I lent him.
We can reopen Grace!
Demelza!
You must take the decision alone.
Aunt?
You cannot wait for him to help you.
I don't understand.
How can he treat me so?
How can he leave things so up in the air?
-And not for the first time. -Exactly!
Once before I waited for him to come and see me,
and when he did not...
You married Francis.
-And now? -I do not know!
He's deserted me.
He tried to stop this marriage, but offered nothing in return.
He has taken what was not rightly his...
...and walked away from the consequences.
Why did he have to come?
I hate him for it!
He's left me with only one possible choice!
I reckon it'll take two weeks to clear the rubble.
Then we'll have her back up and running again.
What are we waiting for?
I see Ross be not at his cousin's wedding.
Such a pity that relations with George are so strained...
...that Ross could not attend the wedding.
If you say so.
Come and sit with me, child.
So now you are all that remains of the Trenwith Poldarks.
No doubt Warleggan would dispense with us if he could.
You'll hardly see him, Aunt.
Once they're living at Cardew, why would he even visit?
Elizabeth may come to see her mother, but to all intents and purposes...
...you are mistress now.
You'll visit me often?
Like old times.
If we close our eyes, it will seem like 20 years ago.
Francis and Father still alive,
and Ross riding over every day!
Ross.
Yes.
How different might it all have been.
He must wonder why I sleep here now.
Perhaps you should tell him.
That you don't wish to have me near you?
Or that you now find me distasteful after the delicate charms of Elizabeth.
You'd never think you almost lost your lives down there.
Well, we've all got to go some time!
I wish Ted could've lived to see the day.
-You did all you could. -It wasn't enough.
I wonder if the Navy's so desperate as to need a second-rate surgeon.
The Navy will need all the men it can get if the war continues.
An auspicious day!
Mistress Poldark should be here.
She've always took an interest in our ventures before.
Demelza has business elsewhere.
-You were born for this life, my dear. -I like to think so.
London is full of beauties, but you will outshine them all.
Such a privilege to have Lord and Lady Warleggan to tea!
Oh, have I ennobled you prematurely?
I'm sure the honour will soon be forthcoming!
And how is Cornwall? Do you see much of Dr Enys?
He attends my mother.
So he's finally moving in more exalted circles!
I fear not, ma'am.
I think my mother is his only fee-paying patient.
But how secretive you've been!
You announced your wedding so late, my uncle and I could not attend.
My wife kept me waiting a while until she gave her answer.
Quite right. Marriage lasts a lifetime.
A lady must be sure she's making the right choice!
Ross!
Captain Henshawe be calling free.
Can it wait?
There's something he need 'ee to see.
I've been thinking about our domestic arrangements.
You'll be glad to return home to Cardew.
I had thought so, but...
Now I believe I've a fancy to live somewhere else.
-I can scarce believe it. -Nor I.
When first I saw it, I thought my eyes deceived me.
What does it mean?
It means...
...I'm breaking the habit of a lifetime and taking a drink!
I've something to tell you.
We reached the tin lode that was buried.
We've been working it for some days now, and today, the lode split.
One half is twice the size of the old lode.
Henshawe says he's never seen richer ground.
Demelza...
...do you understand what this means?
I'll be able to pay back the interest on our loan.
More than that,
soon, we'll be in a position to repay in full!
I'm very glad for you, Ross.
And for us?
Do you not see how this changes things?
It will mean not just survival, not even a good living...
...but wealth!
After so long.
The very thing we hoped for.
And now it's here.
Has it come too late?
Demelza?