Original subtitles

Gentlemen, this ticket auction is now open.

Let the minutes show that l, Richard Tonkin, have taken the chair.

The first dole of ore is 40 tons from Wheal Busy.

lt's sold for f6l17s a ton to the Carnmore Copper Company.

- Carn who? - It's new to me.

Tresavine are next, 60 tons.

Sold for f6l7s a ton to the Carnmore Copper Company.

- Carnmore? Who are they? - Never heard of 'em!

The chair recognises Mr Blight, South Wales Smelting Company.

- What name did you say? - Tresavine.

No, no, no. The name of the buyers, if you please.

Carnmore Copper Company.

l don't wish to intervene but l've never heard of any such firm.

Oh? l'm assured that it exists.

What proof do you have of their bona fides?

- None. - None at all?

They will be tested when payment is due.

Well, who's their agent?

Here.

- Your name, sir? - Zacky Martin. At your service.

What is your purpose bidding for these large quantities of copper?

Same as you. To smelt and sell on the open market.

- The prices you pay are high. - l'm only following my orders.

Aye. Who is in control of your company?

Mr White! You know our rules.

Mr Martin need not reveal the name of his employers.

ln the five years you have been here,

your company has become one of our largest buyers

yet no one has asked you for the name of your shareholders.

Twopenny villains upsetting everyone.

Wheal Leisure. Parcel of red copper, 45 tons,

sold for f8l2s a ton to the Carnmore Copper Company.

Who bids f8 a ton in times like these?

lmbeciles, sir.

United Mines, three doles of ore, 50 tons in each.

The first parcel is sold for f5l9sl9d

to the South Wales Smelting Company.

Second parcel sold for f7l2s a ton to the Carnmore Copper Company.

The third parcel sold for f6l19s a ton to the...

Carnmore Copper Company.

- This is a conspiracy. - Kindly resume your seat.

You have schemed to hoist prices and put us legitimate dealers into a false box.

- You are out of order. - It's been tried before.

You shall need a new contrivance to catch us old hands.

Let's see you pay for it all, l'll warrant you cannot.

Can't you see what is happening?

We're being swindled into paying higher prices.

On today's market you cannot get more than f57 for refined copper.

- Gentlemen! - They're holding us to ransom.

What's happening here? Who is this Carnmore?

Now, if you'll all sit...

l do my duty, obey my orders. That's all.//

- Where's the mistress? - Upstairs with the baby.

lt's Prudie's chore to do that.

Yes, sir, but Jud's been taken sick and she's minding him.

Taken sick or taken drunk?

You are weeping.

It is nothing, sir.

What's the matter, girl? Stop that.

You are not a woman who weeps for no reason.

'Tis Jim, sir.

- You've seem him? - Last week.

His sentence is almost finished.

Yes, sir, a few more months but...

- Sir... - Well, what's the matter, Jinny?

Tell me.

'Tis his arm, sir. Here.

What has happened to his arm?

'Tis a wound, sir. A cut that has festered.

lt's gone mortal bad and there's no one there tending it.

- Did you tell the authorities? - Who, sir?

The jailer, the man in charge.

Yes, l said l thought the arm looked poisoned.

Well, what did he say?

He said maybe Jim'll think twice before he come back. He laughed.

He said what did l think it was, a gentlemen's club?

- And this was last week? - Yes, sir.

- Why did you not tell me? - You've been busy, sir.

- It was my problem. - And mine.

l should always want to know if he were ill.

Come now, stop this weeping.

- l'm sorry, sir. - l'll do what l can.

Oh, sir...

lf you promise not to keep such matters from me.

Now, leave this and attend to the child.

Jim Carter has a festered arm. Did you know?

- No, l didn't. - She says he's taken bad.

Then 'tis true. Jinny don't spin no tales.

l've heard grim stories about Launceston jail.

- Will you go see him? - Yes.

Well?

Well, what?

Now, don't tease me. What happened at the ticketing?

Go on, tell me.

We bought enough ore to smelt for four months.

Four months? But that must have cost a...

- f5,OOO. - What?///

5,OOO spent at your first auction?

You will have drafts of f4,800 to pay into the Carnmore account next month.

Oh, have no fear, the bank will honour your debts.

And collect the proper interest for doing so.

l seek for nothing more nor less.

Doubtless there were questions asked about Carnmore?

There were.

The next ticketing will be your biggest test.

You won't get an open protest again. They'll try more subtle methods.

lt's essential we keep them mystified.

Essential, yes.

lt surprises me you kept the smelting works a secret so long.

The parts were shipped direct and housed around Wheal Leisure.

The story put out was of a new engine for the mine.

Here is the final list of all our shareholders.

Lord Devoran?

Sir John Trevaunance. Impressive, sire. Impressive.

The Warleggans would give a great deal to see those names.

You're speaking to your banker!

l noticed most of these gentlemen

accept substantial accommodation from the Warleggan Bank.

l'm fully aware of the need for confidentiality.

Fully aware.

Your secret shall reside quite safely in here.

We were reckless at the auction - it won't occur again.

You have made a bold move on behalf of the copper mining industry.

Those of us who love Cornwall are behind you.

There are others who only seek to turn a profit

and they can be uncommonly powerful when they have a mind.///

Did anyone see you?

No.

Oh...

don't you fret so.

Would you rather l didn't come no more?

Keren...

Even if you do send me away, l won't stay with Mark.

He loves you very much.

l know.

l don't want to hurt him, honest l don't,

but it isn't enough, Dwight.

l know he's kind and gentle and only thinks to look after me

but l can't help it, our life together is misery.

- Don't talk of leaving him! - If you weren't here, l'd be gone.

- You've had no time to settle here. - l know what l want.

lt isn't a house that feels like a graveyard and a man who's never there.

l wonder if you do.

- What? - Know what you want.

Yes.

You married Mark to get out of the travelling theatre.

That was what you wanted a few months ago.

Well, now it's changed.

That's right, it has.

Aye, and it could change again and again.

No.

Are you sure?

l'm sure.

l know what l want now.

What?

l want you.

And l want to get away from here.

l was born and bred in the city.

Country life's dull.

- l want to go back to Bristol. - You want a great deal.

What's wrong with that?

Sometimes people have to settle for less.

- Dwight? - Yes.

Do you love me?

l...

have a great affection for you, Keren.

Affection?

l think of Mark and l curse myself.

l tell myself we should stop before it's too late.

But God help me, l can't.

l have a need for you, Keren...

and it is stronger than my conscience.

But it isn't love, is it?

Well...l must be glad for what l got.

Not pine for what's out of reach.

There, l'm learning.

- What? - To settle for less.

Dwight?

- Who is it? - Ross.

One moment.

Go up there, quickly.

Ross.

Am l disturbing you?

No, no.

l, er, spoke to Jinny Carter yesterday.

- Who? - Her husband's in Launceston jail.

Oh, yes. The poacher.

Aye. He received savage treatment - two years.

ls he not to be released soon?

lf he is able, yes.

- If he is able? - Jinny says he has a festered arm.

- You know Launceston's reputation. - Yes.

Dwight...

l'm here seeking a favour.

You want me to examine him?

- Will you come with me? - Yes, of course.

- It must be soon. - Whenever you say.

lf he is truly sick, l shall bring him out.

That you cannot do. The law will not allow it.

l'm aware of the law.

l want to be sure you know what you may be a party to.

- When shall we leave? - Friday?

- We shall make an early start. - Thank you.

- Good night. - Good night, Ross.

You must go.

Dwight...

Mark'll be away until morning.

Hello, my love.

Hello, then. There.

Hey, what you at?

Shut your...mouth, woman, and tend to your work.

Oh, no, Jud, 'tis a mortal mess you're making. Now, stop it.

Oh, no, mustn't upset the Poldarks, eh?

No. Make a mess for them to work in.

No, Jud, he'll whip us. Now, stop it, do you hear me?

l'd like to see him. He wouldn't do that, not our brave master.

Our gallant Cap'n,

that's ploughed every slut from here to Bodmin.

You mind what you say.

Don't, now, come on. You stop it now, you hear me?

Come on.

Strike me like that again, woman, and so help me l'll...

l'll paste you!

Will you stop this?!

You suckle that brat and stay out of my way.

You better get away quick before the master sees you.

'Tain't me that's afraid of Poldark.

You tend that brat and learn from it.

'Tis certain he'll hand you a bastard soon enough.

Don't you say that!

By God, it's true!

Bet she has already, eh?

lt's true, eh? You and him.

You've been in his bed like her that walks about the place like the queen,

her that come from the gutters of...

- Out. - Eh? No!

- Out! - No, l live here.

Out! l'll not have talk like that in my house!

Master...

l... l...never...

Argh! No. No!

- Oh, sir... - You, pack your things.

Don't set foot in this house again, either of you.

Oh, no...

You've been here a long time and l don't dismiss you lightly

- but l'll not have this. - He meant no harm, sir!

'Twas the drink in him speaking.

l'll not have anyone frighten the life out of my child!

Do you know him?

Oh, yes. George Warleggan.

The banker's son?

- Miss Poldark. - Mr Warleggan.

- l trust you're keeping well. - Thank you.

Have you met Captain Blamey?

Sir, my pleasure.

What a splendid day for a ride.

You do not care for Mr Warleggan?

- Is it apparent? - To me.

But then, l have made a close study of you.

- Why do you dislike him? - l have no specific reason...

but l think l'm apprehensive of people who continually smile.//

Ross! Ross.

We've been invited to the Truro ball.

- That's a Warleggan affair. - 'Tis signed by George Warleggan.

Oh, Ross, can we go? 'Tis the biggest event in Cornwall.

- We cannot accept. - Why not?

Warleggan and l have not spoken since he sent Jim to prison.

That was Nicholas, this be from George.

They're tarred with the same brush.

lt's no secret l despise everything they stand for.

- We cannot go. - But they want to make peace.

He's made the first move, Ieast you can act likewise.

George a peacemaker? Ha!

Oh, Ross! Everyone we know'll be there.

Do you want them all to say Ross Poldark is nothing but a stubborn mule?

He wants part of Carnmore. He's making an overture. It must be that.

Then think of the fun you can have teasing him.

You mean think of the fun you shall have dancing with those young Truro bucks.

Then l can tell Mr Warleggan we accept?

Mr George Warleggan be here, ma'am, to see the master.

Did you not tell him he wasn't at home?

Aye, but he said he'd like to have words with you instead.

With me?

l told him you didn't wish to be disturbed.

- Elizabeth. How are you? - Mr Warleggan.

lf you wish to see Francis, he's in Truro on business.

Yes, l know.

Thank you, Mrs Tabb.

Please sit down.

Thank you.

Mrs Tabb said you wanted Francis.

Must l always come here to see Francis?

Can l not visit my godchild?

- Oh, l'm sorry, l didn't mean... - Or even,

can it not be you that l come to visit?

- Mr Warleggan... - Francis and l are old friends.

l would like to be so with you.

Could you not begin to call me something a little less formal?

George, perhaps?

l have been greatly distressed

about the extraordinary bad luck he has suffered of late.

l sincerely wish to help your husband.

You could help him, Mr Warleggan, by discouraging his urge to gamble.

- l have no influence there. - Have you tried?

What chance have l had?

He spends most of his time

in the company of men who are part of your circle.

But l do not gamble so we do not meet.

You are a gentleman with a great deal of power.

No, no, no. What power l have is greatly exaggerated.

Ask your friends not to gamble with him.

They would not heed me. It's their affair.

They only wish to relieve him of capital,

which is now provided at high interest rates by your father's bank.

l shall do my best.

lndeed l shall.

l hope so because each day l expect the debtors to arrive

and remove what little property we have left.

Elizabeth, please.

l give you my word as a gentleman that no debtor will ever set foot in this house.

There.

Now, let us talk of more congenial matters.

An invitation to our forthcoming ball.

You will note that l deliver it personally.

- Will you come? - Yes, thank you.

Then the evening is, for me, already a complete success

if you promise me a dance.

l shall be honoured.

Mr Warleggan, you spoke of wanting to help my husband.

- Indeed. - May l ask in what way?

Oh, l occasionally hear of vacant business partnerships.

l thought Francis might profitably go after one.

l could perhaps influence the final choice.

Oh! If you could.

What are relations like between Francis and his cousin?

Well, they meet from time to time but that is all.

ls he connected with this new business venture,

the smelting company - what is it called?

Carnmore?

Oh, yes. Yes.

No, Ross invited him to join...

- Oh, l see. - Why do you ask?

Just to make sure he wasn't committed to another company.

lndeed he is not, Mr Warleggan, none at all.

Good. Splendid.

- You know my sister-in-law. - Oh, yes, indeed.

Miss Verity. l trust you are well?

Thank you.

lt must be those bracing canters across the moor.

Miss Verity rides exceeding well.

- So she does. - That road is a favourite ride of mine.

Mine also, Mr Warleggan.

Likely we shall meet again.

Will you not take tea with us?

Oh. Thank you.

How delightful.

Who are you looking for, did you say?

His name is Carter, Jim Carter.

Once they've been here a while you can't tell them apart.

He has a badly festered arm. Dr Enys intends to treat him.

- Treat him? - Yes.

- Have a warrant? - No.

With no warrant you don't touch him.

- Is he in there? - Now, look.

Get a warrant, then you can see him.

'Tis not you that'll catch trouble if l let you in, 'tis me!

Wh-What are you doing?

The key. Give me the key.

God in heaven.

Jim Carter?

Jim, it's Captain Poldark.

Are you in here?

- Over here! - Who spoke?

l, sir. l gather you're seeking Mr Carter?

Jim?

A touch of fever, poor fellow.

How did he do this?

l attempted to check his fever by letting blood.

- You did this? - Yes.

ln less troublesome days l would not have induced this result.

- We must get him out of here! - Take his legs.

Unfortunately when one has not the benefit of regular employment

one is impelled to eke out a meagre existence

in ways not sanctioned by the medical profession.

Perhaps we could meet again...

We must act quickly. He won't survive the journey home.

Jim! Oh, Captain, you've brought him home!

Oh, Jim!

Put this on him.

Jim. Jim.

He'd not be alive now if he'd kept it.

Dr Enys worked all night to save him, Jinny.

Thank you, Doctor. Thank you, sir.

- You brought him home. - Keep him warm and covered.

And avoid his breath, he still has the fever.

- l'll see him tomorrow. - He be home again.

Aye. And he shan't go back.

l promise you, no one shall take him back to jail.

Ain't you coming to bed, Ross?

l wish Warleggan had been there.

l wish he could have seen the filth, smelt the stench...

he sentences human beings into.

You brought Jim home.

Ain't no more you can do.

l feel ashamed, Demelza.

l've felt it ever since l entered that...

terrible place.

Ain't your fault. No cause for you to feel ashamed.

There is.

But why?

The judges who put men into those conditions,

the gentry screaming for revenge over a poached rabbit,

all these people come from my own class.

lt comes hard to realise you despise your own kind.

You have cause to but you don't.

But your kind don't produce systems

which include abominations like Launceston jail.

l wish the king and all his ministers

could see what is done in the name of justice.

And Wilbeforce.

He weeps over black slaves but forgets the people at his own door.

Heaven knows, l've... Iost the understanding of men.

Perhaps they would look...and laugh. Perhaps they would be entertained.///

- Francis! How are you? - Margaret, l must see you.

- Here l am. - No, you know what l mean.

Why, no, l don't think l do.

- Please, not so loud. - l'm respectably married now.

What? You, respectable?

Too respectable to talk to a drunken bankrupt like you.

Margaret!

l'm sorry.

What is you want to say to me?

You and l have enjoyed each other's company in the past.

Oh, no, my dear.

What?

You might have. l didn't.

Yes, of course. In your profession

you are obliged to put up with it as long as there is payment.

Francis, l've had a great deal of experience

of men telling me their troubles.

Yes, l received a reward for listening.

Some of them told me before, some of them told me later,

but you, dear Francis, you would tell me during...

and that is my definition of a bore.

- May l? - Yes, sir.///

Elizabeth?

- Mr Warleggan. - At your service.

- l was waiting for my husband. - Put him aside for one moment.

- Very well. - l've come to collect a debt from you.

- A debt? - You promised me a dance.

- Oh, yes. - l regret to inform you

l am unable to extend the period

and must ask for repayment.

Havin' any luck, then, Poldark?

No.

Oh, dear. It isn't your game then, is it?

- Make your bets, please. - Then tell me what is.

Oh, come now, l've seen you win at French ruff many times.

Are you wagering, then, sir?

- Er, no, thank you. - Very good, sir.

Damn me eyes, who's that filly with young Poldark?

That, my dear Sir Hugh, is his wife.

What?! You mean that kitchen wench he married?

Gad, l can't say l blame him.

They do say, Sir Hugh, that a monkey dressed in silk is still a monkey.

Do they, indeed?

Come on. Poldark?

Will you not introduce me to your charming young wife?

Of course. Demelza, Lady Bodrugan, Sir Hugh Bodrugan.

Charmed, my dear. An honour. Such a pretty thing.

Don't look to me. My stepson can't resist a pretty face.

- Stepson? - Strange but true.

Strange but true.

Don't stare, dear, it's impolite.

l've never seen a girl who can stare and keep her beauty.

Will you honour me with this dance? You don't mind, Poldark?

Come along, my dear.

- Hello, Captain. - Margaret.

- Found your pebble, then. - Pebble?

Prettiest pebble on the whole beach.

- Oh, yes. Thank you. - Will you stick to her?

l reckon so. l always said when you found yours you would.

You'd be fool not to, Cap'n, even if it means l've lost you.

- Poldark! - Mr Warleggan.

l'm informed you still treat the law with contempt.

lf you refer to Jim Carter then you are correct.

That could prove unfortunate.

Not as unfortunate had l left him in that hellhole.

- He would have died. - That is irrelevant.

Just as mercy is irrelevant to you.

Look here, Poldark, the law is not mocked.

lt is mocked when you condemn poor devils to a living death.

- You are offensive, sir. - You're a disgrace to humanity.

l do wish Ross'd learn a little prudence.

He's hardly made things easier for himself.

lndeed he has not. Indeed not!

Elizabeth. Good evening.

Good evening.

Mistress Poldark!

Evening, Mistress Teague.

l have not had the pleasure of meeting your father again.

Not since the christening.

lndeed you haven't. Truth is he's far more particular

about the company he keeps these days.

Ooh, that woman!

You will hear no more from her.

Oh, Ross, look!

Did you know about this?

Miss Poldark, Captain Blamey, delighted you could come.

- Good evening. - Mr Warleggan.

- Good evening, Elizabeth. - How could you?

Because l love him. That is the simple answer.

Welcome. After all these years.

lt has been a long time.

Verity.

- Hello, Ross. - How are you?

Captain Blamey, remember you scolded me for being forward?

How glad l am you were, ma'am.

Well, Captain Blamey, will you dance with me?

Go on, Captain.

l should be delighted, ma'am.

Does, er, Francis know?

No.

Course not. It's absolutely none of his business.

l propose one card.

- l lay... - How much?

lt seems two guineas is the limit, doesn't it?

l accept.

What's happening?

Ross?

Francis is about to lose his last two guineas.

Will you...take my signature?

No. Oh, damnable luck, Poldark.

Still, no matter, there's always another evening.

May l take my cousin's place?

- Ross! - Why, yes, with pleasure.

The game's French ruff, Captain. Alternate dealers.

- Very well. - You're first deal, Captain.

- l lay, er... - How much?

- Five guineas. - l accept.

Why, Ross, why?

- l lay... - How much?

20 guineas.

l accept.

30 guineas.

l accept.

40 guineas.

l accept.

Ross...

50 guineas.

l accept.

Do you wish to leave now, Captain Poldark?

No, let us continue the game.

Oh? For a single guinea?

l'll put up my shares in Wheal Leisure.

- Oh... - Might one inquire as to their value?

A little over a thousand. Enough to let us see the dawn in.

l accept.

ln that case, would you care to raise the level of the stakes?

To what?

50 guineas minimum.

Certainly.

Do you wish to lay your last 50, Captain Poldark?

Yes.

- Very well. My deal, l think. - No, mine.

- Cheat! - A card in his hand!

- My God! - Wait a minute, Poldark...

Let me handle this matter.

- What happened? - Look at him!

- Cheating! - Take your money, it was a jest!

l demand satisfaction.

Challenge him, Poldark!

- Well, Sanson, what's it to be? - l beg you... No, no!

Let's be reasonable now, Poldark!

Poldark, for God's sake!

Oh! Ah! Poldark, let me explain!

He'd never kill a Warleggan.

He'd have every right to.

Wait! Wait, l can explain! l can explain!

Explain! l can explain! Let me go, will you?!

Don't be hasty! Don't be hasty!

That should cool him off! Well done, Poldark!

He won't show his face here again!

- Francis? - So much for your cousin.

Orchestra!

Please let me know how much Sanson has taken from you,

not merely tonight but altogether.

- What? - You shall be repaid in full.

Oh, and Francis, we must soon have a talk,

l would very much like to discuss your future. Good night.

My invitation was a gesture of friendship.

l hope my cousin's disgrace will not cancel it?

l thank you for your gesture, George.

l also am anxious to let old bones lie buried.

Good night.

- Ross. - Yes?

You knew Sanson was cheating from the start, didn't you?

Even when he was playing with Francis.

- Aye. - You near stopped my heart tonight!

All them shares and the money.

l had a suspicion.

lt took rather longer to prove than l anticipated.

Well, l wish you said! You near drove me mad, l was that scared.

- Father. - Well?

Do you know, apart from Ross Poldark,

all the shareholders of the Carnmore Copper Company bank with us?