Original subtitles

You never speak of your family.

My task here is my first concern.

But your wife asks no questions?

My wife knows her place.

TESS: How I bless the day she dismissed me.

For that set me on thoughts of stealing ore.

And without that, how could Frenchies come ashore to plot thy schemes?

And to pave the way for General Toussaint and his army.

Indeed.

Not now, Tess.

Beg pardon.

It was careless of me.

We have work to do.

You seem a little stronger.

Some days, I almost forget her face for two hours at a time.

Do you recall my advice?

- To find a purpose. - ROSS: He already has a purpose.

My nephew is a soldier.

I trust he will always be ready for action.

DEMELZA: I don't rightly understand.

For months now, we've been losing precious ore.

And still, you make no move to challenge Jacka or Tess.

Did we not agree to wait until we know the full extent of the theft?

- But do we not yet? - Erm...

And what of the weapons haul, what of that?

Wellington and Bonaparte will shortly sign the peace.

An invasion seems unlikely.

But did you not say Addington was a fool if he trusts the French?

I did say so. But...

...a humble country squire should leave London matters alone.

Gentlemen, still here?

Sir George's company must be most alluring.

Your continued attachment to Cornwall is heart-warming.

- Does the climate suit you? - Ross...

As opposed to London, which, I imagine, remains rather hot.

Your husband thinks he has triumphed, ma'am. Blackened our name.

Helped my daughter abscond with the Despard trull.

And now hopes to see me arrested for corruption.

And perjury, sedition,

brutality, murder.

(He chuckles) Do you hear that, ma'am?

He intends to have me indicted as a traitor.

I intend to have him hanged as one.

Care to wager who'll get there first?

Ross, come away.

No, let me have a drink.

I understand Captain Poldark has been absent from London these past few months.

And with good reason.

His name is reviled in Westminster.

- On account of...? - His Jacobin leanings.

His fondness for traitors.

Oh, you refer to Colonel Despard.

Perhaps Poldark should join the French army.

Since he stands no chance of ever being readmitted to the English one.

(He scoffs)

ls treachery a matter for mirth, sir?

Treachery works both ways, sir.

If your own country betrays you...

...to whom do you then owe loyalty?

- Good day to Your Ladyship. - Tess.

We don't see much of you in Saul these days.

No, ma'am.

I've got matters elsewhere to attend to.

It looks tender.

How came you by it?

'$33

I don't recall.

You should have a care, Ross.

It does seem but a tiny scratch, yet...

...if it should fester, an infection set in...

Hm.

I don't want to lose you, Ross.

You fear that?

Sometimes.

Of late, more oft.

Wondering where you go.

I have a mine to run.

And now you're gone so long.

Would you rather I was in London?

And as to that, you may as well be, since Hanson and Merceron pursue us here.

They're of no consequence.

Why do I misdoubt that?

- Perhaps you misdoubt everything I say. - Do I have cause?

No.

No cause.

(Door closes)

SERVANT: Master Valentine, you cannot.

VALENTINE: Why must I keep away from the mine?

I want to learn about copper, and mining is in my blood.

I shall have a mine of my own.

May I have one, Papa?

Will you give me one?

Master Valentine...

CARY: Impudent brat.

He should be whipped for his insolence.

(He sniffs)

Or are you growing sentimental in your dotage?

No, I'm considering how angry its former owner would be

if I made a plaything of his beloved Leisure

and gave it to a child.

(Cary laughs)

Well, if it ain't preacher Came.

It is an age since we last studied together.

How goes the learning?

Tess...?

I've got bigoted fish to fry than 'ee now, preacher.

To think we now have 27 pupils.

And I shall miss them.

But I know I leave them in excellent hands.

How will I manage?

So much I've come to rely on 'ee these past few months.

- It is almost as if... - We're sisters?

No.

That we shall never be.

Sam and Tess no longer study together.

Perhaps she's learned all the lessons there be.

I've certainly learnt mine.

(Tess and Ross speak indistinctly)

- Now. - Not now.

- Why not? - Someone might come.

TESS: Tell them to just go.

Deny me, then.

Say you don't want me.

ROSS: Would I dare?

TESS: Then dare thy body and I'll dare mine.

For we both know we long for it.

And because of that, let us find a more fitting place and occasion.

So we can take our time and enjoy to the full.

ROSS: Come to the beach. They'll be waiting.

GEORGE: There it is. Wheal Leisure.

VALENTINE: A mine is a place of wonder.

Who says so?

Uncle Ross.

Well, well...

It appears the Honourable Member for Truro is less than honest.

I wonder what the scullery maid can say?

Of course, it could simply be a smuggling venture, given his past misdemeanours.

But to be consorting with the French in any guise...

While the peace is yet unsigned.

Treason...

...pure and simple.

And were we to frame it as more than a smuggling venture...

How is the mine?

Like any mine.

Deep, dark, cold.

Damp.

Lonely?

Aside from a few starving rats, yes.

- Ross... - Mm, the pie is excellent.

Our need for what you say is...

...honesty betwixt husband and wife.

Is honesty always desired?

I'd say so.

Whatever the cost?

Yes.

Yet consider.

Are there not...

...some matters...

...persons...

...past events, the particulars of which I've never asked you?

And for you also...

...are there not...

...like omissions?

Because to ask the question...

...means it can never be unasked.

Nor the answer unheard.

So, we should never seek to know the truth?

Are we sure we always want to hear it?

(Door closes)

Take your bag. Clowance, your bonnet.

You're going to Killewarren?

May I ask why?

When did I lose you, Ross?

You never lost me.

When I look in your face, I see a stranger.

I will be a stranger if you choose to desert me.

Then become again the man you once were.

That man no longer exists.

Then I must leave.

(Door closes)

DWIGHT: Forgive me if that sounds...

...a little extreme.

Because you consider marital fidelity as, what, a tiresome detail?

- I've never said so. - Not in so many words.

- But in thought... - Thought?

Your own attachments.

My attachments?

Caroline, must we for ever revisit this?

Yes, I admired Kitty.

I made no secret of it.

But why would you imagine that my feelings went beyond...?

Because it would not be the first time you fell in love with someone else's wife.

Caroline, then you'll...

Pray, excuse me.

- Where are you going? - To do what I should have done months ago.

Yes, I let her go. I think it's for the best.

How could that possibly be?

Months ago, I told you my actions might seem strange.

- And so they do. - I also asked you not to question me.

- And for months, I have not. But now... - Is not the time to start.

Ross, your arrogance, your presumption

that this concerns none but yourself,

have you still not understood that subterfuge destroys?

- You speak from experience? - I speak from experience, yes.

From knowledge of lives affected.

- Actions which had consequences. - What actions?

Actions of mine?

- Actions of yours. - What consequences?

What consequences?

Ask George. He lives with them every day.

Losing his wife, knowing she once loved you.

I can't alter that.

No, but you can alter this. Lying to Demelza, keeping her in the dark...

Only to protect. If you knew, if you understood...

Help me to understand.

Certain actions of mine, if scrutinised, might be misconstrued.

Like your affair with Tess?

-Hm? - Demelza knows of that?

Oh, she knows. And the sooner you break it and plead forgiveness

- and beg her to come home to you... - I cannot.

- Ross... - No, I will not.

It suits me to have Demelza away from Nampara.

- You no longer love her? - Love her? Dear God...

No, I no longer love her.

GEOFFREY CHARLES: I have your note. When does he arrive?

At any moment.

His name is Toussaint.

The General Toussaint?

You know of him?

At Marlow he is much discussed.

And what is he?

A noted military strategist.

An exceptional swordsman.

- Why have they sent him? - To plan the invasion.

They are serious.

Any weaknesses?

A certain arrogance.

A fondness for ladies, good wine, soft beds.

I can't imagine he'll find Wheal Leisure to his liking.

Which is why I've suggested something more congenial.

(Horses approach)

May I present General Jules Toussaint, Senator and Marshal of the Empire?

Captain Ross Poldark.

My nephew, Cadet Geoffrey Charles Poldark.

Both at your service, General.

You live alone here, Captain?

My wife and family are from home.

You'll not be disturbed.

Thank you, Birkett.

A General?

(He scoffs)

Well, now we have him. Colluding with the French at the highest level.

His hanging should be even more spectacular than his friend's.

And the nephew brat will join him.

And our restoration to favour will be complete.

So, the first wave of the invasion will be small and localised.

- But if successful... - We immediately send in the second.

And for when is it proposed?

As early as next month.

- Before the peace is even signed? - Yes.

Excellent.

A letter for you, sir.

Is he giving the gifts to the baby?

Yes.

I need your assurance that nothing I tell you will reach Demelza.

You have my word.

I think he's talking to the people in the church.

How can you possibly think this will work?

Because there's no other way.

Very well, yes, I'll assist you.

Though I give you small chance of success.

My thanks.

Speed is of the essence.

The General and I will visit Wheal Leisure today.

While we're gone, let yourself into Nampara and go to the library.

Beneath the rug by the window there's a panel in the floor.

While we're at Nampara, another party must be at Wheal Leisure.

To what end?

Fireworks, rock falls?

Of the most spectacular kind.

Which is why I've called in the experts.

Can I count on you all?

For God, King and country.

Come on, outside.

My dear, where are you going?

Prudie, take the children outside, please.

Caroline...

...I've thought and I've thought on what's to be done.

I can see no other way.

When I heard how he spoke to Tess...

...I thought of Elizabeth.

They could not be more different.

It's the pain that's the same.

And I had hoped that...

...Ross had learned his lesson.

It's plain to see he's done nothing of the sort.

And...

...to ever be wondering...

...to ever be wondering are they in each other's arms?

Does he whisper to her the same sweet words that he once whispered to me?

The agony of never knowing just a moment's peace.

No, I can't!

It's my faith that's broken.

And it can't be remade.

TOUSSPANT: It is a pleasure to see how well-guarded the mine is.

And our cache of arms is impressive.

ROSS: We have many sympathisers hereabouts.

And as you've noted, no shortage of weapons to arm them.

Farewell, my friend.

Tonight, I go to Verity,

till Captain Blarney can see us aboard a ship to Lisbon or the Americas of Jamaica.

- Jamaica? - Why not?

We'll be... quite the band of sisters,

Kitty, Cecily and I.

Demelza, my dear...

...you cannot.

Caroline...

Oh...

Dwight will never forgive me.

TOUSSAINT: An impressive sword, captain.

You have some skill with it?

Nothing to compare to your own.

- May I? - Of course.

It is true I possess a certain dexterity.

Practice is the key.

Like with any weapon.

And as the ladies in France will testify...

...a little practice helps a great deal.

(They both chuckle)

How does Bonaparte view our Prime Minister?

With utter contempt.

He thinks him a grovelling fool.

So, this proposed treaty...

Would merely give us a respite to rest and rearm our forces.

Always assuming you do not invade before it is signed.

- Which is my preferred option. - And mine.

This country does not deserve liberty.

It punishes loyalty

and rewards corruption.

ROSS: Let us sketch out a plan.

You know the extent of our weapons.

As you know, I have an intimate knowledge of the terrain, the tides, the locals.

So, how many men do you propose to send us?

Two thousand.

So, he allowed her to form an attachment to him?

Fearing that to do otherwise would jeopardise the entire scheme.

Dear God...!

How could he do that?

To lie to me for so long, so bold-faced?

- And Tess, to so M's-use her. - You cannot pm] her.

I do. She's lost her heart to him.

And I know how easy that is.

Am I a fool?

Or a saint.

That I'll never be. I've no wish to be.

ROSS: All will be in readiness. You may rely on me.

- It is an honour to serve France. - And France will not hesitate to reward you.

Shall we adjourn to the parlour?

I have some excellent rum.

- Imported from France? - Naturally.

Then let us toast to the success of our venture.

(Footsteps above)

I know what 'ee be thinking, maid.

And I know that if Mr Ross takes such pains to protect 'ee,

he'll not take it kindly.

(She scoffs)

I don't doubt it.

Ya!

- Be not afeared. - How could I not be afeared?

I've asked her to come and sit with 'ee.

- To London, with all possible speed. - Yes, sir.

Ya!

(Horse neighs)

(Knocking on door)

From Poldark.

(Men speak in French indistinctly)

(She gasps)

"The French fleet holds itself in readiness for an invasion as early as next month."

The thought of watching him march to Truro jail...

CARY: With that snivelling kitchen maid whimpering after him.

"These details, which I have taken great pains to extort from General Toussaint

"were painstakingly and covertly transcribed by Dwight Enys.

"I hope they will serve as proof of French intent

"and of my own desire to serve the Crown."

Damn him! So he'll be crowned as a hero.

How?

This report will never reach Wickham.

But if it reached the General...

(He chuckles)

Oh, I do not place much store on marital fidelity.

If opportunity presents...

And the lady is willing.

Myself...

...I prefer the thrill of the chase.

And who doesn't?

I beg your pardon.

I had no idea you had company.

And this is your charming wife?

This is, erm...Demelza.

This is...

...an old comrade from my days in America.

Jules Toussaint, at your service, madame.

- Pardon my intrusion, sir. - (He tuts)

No intrusion.

This is, after all, your house.

And to think I was almost denied the pleasure of meeting you.

(She laughs)

My husband is rather possessive. He likes to keep me to himself.

Dare you not disobey him?

How could I, sir?

He is my lord and master.

He is also a traitor...

...to you.

(The men speak in French)

(They shout in alarm)

And you have proof of this, monsieur?

I have in my pocket a letter from this man...

...which was intercepted on its way to London.

A full account of your plans, addressed to the head of our Secret Service.

And why are you telling me this?

Because he is without loyalty or honour to his country.

Yes, that is true.

And what serves me best at present

is this man's dispatch by any means you see fit.

(He sighs)

Oh, Captain...

You disappoint me greatly, Captain.

I thought I had found an ally.

Instead...

May I'_>

Forgive me if your carpet is stained, madame,

but I must perform a small execution before we resume our conversation.

Sir...

From the bottom of my heart, I...

...I bless you.

Can you truly think to rid me of this...

"fiend?

You...

- ...do not plead for him? - Plead?

I loathe him!

- What? - He's a liar and a bully.

He repeatedly breaks his marriage vows. And...

...and my heart.

So, yes.

I despise him.

It would be a blessed release if you were to dispatch him.

- Delighted to oblige you, madame. - But not too swiftly.

I should like to see him...

...humiliated...

...before his dispatch.

Nothing would give me greater pleasure.

Forgive me, monsieur.

But would it not be better to have it over and done with?

You, sir, are plainly a Philistine.

Why resort to brute force...

...when there is artistry to be had?

Choose your weapons, then. Pistols or swords?

Swords, of course.

Then at least you will die a soldier's death.

What were you thinking?

Did you not think to tell anyone?

But she forbid me.

I warned you not to tell her.

(She breathes quickly and heavily)

(She gasps)

(She cries out)

The fuse is set.

Zacky, do the honours.

Make haste!

I may have used a little too much powder.

A proper job.

We'll let the Frenchies out later.

I tell you, monsieur, this is a foolish distraction.

Shall we begin?

Would you like me to make it easier for you, Captain?

On y va.

(She moans and gasps in pain)

Is that really your best?

Uh-uh, too easy.

Madame...

Urgh!

Argh!

Oh!

Argh!

Argh!

Oh, my love...

- He's dead. - Dead?

What? Did I...?

I'd rather you'd killed the other, but we mustn't be greedy.

Keep still. Let me see.

You cannot mean to set him at liberty?

Finish him.

Dispose of both bodies, who would know?

It's tempting, but...

...I have a better idea.

How bad is it?

It'll keep him in bed a few weeks, but he'll recover.

Mistress, be quick.

What? What is it?

- Thank you, my friend. - For what?!

Demonstrating the true nature of loyalty.

Of which I trust you will shortly reap the benefits.

I think I'll retrieve my letter to Wickham.

Well, I suggest a brandy.

Thank you, no.

You think I might poison you?

I wouldn't rule it out.

Clearly, we are never going to be the best of friends.

Or any manner of friends.

- But I believe thanks are in order. - Spare yourself.

The gesture was not out of concern for you, but out of loyalty to my country.

I'm indebted to you, none the less.

Which is not a position I relish.

Where as I revel in it.

So...

...shall we revert to our...

...usual animosity?

With pleasure.

- (She cries out) - Oh, Morvvenna.

Morvvenna!

It is well. It is well, Morvvenna.

(She cries out)

Hold her hand.

- Shh... - (She pants and gasps)

- I'm with you. - Hold fast, Morvvenna.

It's nearly there, Morvvenna.

- (She cries out) - Nearly there.

(She cries out)

Oh, well done, Morwenna! Well done!

(She pants and gasps for breath)

(Baby cries)

She's beautiful. Here, greet your daughter.

Oh, my beautiful girl.

(Door opens)

- My love... - (Baby cries)

We have a daughter.

It's not true!

And you're safe.

All is Well.

All as we'd hoped.

What a day.

What a love.

That's what we'll call her.

Loveday.

Loveday Came.

Welcome, Loveday.

(They chuckle)

ROSS". I doubt I can ever repay you.

How your mind leapt to such a plan.

There was no plan. I was that afeared,

I just blurted the first thing that came into my head.

His vanity was his undoing.

- I knew, if I could just bide my time... - I was counting on that, too.

(He sighs)

I should never have kept things from you.

You saved my life.

As you saved mine...

...long ago.

...when you took me from that dogfight,

made me your scullery maid and then...

...your wife.

My only thought was to protect you.

Oh, Ross, I've long been indebted to you.

If this goes in some way to repay that...

My debt to you can never be repaid.

For the rest of my life...

...I will try.

She flavours you, Morwenna.

Which can only be a good thing.

(They laugh)

May I hold her?

Of course.

She looks so small.

Yes, my love.

May I ask to speak with 'ee?

Alone?

It is a joy to see them so content, do you not think?

And the child, such a blessing.

And...

...do we not think 'ee deserve as much joy?

Or will 'ee let guilt be thy master?

'$33

I deserve...

...torment for the pain I've caused.

Well, for which I hold not the least of a grudge.

Nor pass judgment.

For who in this world have never gone astray?

You and I were once set to be wed.

Can we not be so again?

Would 'ee take me still?

Would 'ee not ask me?

Kitty Despard...

I understand.

Quite rightly, you feared I might repeat my past indiscretions.

No.

That was not my fear.

But it has been my excuse.

For what?

Keeping you at arm's length.

Preventing any lasting reconnection between us.

For what might be the consequence.

Another child.

Another opening of my heart.

Another loss would kill me.

And me.

And yet, without such an opening, are we not but half a life?

Yes.

And would you deprive yourself forever...

...of that?

I would not.

Nor would I want to deprive you.

Hence my confession.

Yes, this account confirms other reports

which have reached me from France and from England.

But Addington will not heed them.

He is hellbent on securing the peace, so...

I've achieved nothing.

No, not entirely.

Your loyalty has been recognised.

We've managed to avert the impending French invasion of the South West.

And in addition, the French prisoners you took are proving informative.

And you have, it appears, redeemed yourself in the eyes of the Crown.

So...

And what might the Crown be willing to do in return?

Ralph Hanson and Joseph Merceron have also shown loyalty...

...to none but themselves.

And this account demonstrates treachery,

a lack of conscience, honour or mercy.

The time is surely for them to reap their rewards.

And what of the matter we discussed some time ago?

The covert role of a person of your talents.

Yes?

Perhaps now might be a good time to try it for size.

(Thunder rumbles)

Can this really not wait until morning?

I trust the matter is significant?

Possession of brandy, on which the duty...

...has not been paid.

- Is that the charge? - Mm.

You realise that being in possession of smuggled goods is a serious offence?

Do not lecture me on the law, sir.

- Do you not know who I am? - No, sir.

- Who are you? - A magistrate.

Then I wonder you are so ill-acquainted with the law as to hold it in contempt.

You will reside in Truro jail until the case comes to court.

What case?

I'll give you a dozen names who'll have us released before you can say...

Ned Despard.

Sir...

- Ah. - A list of charges.

"Bribery.

"Corruption.

"Fraud. Blackmail. False witness.

"Mistreatment of prisoners.

"Murder."

Will it be enough to detain them?

For a considerable time.

Your servant, sir.

And yours, sir.

VALENTINE: So I shall have my own mine.

Close to Nampara and Uncle Ross.

We shall visit him.

He can advise me.

Papa does not care for mines, but Uncle Ross cares a great deal.

A second visit in a fortnight. This is an honour.

How was London?

Productive.

We are now officially free of Merceron.

(He clears his throat)

I came to inform you that I am closing up Trenwith.

Henceforth, Truro and London will be my home.

I see.

Er...

Valentine has...

...expressed a wish to visit here.

I should be grateful if you refused him permission.

He is, after all...

...no relation.

It is a blessed day, Mrs Carne.

A day I thought I might never see, Mr Came.

Can you give me a moment?

A proper job.

You had all them Frenchies fooled and me besides.

What do I owe you, Tess?

You detest my wife.

You endanger my children. You set fire to my house.

- You can't prove it was I. - We both know it was.

I saved your neck, Tess.

Don't let me regret it.

So, the call came at last.

It was expected.

Travel to France covertly.

Observe the build-up of troops, the full extent of Bonaparte's rearmament.

- We may yet prevent the Peace of Amiens. - We?

Dwight will meet me there.

In the guise of studying with the famed Dr Purnell at his mental asylum at De Sartre.

But I'll be conveniently close to Paris.

And to Ross.

So, you will be brothers in arms again.

So...

...do I have your consent?

You have my consent, if you promise...

...to return in one piece...

...and before harvest.

To bring in the corn.

To welcome your new son or daughter.

Oh, my love...!

From Marlow.

They've offered me a place again.

Oh, that's wonderful news!

So, I will study hard, train hard, serve my country.

And trust...

...that, one day, I will love a girl more ardently than the girl who was my first love.

DEMELZA: They'll soon be lighting the beacons in expectation of the peace.

The French will appreciate that.

The land they hoped to conquer lit up for all to see.

If it's a boy...

...we'll call him Henry.

And if it's a girl...

Isabella Rose.

Are you afraid?

Of course am afraid.

Every moment of every day.

And I.

But we mustn't be.

Where's our faith?

Where's our gratitude?

We're here, we're alive. We have blood in our veins.

And the past is gone.

Tomorrow...

...doesn't exist.

All that matters is now.

And we.

Two hearts...

...one beat.

You can't ask any more than that.

There isn't any more to ask.

Ross...

You will come back?

I swear to you, my love...

...I will return.

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