Original subtitles

(Birdsong)

(Church bell rings)

To bury her in a pauper's grave with no headstone!

She will have a headstone.

She was the last of the Trenwith Poldarks...

...barring Geoffrey Charles.

(Bells jingling)

What is my offence, George?

Since Aunt Agatha's death, there's scarce been two words between us.

Of course I was unhappy that she was buried in haste without due ceremony.

We do not know what she died of. My concern was solely about possible infection.

And perhaps I was wrong in challenging you so vigorously.

But why should your displeasure extend to Valentine?

You've barely looked at him for weeks.

I've been occupied with other matters and expect it to be so till after the election.

And then?

I will go to London.

Will you take tea?

I thank you, ma'am. This is not a...social call.

Ah.

(George clears throat)

I have...called on a personal matter.

Therefore what I have to say must be utterly confidential.

Everything between doctor and patient is confidential.

Yes. But this pertains not to me, but to my son.

- Valentine. - Yes?

He was...an eight-month child, correct?

Born premature because of my wife's fall.

And from what I could tell, suffered no ill effects for coming a month early.

I believe...

I am told...

that an eight-month child has no nails.

Not necessarily the case.

- Or hair. - It's usually sparse.

- And that the skin is wrinkled. - So is that of many at full term.

My son, if you recollect, had nails, smooth skin, and a goodly head of hair.

I observed nothing at the time of his birth

which might lead me to speculate that anything...was not as it should be.

- In other words, you will not tell me. - In other words,

I cannot categorically say one way or another. Were I able, I would do so.

I would remind you, you are pledged to secrecy.

And I would remind you that I am a gentleman, sir,

as well as a doctor.

(Coughing)

- Warleggan's cut wages at three of their mines. - Again?

Twelve mile these have walked on the off-chance of work.

Shall I send them away?

OSSIE: The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak.

Watch and pray that ye enter not into temptation.

Put on the armour of God,

that ye may be able to withstand the wiles of the devil.

Strait is the gate and narrow is the way

which leads to virtue and purity...

My dear, what an age it's been.

You and George must dine with us.

I would have asked him today but he left in such haste.

George has been to visit?

Oh, not me. My husband.

A social call?

- A private matter. - Concerning?

You know Dwight. Never discusses his patients.

(Knocking)

(Door opens)

I've examined your wife, sir.

She is within a month of her time.

And I have some concern.

What does she complain of now?

Of nothing, sir.

She merely answered my question about the nature of your marital relations.

She had no right to discuss such matters with you!

She has every right, as do I, to ensure the safety of your unborn child.

You have, if I may say so, a substantial physique.

Unless you wish to risk crushing the child...

You're suggesting I forego my...

mY conjugal rights?

To a man of God, abstinence can surely be no hardship.

Not in the least, sir.

Those men we took on when George shut Leisure, they're at 40 level.

Could we make use of the new arrivals there?

- 'Tis not down to you to feed half the county. - True.

But the tiresome creatures sicken and starve.

And it's damned expensive, mopping up corpses, digging new graves.

Cheaper to find them a pitch.

For my own convenience, I see no other way.

Ah, Zacky, will you tell my patients I'll be with them directly? Thank you.

Forgive me, I was disagreeably detained.

- By whom? - George Warleggan and Reverend Whitworth.

I can't decide which encounter was the more unpleasant.

In what regard?

Hmm... Nothing I'm at liberty to disclose...

...regrettably.

A rare bloom...for one still rarer.

(She exhales)

OSSIE: The Reverend Philip Webb is lately deceased.

And the parish at St Sawle is worth £200 a year.

I feel it an excellent opportunity to add to my portfolio.

- You live in Truro. - Reverend Webb lived in London.

God rest his soul. And paid Odgers £40 a year to manage the parish.

I would do the same.

I might even preach there.

Occasionally.

I've applied to the Dean of Exeter, in whose gift the living lies,

emphasising my Godolphin credentials and connection to Lord Falmouth.

Forget Falmouth. Since I intend to vanquish his nominee on election day,

you'd do better to apply to Sir Francis and I.

Oh, well, in that case...

...I feel sure your support would sway the decision in my favour, hm?

(Chickens cluck)

(Horse neighs)

(Laughter)

Oh, um...Lieutenant Armitage brought me a plant from his uncle's garden.

It seems we share a love of flora.

And fauna? (Whistles)

- (Barking) - The mangy, flea-ridden variety?

Ohh! Down! Down! Out!

Out!

- He's charming. - Like his mistress.

- When he first came, he was wholly uncouth. - Like his mistress?

- Will you stay to dinner? - I'm expected at the Teagues.

Mrs Teague has four unmarried daughters.

Having escaped one prison, I am in no haste to enter another.

You take a very sour view of marriage.

But not of love. For in love, we keep company with the gods.

I don't think Mrs Teague will be thinking along those lines.

(Both laugh)

(Door opens)

(Footsteps)

(Gasps softly)

He lives in a dream, Armitage.

You know his sight is failing?

Pity. He's an able navigator.

Yet he isn't a dream.

He's very real.

And I rely on your wonderful common sense to remember that.

I'll take him to bed.

I have wonderful common sense? Mind I don't box your ears with it.

If 'ee had any sense, maid, ee'd be tumbling about the meadow with that pretty boy.

- Oh, Prudie! - Well.

Makes the blood boil to hear Mr Ross talking like there's none to compare with he.

Perhaps there ain't.

Never know till you try! (Chuckles)

(Waves crashing)

Fire and iron, fire and brimstone. Both possessed.

- 'Tis a good a way as any to drive off heartache. - A well chosen wife would do the same.

For thee also, brother?

EMMA: Good day, all.

My brothers sing in praise of wedded bliss.

- You think I'm right? - Do I look the marrying kind?

As I see it, a girl's only power be when she have men dangling on a string.

Once they get her, the string's round her neck.

Choose wisely and it needn't be.

Can 'ee fettle this? I'll return tomorrow.

Valentine, my sweet.

Shall we ask Papa if he'd like us to accompany him to Truro?

Imagine him as a Member of Parliament!

Papa...is going to Tregothnan.

To see Lord Falmouth?

To inform him of the burgesses' decision. And thence to Truro.

And an election is no place for children.

May we wish you luck?

Unnecessary.

Ah, gentlemen! Apologies. I had business with my steward.

Now, you'll be wishing to know the name of your new member.

It is Mr Jeremy Salter of Exeter, a distant cousin of mine.

Here are his credentials. He is the man to vote for.

You'll wish to circulate them in time for the voting this afternoon.

Your Lordship, the burgesses met last night.

Oh, good. Good.

And, as Your Lordship knows, have always voted as you directed.

Naturally.

And if they ever felt bereft of choice, the promise of favours,

or the threat of their withdrawal, has made them sensible of the need for compliance.

So the issue is...?

They now wish to vote according to their own inclination.

Do they presume to suggest some candidate of their own?

I myself have been asked to stand.

An entirely disinterested party.

And from trade, like your sponsor Basset.

We are not in France, sir.

Your pitiful attempt at a revolution is doomed to fail.

So commend me to your friends, gentlemen.

All have received favours from me,

as I'll remind them when I see them this afternoon.

Good day.

PRUDIE: Garrick, get down!

(Barking)

Garrick, get down! Jeremy, why do you have to do that?

Is this what Caroline and I have to look forward to?

I somehow doubt it.

Truro will be worse. It's election day.

And the voting begins at two. Shall we go together?

My husband wants me to join him at the Red Lion for the results.

I believe he dislikes me entertaining while he's away.

No guest would give me a moment's disquiet.

Except perhaps Hugh.

Bodrugan.

I'll get my hat.

ANNOUNCER: Gentlemen, voting to elect

Trur0's next Member of Parliament will now commence.

Oh, Mr Buscombe, that contract I obtained for you last month.

It may have to be cancelled.

Mr Noye, your purchase of land at St Clement, it may now not go through.

Disgraceful.

Quite so.

Yet the alternative...

I sympathise. Your dilemma is acute.

(Signs)

Gentlemen.

(Morwenna groaning)

Sister?

- (Exhales heavily) - What is it?

(Panting)

(Morwenna moans in pain)

Mrs Whitworth?

Tell her I'll come at once.

If we run into George, don't tease him on his defeat.

I may not be able to resist.

(Morwenna cries out)

Mrs Whitworth's labours have taken a dangerous turn.

- She's fallen into convulsions. - The child will live?

At present, I'm concerned for the safety of mother and child.

(Wailing)

Dear Lord, I begin to comprehend your purpose.

You see now that my present wife is unsuited to this life.

And if you ordain that I should be widowed again...

- (Morvvenna screaming) - Guide thou my footsteps toward...

a suitable replacement.

- Mr Fawcett! - Yes, Lord Falmouth?

The loan of £35 I made to you.

It may have to be repaid.

(Morwenna screams)

Vicar?

Forgive me. Dr Enys thought you should know.

You have a son.

Travesty! Unbelievable!

You will shortly see a different result affecting your finances and trade...

Let us leave this despot to his rantings.

...where your contracts are cancelled.

And your loans revoked!

Six-and-a-half pounds!

My mother will be delighted.

I've already chosen a name: John Conan Godolphin Osborne,

as a nod to the family connection.

- Mrs Whitworth is sleeping. - She survived?

- Your prayers have been answered. - Oh, indeed. Yes.

God be praised.

When can I see my son?

- He won? - Judas!

Ifslunacy!

HARRIS: You placed me in a deuced awkward position.

I enjoyed cordial relations with Basset despite our banking rivalry.

And I fully support his wish for reform.

Yet I voted against him.

- The devil you did. - I need hardly add,

- had you accepted the nomination... - I would not have been suitable.

Basset's second choice is far less so.

Sir Francis seems a decent man at heart.

(Door opens)

(George chuckles)

Ross, this is well met. Are you here to congratulate me?

I came to town with no other purpose.

- Hm. - When do you take your seat?

Next week. I shall take a house in London.

Then we'll no longer be neighbours.

Oh, during summer recess...if I cannot avoid it.

But if Trenwith becomes surplus to requirements, I may think of selling.

- You should make him an offer. GEORGE: Don't waste your time.

- It will never become available to you. SIR FRANCIS: Now, now, sir.

How does Geoffrey Charles at his new school?

I fear he's inherited his father's idle habits.

At school, as you recall, his father was cleverer than either of us.

A promise he did not fulfil. I, of course, pay the whole cost of the boy's schooling,

when he should, by rights, have sufficient income of his own.

- From what? - His shares in your mine.

- Elizabeth sold his shares. - Under pressure, to you.

At a fraction of their worth.

And what news of Aunt Agatha's headstone?

- Could I possibly care less? - I'll call and discuss it with Elizabeth.

- You will do no such thing. - Since it's a Poldark family matter...

- Elizabeth is not a Poldark. - She was.

And so is her son.

Damn you, Ross. Damn your blood!

This is not seemly.

It does not become a gentleman nor a Member of Parliament.

My apologies, sir.

My regards to Westminster.

- (Laughs) - To Mr Warleggan!

Our new Member of Parliament.

But, then, what do that make thee?

Not to be crossed.

And useful to know. Think on that, maid.

(Laughs)

Parson Came!

Have you been here all this time?

Why would 'ee not come and have a drink with us?

The Lord hath forbid it.

What do 'ee hope to gain from stalking me?

- A soul for God. - And naught for thyself?

Walk me home.

And mind 'ee don't lay your hands on me behind a hedge.

- I never would. - Oh! For the Lord forbid it.

What a killjoy 'ee be.

Come on, Bufflehead.

(Baby grizzles)

(Low conversation)

And you are?

Begging your pardon, Vicar.

Arthur Solway from the library.

I brought these books for Miss Rowella.

I disapprove of libraries.

The danger of exposing uninstructed minds to ideas beyond their scope.

These are histories, sir. Of France and...

Be off with you!

So, my dear, you are to go to Westminster.

Where shall we take a house? Caroline speaks highly of Hatton Garden.

- But Lady Whitworth favours Fitzroy Square. - I shall be going alone.

Why did you go to speak to Dwight?

What a peculiar question.

Is it?

Every husband needs time away from his wife and children.

It makes them more appreciative when he returns.

And I shall have much to do in my first weeks in London.

Forging connections with those that matter must come before family distractions.

So I'm to remain here?

For both our sakes.

(Door slams, baby grizzles)

GEORGE: You have my list of instructions?

Yes, sir. Only regarding Mrs Warleggan...

Yes? What part of my orders is unclear?

You will watch her- where she goes, who she meets.

(Thunder rumbles)

This just come from Tregoth... What's it?

Tregothnan?

I wondered how long it would take.

Lord Falmouth invites us to visit before his nephew returns to sea.

Of course, that's merely the pretext.

- His real motive... - Is what?

We'll soon see.

And Lieutenant Armitage?

- Do he have another motive? - Oh, shush!

(Laughs)

There he goes. Cornwall's hope for democracy.

Are you content? He speaks for Cornwall while you stay home and plough your fields?

Entirely content.

I like to be out of doors.

The climate of Westminster would not agree with me.

What do 'ee want, Sam?

To bring 'ee to God.

I don't believe 'ee.

I suspicion what 'ee wants...is me.

If I want 'ee, Emma, 'tis in purity of heart

in the belief that your soul could turn to Christ.

And if I want 'ee in another way,

'tis not from carnal lust.

But from a wish to sanctify our union.

You're asking I to wed 'ee?

I am.

I've rolled in the hayfields with many a man.

I've drunk and cavorted and cussed.

- And I've prayed for 'ee. - 'Tis a waste of breath, Sam.

For I'm happy in my sin.

As you're happy in your goodness.

Right.

You're a rare good man, Sam. But not for the likes of me.

How do you do, ma'am?

You're quite the young gentleman.

- Is Uncle George here? - In London.

So it's just we two?

And Valentine.

Well, in that case...

Can we have cakes by the fire?

And jellies and cream!

ROWELLA: Do you not love him?

I must find a way.

It's no fault of his that I struggle.

What is it?

This morning...

...Osborne came to me...

...demanding that I...

...that he...

Did not Dr Enys advise at least six weeks of abstinence?

He did.

I wish he had advised six centuries.

Try to rest, sister.

I'll return when I've taken a bath.

(Door closes, footsteps)

(Grunts softly)

(Ossie exhales)

(He whimpers softly)

We will say a prayer.

No! Ossie, please! I cannot!

It'll soon be over. Just close your eyes and submit.

No, please!

(Waves crashing)

I confess, cousin, I'd hoped to see you stronger.

I will be soon.

It grieves me that I cannot nurse my baby.

I wanted to, but Osborne insisted on a wet nurse.

Rowella, can you take me to visit the child?

Of course.

- I've missed you, Wenna. - And I you.

School is very diverting, but it doesn't compare to the beach at Hendrawna

and our days there together.

Yes.

Do you still think of him?

You mustn't ask me that.

I shall visit him soon.

May I tell him that I've seen you?

No.

Yes.

Tell him...

Tell him I do not forget him.

And never will.

If anything, she grows worse.

What treatment has she had?

Since the birth, none at all.

The Vicar believes it's a nervous complaint, which must be ignored.

Ah, cousin Elizabeth!

You find us in excellent health?

On the contrary. I find Morwenna failing.

Why has Dr Enys not been sent for?

The expense, for one thing.

For another, I wonder if it's wise to pander to hysterics.

Osborne, if you do not send for Dr Enys, I will.

I must again ask you a delicate question, Mrs Whitworth.

Good God, sir, the impertinence! Of course I resumed marital relations.

- You must cease forthwith. - How dare you!

I insist. Her body has not healed. Nor her nerves.

If, after a month, my treatment has brought no improvement,

you may dispense with my services.

I beg your pardon, Vicar.

A month, then. For my wife's sake.

Prudie!

What do we think for Tregothnan, the scarlet or the green?

It's only a small gathering. No need to get fligged up.

I have some business to attend to.

Might as well wear sackcloth. It will have the same effect on some folk.

(Wind howling)

Elizabeth.

I came to see Agatha's grave.

I too.

I gather from George there's to be no headstone.

- When did you speak to George? - On election day.

We met at the Red Lion.

Is something amiss?

Newly amiss, you mean?

You know it vexes him every time he sees you.

He cannot still be jealous of our former attachment?

Whatever was between us is long past.

Its consequences may not be.

What does he imagine?

Ross, what do you think he imagines?

That Valentine is not his child.

And is he?

- I cannot say. - You will not say.

I will not say.

What does George suspect?

Have you never hinted?

Do you think me a monster?

To injure the woman I once loved?

- Demelza, then. - It would destroy her to speak of it.

Then who?

Who else was in the house that night?

Agatha.

Dear God.

Since the day of her death, he's been icy towards me.

She must have told her suspicions, for she could not know for sure.

Precisely what does George suspect?

He will not say.

Make him say.

Then deny it. Lie, if necessary. He has no proof that Valentine is mine.

There is no proof.

You're the one person who can do this, Elizabeth.

I know George. He would do anything to keep you.

He's wanted you from the moment he met you.

I saw how he looked at you then.

I never dreamed he stood a chance.

Nor did he.

Nor did I.

Can you imagine how I felt when I learned he was to have you?

You left me in no doubt that night.

Forgive me.

And thereafter?

Leaving me with no word.

- Making no attempt to see me. - How could I?

To break up your life afresh...my life.

Our families.

And now, is it not perverse

to try and save a marriage you did your best to prevent?

For the sake of your son...

...do you not wish to save it?

(Signs)

I wish to save it.

Then there's one thing you can do,

which would put a seal on George's trust which no one could ever dispute.

Give him another child.

- That cannot alter what's gone before. - It could.

If there was some...confusion over the dates.

If it could seem to him like another eight-month child.

I must go.

Yes.

Goodbye, Ross.

I'd sooner make a wheel than learn stupid Latin declensions.

T'ain't only Latin, though.

You're learning how to be a gentleman.

When I inherit Trenwith, you'll come and live there as my steward.

And we'll make wheels together.

I saw her today.

She's had her child.

She asked me to give you a message.

DEMELZA: You went to visit Aunt Agatha's grave?

What did you find there?

Things I needed to attend to.

(Exhales)

I met Elizabeth.

For the first time in years, we talked.

At first, she was hostile. But then she softened.

I kissed her.

I love her, Demelza.

Not as I did.

But with fondness.

The ghost of a love.

I pity her. I want to help her.

My conscience is sore for I treated her ill.

Fifteen years ago, I would have given the earth for her.

And she hasn't changed.

She's no less lovely.

But I have.

Wave changed.

Because of you.

Ross, what things needed attending to?

I thought granite for the headstone.

Nothing else will survive the elements.

Now if you've finished asking questions, may I dress for dinner?

My dear friends.

Welcome.

Ross, my uncle would esteem it a favour if you'd join him in his study.

You may trust your wife to my care.

I would hope so.

I assume Falmouth has some proposal for Ross.

To put a sack over the head of his beautiful wife?

So his nephew doesn't make a complete fool of himself.

Tell me, Poldark, what are your ambitions?

To live as I want.

To raise a family...

care for the people around me.

To be unencumbered of debt.

I think you underestimate your talents.

I am wholly aware of my capabilities.

I am also aware they are not for sale.

You and I have something in common.

We dislike George Warleggan.

- And? - His friend, Sir Francis Basset.

George and Sir Francis are not that alike.

Despite current appearances.

True, they're both wealthy.

And their power has been generated through the labour of others.

But whilst Sir Francis values his menials, George despises them.

As do many who enjoy inherited powers.

Basset is the new order. I am the old.

He seeks to overthrow me.

I would like you to help me prevent him.

And how would I do that?

I'm the unhappiest of men.

The woman I love more than life is married to the man to whom I owe my life.

And now I am going away, I can't bear the thought of losing her.

How can you lose what you've never had?

I've had her company, her conversation.

The sound of her voice, the touch of her hand.

I suspect what you think you've had,

the woman you think you see...

...is not really there at all.

And you think I idolise her?

It is not perfection that I seek.

'Tis flesh and blood.

I think I should like some more port.

When George's course is set, it's hard to unseat him.

Nonetheless, I invite you to try.

There's one possible way to obstruct his parliamentary progress.

- Which is? - Reconcile your aims with those of Sir Francis.

- Our views are totally opposed. - I see that.

You're a hereditary peer who exists to command.

You take governance as your right.

For you, the common man has no rights.

And never will. He would not know what to do with them.

No, it is for we, the aristocracy, to govern.

Who better to uphold the traditions that made our country great?

The tradition of governing through promised favours and purchased influence?

Your exploits in France impressed me.

I assumed you'd gone there to strike a blow against revolution.

I now find you are one of its advocates.

You are mistaken, my Lord. I do not endorse bloodshed and lawlessness.

But liberty, equality, fraternity?

These I can put my name to.

I have no intention of so doing. No, power must exist.

Someone must possess it.

And since man is not perfect, sometimes it is misused.

But who is more likely to misuse it?

The man who newly finds it in his grasp, like one who has never before tasted liquor?

Or the man who by heredity, like you and I,

has learned to take it in his stride?

Who may taste the heady brew without becoming drunk on it.

I think I must rejoin my wife.

She will think I've abandoned her.

♪ Do not ask me for a smile

♪ Life is short but love is long

♪ Let me not your heart beguile

♪ Pray content you with a song

♪ Do not ask me for a kiss

♪ Life is short but love is long

♪ You may never know that bliss

♪ So I offer you this song

♪ Do not ask me for my heart

♪ Life is short but love is long

♪ Knowing we are soon to part

♪ Consolation be my song

- I must go up and rest. - Before you do, sister, this came for you.

(Door opens)

Going to bed, my dear?

Take all the time you need. Nothing matters more than your wellbeing.

Thank you, Osborne.

Excuse me, Vicar. I'm going to my room.

My love.

(SObs)

- Did you want me, Vicar? - Ah, yes.

I want to speak with you about...

- ...your reading. - The Iliad?

At which part are you now?

Patroclus has just been slain by Hector.

Now there is a terrible fight about his body.

For as you know, Vicar, it is of great importance to the Greeks

that the funeral rites be performed in full upon the body.

Body. Yes.

Why do I not think you're very interested in this story, Vicar?

Call me Osborne, would you?

Should you like to sit down, Vicar?

Oh, er...

I think you would.

Should you like me to sit on your lap?

I'm not sure I...

But of course you would.

(Groans)

(Baby grizzles)

(Flames crackle)

You seem...far away.

No more than you when you returned from Sawle churchyard.

We swore we'd keep no more secrets from each other, Ross.

I have nothing to tell. Do you?

Yes.

Though I think you will find it hard to hear.

Try me.

I want to tell you that...

...I wish I could be two people.

One, your loving wife, the mother of your children,

content in our life, as I am and as I ever wish to be.

And the other?

Someone else.

Someone new...

...who could love another just for a day.

- Another? - Laugh with him, kiss him.

Love him. Just for a day without feeling disloyal to the man I truly love.

And do you think... another would be content with that?

I don't know.

Would you?

I think so.

For I know who it is who truly owns my heart.

Do you doubt it?

Not till tonight.

Till I saw you look at him...

...the way you once looked at me.

I will look at you that way again, Ross.

Just be patient with me.

As I have been patient with you.

(Waves crashing)