Original subtitles

I regret to announce an Enys-Penvenen offshoot. A child!

How are you, Morwenna? I cannot be seen here with you.

It does appear now that I was not, after all, with child.

My nephew should be preparing for the election.

Francis Basset and I have come to an accord. He's thrown us out.

Demelza, would you sit with me a while?

Armitage is sick. Falmouth was obliged to choose another candidate.

Captain Ross Poldark has nine votes. A new MP!

It is not in my power to give you what you seek.

My nephew died a few hours ago.

You won. And now? Everything will change.

October 5th.

My dearest Demelza, though I must confess to some trepidation

at my first foray into the House of Commons,

I am resolved to begin what I came here to do.

November 20th.

My dearest Ross, today we ploughed the long field

and brought in the last of the apples.

Order, gentlemen! There are, Mr Speaker...

Order, order!

There are, in England, 160 crimes for which a man may be hanged.

Order!

January 27th.

My dearest Ross, Christmas is already behind us,

yet the harsh winter persists,

and all of us at home and at the mine eagerly await your return.

March 3rd.

My dearest Demelza, the contentious anti-slavery debate rages on,

keeping me here to add my support.

In my continued absence,

I know I can rely on you to manage affairs at home a little longer.

Gentlemen, much as I commend the bill

proposed by my Right Honourable Friend Mr Wilberforce

and suggest that arguments in favour of slavery are abominable,

I submit that there is suffering and injustice closer to home,

which also requires our attention.

Children employed in the mills of the North are dying

in their thousands...

Order! Order! Order!

Where is our compassion for these slaves?

Order! Order! The House must come to order!

Good day, Rosina. Good day, mistress.

Good day, Master Drake.

What did Cap'n Ross say in his letter?

Oh, just that he misses us very much

and he'll return as soon as he can.

Come on then, you two.

It's so lovely to be at Trenwith again.

My dear, this was your home before it was ours.

You must visit whenever you choose. Mustn't she, George?

Elizabeth will be glad of your company while I'm away in London.

And if you'll excuse me, I must prepare for my departure.

Will you visit Nampara?

Oh, yes, I'm so seldom here, I must make the most of my time.

Of course, not all the family are in residence. No.

I imagine George misses Westminster.

And has every intention of returning. By challenging Ross?

I believe he means to try a different approach.

Marshmallow root, brewed with cooled water,

thrice daily while the throat is raw.

And might I suggest a reduced consumption of rum?

Feel free to suggest all you like.

Do we hear aught from His Lordship, the Honourable Member for Truro?

Or be he now too grand for the likes of we?

Why not ask His Lordship's wife?

Tholly, Mrs Crocker.

Come on then, my handsome looking lass.

Dr Enys, have you escaped? And Mrs Enys so near her time?

Still refusing to rest

and proceeding as if nothing is happening and nothing will change.

Well, Captain, anything to report? There is, ma'am.

And not good.

The champion lode's wearing unexpected thin.

It looked safe for nigh on five or more years, but now,

if it peter out as we think it will...

We might have to close within months.

I think I must write to Ross.

But what can he do? And at such a distance?

With greater matters than we to busy hisself. I'll write to him.

Ooh!

Uncle Ross! Geoffrey Charles.

I hear you're quite the celebrity in Westminster.

On the contrary, I think I'm seen as thoroughgoing nuisance.

Papa would have enjoyed your speech.

Your father would have graced the house with more dignity

and less notoriety than I can muster.

A toast then.

To Francis Poldark. And his son.

Fame has its rewards.

May I offer you some refreshment?

Mm, but we thought to offer you some, my lord.

Another time, perhaps.

Pity.

Poldark.

The drawbacks of being a Cornish MP who actually lives in Cornwall.

One cannot simply dash home when the need arises.

I take it the need has arisen? Yes.

Matters of state can sometimes be a useful distraction

if one is so inclined.

My nephew... Yes?

..has been very much in my thoughts.

He would have served his constituency well

and would have urged you not to serve it

at the expense of your wife and family.

Your table, sir.

Captain Monk Adderley,

Right Honourable Member for Bishop's Castle,

a place I have never seen nor ever intend to.

How may I assist you?

Not there!

And how has it been without Ross?

Ross? Ross? Do we know any Ross?

I think I must be in hell.

Ah...

Ah... Not yet, my dear, but you very soon will be.

Caroline?

The carriage?

Where is my grandson?

Good heavens! Why is that child playing

when he could be learning his numbers? He is a Whitworth.

Great things are required of him.

Where is my son?

Ha, Poldark! How is Westminster?

Abolition of slavery, Catholic emancipation and all that nonsense!

Why have you not engaged a governess?

No matter, I shall find a suitable person.

It is never too soon to shape impressionable young minds.

He's barely two years old! And you are a child,

and have no notion of how the world works!

Tell my son I will arrange everything.

By the by, perhaps you could use your good offices on my behalf.

I'm seeking the living of Luxulyan.

You already have two livings. Ah, but they are miserably poor

and not at all befitting a man of my station.

And in return, I might do you a favour.

My uncle, Conan Godolphin,

is a personal friend of the Prince of Wales.

Your curate in charge at St Sawle, Reverend Odgers,

is a hard-working father of six, who earns �45 a year.

An enormous sum!

I cannot concede how he spends at all.

I could be willing to intercede on your behalf

if you increase Odgers' stipend to �100 a year.

Good God! Do you realise the total stipend from Sawle is only �200?

Why would I pay half to an uneducated curate?

Because he does all the work.

This is not one of our native plants. How came you buy it?

It is a magnolia that was given by a friend, Lieutenant Armitage.

Oh, Ross's friend who sadly died.

Yes, sadly he...

Trenwith is very grand these days.

Of course, you never go there now. Were you pleased with Lisbon?

And the connection will not be improved

by Ross taking George's seat.

How long do you remain in Cornwall?

I see this is a forbidden subject.

Have you met Rosina?

This is my cousin, Verity. Good day to you, ma'am.

I've asked Rosina to make some caps and bonnets for the children.

And I hope to have them ready for Sunday, ma'am.

Shall I bring them over? That will be most convenient.

Amiable girl.

And my brother Drake still unwed.

My dear, I would have thought, after your experience with me,

you'd have had your fill of matchmaking.

Not at all! See how well that worked out.

You did well to secure this property. Thank you.

Your wife is a Chynoweth. One of Cornwall's oldest families.

I, myself, am a commoner who, by dint of my own ingenuity,

has risen to the verge of aristocracy.

I need to know I'm dealing with a man

who is equally serious about his own ascent.

He is, you are.

For, as you know, it is not WHAT one knows...

However, any such introductions will come at a price.

Which I am fully prepared to meet.

And I applaud your desire for a speedy return to the House.

But perhaps you've had enough of seeking a patron.

Perhaps you'd prefer to be a patron yourself.

You look...

..thinner. Perhaps I've been pining for my husband.

So...

what have you been up to?

Well, seeing to your mine, to your farm,

your household, your children.

That's what I've been up to.

All the way home, I wondered how this would be.

Would there be anger, jealousy? Would we ever laugh again...

..like we used to?

I don't know, Ross.

Will we?

Get down, boy!

There we go.

Hm.

Lay another place for supper. Why, who be coming?

I am.

Oh, Master Ross!

What an odious journey!

Obliged to share a coach with that impudent squireen Ross Poldark.

Lady Whitworth called. Mama? Did I miss her?

Did she mention a governess for John Conan?

I think it an excellent idea.

Osborne, he is an infant!

I'm perfectly capable of caring for him myself. I think not.

Recollect how you made threats against his life?

You know very well why.

Seeking to deny me my conjugal rights,

your fevered imagination conjured up some fantastical tale

about your sister, whom I loathe and detest with every ounce of...

Dear Vicar, when I left your house to marry Arthur,

I inadvertently carried away some books of yours.

Could I ask you, at your convenience,

to call and collect them?

Arthur is at the library until five each day

but I'm always at home in the afternoons.

Old Nat Pearce, my attorney, riddled with gout.

Will I come and pray with him?

I'm sure you'll be a comfort.

Good Lord, Dr Enys! Has it started already? Yes.

SHE has started already.

Is she as ugly as we feared?

Quite possibly the most perfect creature I've ever seen.

Does she have blue eyes? All babies have blue eyes.

Like her father. I'm afraid so.

And I suppose I must learn to tolerate her.

What shall we call you?

Miss Sarah Caroline Enys.

Notwithstanding your generosity in enabling Arthur and I to marry,

I'm afraid we do still struggle to make ends meet.

If only there was something I could do to augment our meagre income.

Something I could... turn my hand to.

How is Captain Blamey?

Well, thank you. He sends his regards.

That's kind of him, considering.

Andrew is not a vengeful man.

But, in matters of the heart, he does not hold with interference

from those who think they know better.

Myself, in your case? And Morwenna's.

Ray Penvenen and Caroline's?

And your mother. And yours.

How different might so many lives have been without such interference?

Let us vow in future to let nature take its course.

Agreed.

We seem like strangers now.

We were strangers before I left.

And not of my...

Doing?

But of mine.

And that's what you've been thinking all this time?

That I've been grieving for Hugh?

Have you not? 'Tis all past, Ross, done with.

But you left for London, so I had no chance to tell you so.

Then you kept away. It seemed easier to fight a shade from afar.

And all these months, the distance, the mistrust.

I think you no longer know me, Ross.

Perhaps we no longer know each other.

Tell me of London.

Loud.

And hectic. And your life there?

Pampered and decadent.

See how soft and fat I've become. On the contrary.

Where are you going? To prove to myself how unfit I am.

Dwight.

This is intolerable!

Can a man not have an ocean to himself now and then?

Is this your custom now? Only on days when I've become a father.

That's tremendous!

Son or daughter? Sarah.

So it begins. Life's greatest adventure.

I think you need a drink.

I must be feeling my age.

For the first time in my life, I feel the cold.

How is Demelza?

Thawing. Hm, I'm relieved.

I know there were difficult times before you left.

Hopefully, they're now behind us.

Well, the Crocker's got hold of his heart.

Zachy! Paul! Whoa. Arr!

Cap'n.

Good day to you, sir. Good day.

The Right Honourable Cap'n.

Right, well, you'll be wishing to go below.

Paul, show Cap'n Ross the way.

I think I know how to find my own mine.

Come 'ere!

If things are as bad as Demelza says, we must make a plan.

Will you have time for such a thing,

now you have London matters to attend to?

Ross, will you tell Demelza of Caroline?

We have a daughter. Why, that is joyful news! Thank you.

And Mrs Enys be well? Most well, thank you.

And does the little tacker have a name?

Sarah, Sarah Caroline. Why, that is something!

Mr Cardy has a new enterprise.

You must rest, my friend.

I will leave you to the able offices of Reverend Whitworth.

Repent ye, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

Hear now the comfortable words of St James.

Blessed is the man who has resisted temptation... Ah!

That's just it, good sir.

I haven't...

resisted...

temptation.

And is it the sins of your youth which now trouble you? No, sir.

It's the sins of my age.

Gluttony? Sloth? Cheating at whist?

I have, in recent years, indulged in a little idle speculation,

investments in some of our burgeoning industries,

which, regrettably...

..have failed.

So you lost money. What of it?

Only that the money with which I speculated...

..was not my own.

When I left for Westminster, the mine was in profit.

The lode showed no sign of petering out

and we even considered taking on more men.

'Twas a reasonable thought.

Though in the end we decided against.

Which was fortunate, since the lode began to fail, so...

we have a choice.

Work the lode till it's exhausted

or drive through to the old Wheal Maiden workings.

Begging your pardon, but what may seem simple to an outsider...

Meaning no disrespect. It's only, we've been below all these months.

Seen how the land lies. As opposed to thee being above grass.

And far away in London. Not that that be a bad thing.

Nay, it is a comfort to know we have 'ee

to speak for we in Parliament...

Do you think me out of touch with my own mine?

Like we said, no disrespect.

No.

Let's think on it then talk further.

Ah, the venturer returns.

Last year, because of a stupid and contrived agreement

between two of our so-called mobility,

I lost my seat to Ross Poldark. Mm.

Unless we arrange to shoot him on the highway,

I cannot now unseat him.

But I see no reason to be excluded from the House.

Nor need you be.

Seats are for sale, so buy one.

But who is willing to sell so soon after an election?

Life is short. I don't wish to wait.

I've decided to buy a borough. You're out of your mind!

With a borough, I have control. When I own properties, I own voters.

And I can dispense patronage - a useful appointment here,

a profitable contract there.

I would acquire influence of a hitherto unprecedented kind.

Assuming you can find someone willing to sell.

Which is where Monk Adderley comes in.

At a price?

Which I'm willing to pay for my own benefit and that of my children.

Oh, is Elizabeth...? No.

But at some point, she will be.

Mining folk are fickle. I had not thought so till now.

Which makes me all the more appreciative of my other friends.

One of mine is fading.

Old Nat Pearce, poor demented old fool.

Reverend Whitworth is praying for him.

Ah, cousin George.

I trust you had my note.

I have just, this instant, returned from London.

No matter. I was writing to inform you

that the living of Luxulyan is vacant.

Had you not heard? Is it likely that I would?

Ah, but one must keep one's ear close to the ground.

One never knows what one might pick up.

Why, only today, I had the most extraordinary news

from old Nat Pearce, even now at death's door.

What manner of news?

Oh, the old fool has squandered funds, entrusted to him

by his clients, on hopeless speculations.

Has he? And these funds were deposited where?

I believe at Pascoe's Bank.

I will think further about the living of Luxulyan.

Pray, let me have time to consider.

Of course, by all means.

Pascoe's Bank stands guarantor for all those funds,

and Ross Poldark's entire capital is also lodged at Pascoe's Bank.

So, when Nat Pearce finally expires,

the pressure which might be brought to bear

could kill two birds with one stone.

Well, Ross.

Is Cornwall not tedious after the heady bustle of London?

Personally, I find it very much to my taste.

You? Oh, it has its attractions...

..and its uses.

Excuse me, sir. Can I have these?

It was no small feat to secure Adderley.

But he is expert in these matters and I shall be guided by him.

So, what does he suggest?

A gathering, the like of which this house has never seen.

Who would we invite?

Guests from London, hand-picked,

and a number of local worthies who have boroughs

and might be persuaded to part with them.

Jibby, jibby, jibby, jibby, jibby, jibby.

A cherub. A tiresome one, which takes up so much of my time,

forcing me to neglect more important matters, such as horses and dogs.

Beg pardon, ma'am. I've finished the caps for the children.

I must be on my way. Oh, well, Drake was just leaving.

Perhaps you'd walk Rosina as far as Sawle.

Oh, no, there be no need.

I think it would be a kindness, with night drawing in.

We'll both go.

A more blatant contrivance I've yet to see. And yet is it wrong?

The life he wished was not for the taking,

so may I not then help him choose another?

Every day, you rise early, you eat late,

you scarce sleep, but to what end, brother?

You've been stricken in love,

but now I reckon, and so does sister,

there be no better young woman than Rosina Hoblyn.

And Morwenna?

Morwenna is wed to another and has a child.

What more can 'ee do? She belong to Whitworth.

What's done cannot be undone. Maybe not.

But I can't think of another while Morwenna lives.

And I'd not disrespect Rosina to ask for her heart

when I've none to give in return.

Well, I promised her I'd try.

Come here.

So, my reasoning is this.

Wheal Maiden was never fully worked out.

The old miners still talk of lodes left untouched,

since my father's day. It's true enough.

These past six months, you've been on timbering and crosscutting.

It is so. So, I propose to put a team to shaft sinking

and another to driving through

to link up to the old Wheal Maiden workings.

And who'll lead the excavation?

I will.

But what about London?

Well, summer recess is about to begin.

I could give the mine at least three months before I return.

By that time, we'll know whether it's a good plan

or if it was errant.

Are we agreed?

We start today.

Well, Mama.

My darling!

How tiny it seems now. London is so much grander.

You're not disappointed?

Not in the least. It's good to be home.

Good day, Uncle George.

Good day, little brother! Shall we go for a canter?

Yes, Horace, you must stay and guard Miss Sarah

and see she does not waken until we return.

I do believe Horace is feeling neglected.

Nonsense! He knows he I adore him above all things.

Whilst Sarah and I are quite aware of our own unimportance.

You seem very attached to that child, Dr Enys.

I hope she won't grow up to be a spoilt brat.

No.

A good day's work, Cap'n.

An early night and an early start tomorrow.

How many are we tonight? We three, Drake, Tholly...

And the widow Crocker? If Tholly's sober!

That's enough to hang on the end of fishing line.

Tholly and Crocker! Illogan and Sawle's great beauties!

Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Mr Whitworth bid me take him, ma'am.

Thank Mr Whitworth for his kindness

and tell him John Conan will remain here with me.

Thank you.

Yes.

Excuse me, gentlemen.

My dear... Excuse me, gentlemen.

May I introduce Captain Monk Adderley?

I'm honoured to make your acquaintance, ma'am.

Your beauty is legendary.

As is your reputation, sir.

So, Henton has large investments in the East India Company.

Comes of common stock but has thrown off his humble beginnings

and is everywhere accepted.

Robinson is a close friend of Pitt.

And that gentleman... Is Sir Christopher Hawkins,

lawyer, MP, Baronet, High Sheriff of Cornwall.

I must make a point of dancing with him.

This is what you were born for, my dear.

Adderley spotted it at once.

And when our elevation comes, as he assures me it will,

it is our children who will benefit.

It seems we're the only folk in Cornwall without a party to go to.

Dwight and Caroline are at Trenwith.

And Sam and Drake are at the beach.

It's only line fishing, Ross. Everyone goes.

No-one waits to be invited. You never did.

It's your beach, Ross. You could just go.

You be good.

Oh! My sweet boy!

Please do not tell me how much I've grown.

As if I would!

What can you be thinking, Dr Enys?

How to make your escape and return to our odious offspring?

Something along those lines.

Well, not before you've danced with me.

Oh, my school is a hellhole, but I'm used to it now.

In the first year, my tutor was a noted flog-bottomist

so I was in agonies.

But this year, I'm rid of him and shall have my own fag.

And have acquired a taste for liquor, I see.

Of which I note your stepfather disapproves.

My dear sir, may I introduce Sir Christopher Hawkins?

Drake, get out!

Cap'n Ross!

The Crockers from Illogan are beating the life out of Tholly

on account of the widow Crocker... Who?

..who Tholly did bed. It turns out she ain't no widow.

Mr Crocker's none too pleased, nor his brothers,

so I'm going to Sawle for help. No time!

At dinner last week, your name was mentioned. In what context?

That your grandfather worked a forge in Hayle

and had not a penny to his name.

But that his grandson, by industry and good luck,

had amassed a fortune of �200,000.

In one particular, that is incorrect.

My grandfather's forge was in St Day.

As I understand it, you wish to acquire a borough.

Do you know of any?

I, myself, have three.

And one of them, the borough of St Michael, boasts not one MP...

..but two.

Tholly!

Cap'n Ross, is he breathing? Is he? I can't tell.

Is it thee, Cap'n, come to fight Illogan's finest?

Who else would be stupid enough?

Though I believe we've been here before, Ross.

I believe we have.

Looks like they Illogan folk'll never learn.

He's an idiot and a fornicator and he brought this on himself.

He is an idiot,

but still my friend.

So all of us, Ross, so all.

Get up, get up, get up, get up.

'Tis time for I to seek oblivion

in the arms of some fresher wench.

There's nothing like a dice with death

to sharpen a man's appetite for the living.

You'll be glad of thy bed tonight. Strangely, I feel wide awake.

Maybe you should call at the great house for a nightcap.

Good evening, Elizabeth.

Ross!

You're trespassing. Not entirely.

This is, after all, a Poldark house.

And as the senior Poldark left alive...

..I have a fancy to see what sort of party you're giving.

But if George should see you...

Oh, he wouldn't risk a scandal in front of all his fine guests.

Not that I seek confrontation... ever. Hm.

I came out for a breath of air. Is Geoffrey Charles here?

Yes, but do not speak to him tonight.

I see enough of him in London. I know. It pleases him greatly.

But he's so worldly-wise, Ross, so blase for one so young.

He'll grow out of it.

Francis was no different at that age.

You think him like Francis?

In the better ways, yes.

And Valentine?

He's well.

And George? His suspicions?

Gone.

And will only return if he has cause,

such as your coming here tonight.

Madam, is this gentleman annoying you?

No, not at all. Why would you suppose it likely?

I have not the honour of your acquaintance, sir.

My cousin, Captain Ross Poldark. Captain Monk Adderley.

Your servant, sir.

I confess, when I saw you talking to Mrs Warleggan,

I took you for a threadbare troubadour

who'd been dismissed without a tip.

I sing ill and accept tips with even less grace.

Whereas I, on principle, always accept what ladies have to offer.

Shall we return to the party? One moment.

The name Poldark rings a bell.

Are you not in the House? A new member. Hm.

I don't recollect to see you there. Nor is it likely.

I seldom attend.

Goodnight, Elizabeth. Goodnight, Ross.

Excuse me.

My dear, the borough of St Michael is mine for the asking.

Or, should I say, the purchasing. That's pleasing news.

And more pleasing still, is that it has two sitting members.

Of course, I'll need to induce one of them to stand down

but my ultimate aim is to control both seats

because, with two seats to put at the government's disposal...

You would be in a position to ask for favours in return.

And that would make you... Very powerful indeed.

Did you catch anything?

Death of cold

and more rough-and-tumble than I'd bargained for.

But, yes, it was as I hoped.

Then we went to the inn and we drank.

And then you came home. And then I came home...

..by way of Trenwith. You didn't!

Naturally, I didn't go in. But to even go near!

And to what end? To provoke George?

No, it was an impulse...

..to see the place again.

And Elizabeth?

I found her walking in the garden and we spoke a little.

She was not...

..unwelcoming.

You don't suspect an attachment there still.

No more than you suspect my attachment to Hugh.

Except you do still suspect. I cannot compete with a ghost.

No more could I compete with an ideal.

Is that why it happened with Hugh?

To teach me a lesson?

You know it was not.

These shadows, Hugh and Elizabeth...

Do we not have enough to grapple with without they come between us?

Yes, we have enough.

I have something for you.

Ross!

All these months, you've had nothing from me except doubts and mistrust.

I thought you deserved better.

Here, let me.

Are we strangers still?

Yes...

..but strangers who know every inch of each other's skin.

So, perhaps we should begin again from that.

My wife, she is beyond help

and would be better off in an institution.

Help!

I want to leave you. You cannot wish that.

Where's Ross?

And all that remains is to step into his seat. How hard can that be?