You will make the world a stronger, fairer, wiser place.
Go finish what I could not.
So, if you wed her, you will always wonder,
is her first child mine or yours?
The Lord would say there be no such thing as a body beyond forgiveness.
His mercy be praised.
Oh, were you not aware?
The governor of this prison is I.
We've still no clue what them up to.
Whether it is our ore they're shipping away.
-What else could it be? -LOUD BANG
-Anything? -We've been down the cove and searched the village.
Not a sign.
Like he's melted off the face of the Earth.
Should we summon more folk t'help search?
-No. The less that know, the better. -Well, Tess knows.
-Then so will half the county! -You wrong her, brother.
-She wish us nothing but good. -I doubt that.
Enough! Keep searching.
DISTORTED SPEECH: Let me see what can be done.
You must be made aware of the forces with which you are dealing.
I recall I spoke in his favour.
If I can be of any assistance...
You've no idea what they're capable of.
-Should you yourself discover Bannantine... -Conniving...
-..do let me know. -..without remorse.
Oh, were you not aware?
The governor of Coldbath Fields Prison is I.
Compliments of Mr Merceron.
YAWNS Oh. Please excuse me.
You've not slept?
So many letters to write.
-Some tea? -I thank you.
As your physician let me urge you to resist the temptation to overexert.
And, as your friend, let me ask you to consider your future.
My future?
When your child is born, how will you live? Where will you live?
I know I speak for Caroline when I say you will always have a home with us.
F-For as long as you wish.
Thank you. You are both so generous.
But my concern at present is to bring a monster to justice.
Would you really have her live with us?
Forgive me - you've scarce had time to unpack and here I am,
disturbing the peace.
GULLS SQUAWK
HE GROANS
-Mr Joseph Merceron. -Good day, gentlemen.
Bring me eggs, ham, partridge, quail.
And a healthy side of revenge? Was that not the order?
-Erm... -So in summary, Despard is dead, Poldark has vanished.
-Vanished? -Vanished.
Well, I ordered him to be thrown down a mine, so he should be...
The nephew's had a taster and will shortly see what follows.
CLATTERING
HE PANTS
-Any sign? -None.
My windows are barred and my door is locked.
I am prevented even from approaching the window.
If you ever receive this, send word via my maid.
I have thought and thought...
..and there is no other way but this.
DISTANT VOICES
With full measures of brandy 'fore they gets their hands on my ore!
Las' time we were two 'ogshead short!
FRENCH ACCENT: Your smuggling operation does not concern me.
No, mon ami, but it concerns me.
Anything happens to our cargo,
you will have much more than brandy to be concerned about.
VOICES PASS
It occurs to me that now we have dispensed with Despard
and Poldark we might revisit the matter of contracts.
-Mahogany? -Erm, yes, by all means.
I'll have them sent round.
Tipped down a mineshaft!
-I like the sound of that. -I don't.
Is your opinion required?
No, but it should be.
What could I do? Did I order it?
-Nephew? -Did I even wish it?
Who are you talking to?
I was thinking aloud.
Well, I'm gratified to find you ambling about the county
while the rest of us are frantic with worry!
What in God's name happened?
Merceron?
Are you certain you heard correctly?
So certain that I intend to leave for London first thing.
-To what end? -His.
-Ross, for heaven's sake. -Needless to say, Demelza cannot know.
And needless to say the notion is preposterous.
-Even if your suspicions are correct... -If? I heard his name!
Does it not occur to you that the man who ordered my demise
is in all likelihood the man who ordered Bannantine's?
That is pure speculation.
And the corrupt governor who permits
torture in his prison is more the likely the corrupt magistrate who,
rather than plead for Ned, helped condemn him.
Why would he do so? What possible motive could he have? Ross...
..I urge you, till you're in full possession of the facts...
Dwight, the man has played me.
He has cost innocent lives - nearly cost mine.
-If he denies it... -Which he assuredly will?
He'll pay nonetheless.
-And the mine? The stolen ore? -Can wait.
-This is more pressing. -And Demelza? What will she be told?
So you follow some strangers, you fall down a gulley,
knock yourself senseless.
Crack half my ribs, come to this morning and stagger home.
And who were these strangers? Why did you follow them?
They were French.
Why are there even Frenchies here?
I don't know.
-There's naught you're not telling me? -Not that I can think of.
-Seven... -Seven. -..times? -That's right.
-A...day... -Yeah. HE LAUGHS
-..do I... -I...
BOTH: Praise. THEY LAUGH
I know 'twill appear I tell it out o' vengeance
on account o' Sam turnin' aside from me.
But Tess Tregidden be up t' some wickedness.
And you know this because...?
My father is too.
Wait, so, our missin' ore...
Be stolen, stored an' sold abroad an' swapped for brandy, tea an' rum.
By Jacka and Tess?
-Judas, is Rosina sure? -She heard them connivin' together.
Those the sneavy, ungrateful varmints!
After all we've done for 'em.
-Did Rosina say where the ore is hid? -That she did.
-Do thee not think to tell the mistress? -Give her sleepless nights?
At least tell 'er you've found the ore.
Once you verify it is our ore.
Which I don't doubt for a second.
And when I know the extent of the operation, and who's involved.
I think we both know that.
Twas a goodly thought - to avoid Wheal Leisure's main entrance.
And remember an old hidden one.
DISTANT VOICES
VOICES SPEAK IN FRENCH
Judas - cannons and guns!
Sister should be head o' search operations!
Not only does she find out there's missin' ore, she also discovers a weapons hoard!
I agree, it's not a bad day's work.
What I wish to know is, why would folk be storin' arms at all?
-Uprisin' planned, do we think? -Led by Jacka?
And to what end?
Could they be the Frenchies you did fight with?
I know that face!
You're up to somethin'!
Wondering how to rein my wife in...
..who chastises me for taking risks
while she recklessly ventures down a mine herself.
You're to blame. Where the master goes, the pupil follows.
When did I ever master you?
This weapons hoard, though - is it not some strange?
-French smugglers. -Or French spies.
Do you think? What could they intend?
An invasion?
Judas...
..Ross. I mean, if you truly believe that's a risk...
-I must report it. -Yes, but to who?
Persons of influence who can alert the Prime Minister.
So that's it! You're returnin' to London.
My love, I think I must.
And I fear it must be first thing tomorrow.
Doubtless your arguments convinced her,
but I know full well why you go,
and I tell you it's folly to even approach the man.
-Wickham? -Merceron.
So I should simply let it pass?
A man tries to have me murdered and I merely shrug
and say, "Lucky he didn't succeed"?
-Can you think of no better way to even the score? -Can you?
Ross.
I must take my leave.
I've no idea when I'll see you again.
Kitty, thinking further on your wish to hold Merceron to account...
-Yes? -..it's a worthy cause and should be pursued.
I'm glad you think so, but what must I do?
Gather up all the evidence you have, return with me to London
and present it to any who'll hear us. How soon can you be ready?
Within the hour?
-My love, would Mrs Bone prepare Kitty and me a light supper before we leave? -Yes, I'm sure...
Well, Horace, Dr Enys has found a new mission.
-BARKS -I agree.
He will not find it easy.
Doors will be closed to him. But they may be open to us.
BARKS
So, despite our silliness and lack of gravity, we may yet be of use.
I'm a hard woman, Horace.
I refuse to be a jealous one.
What a happy coincidence we all have need to be in London
so may keep each other company on the way.
Yes. How fortunate.
KNOCK ON DOOR Captain Poldark to see Mr Merceron.
Surprised to find we're acquainted?
-Almost as surprised as you to see me alive. -Not hardly.
Every coaching inn from here to Exeter reports to me.
Your visit was entirely expected.
Then you anticipate its purpose.
To hold me to account? What had you in mind? A duel?
Do you actually know how to hold a pistol?
Or will you have someone pull the trigger for you?
Oh, the latter, I think.
And I'll supply a dozen witnesses to swear it was in self-defence.
And then you can join your friend Bannantine on the banks of the Thames.
You believe yourselves untouchable.
If you doubt it, ask your friend Wickham.
-You know him? -Oh, my brother knows everyone.
Half-brother, to be precise.
But he is correct.
I do know everyone.
You didn't think to inform me?
Would it have helped?
To understand sooner how their interests were aligned?
Why they conspired to bring down Ned? Why they now turn their sights on me?
I would have thought that was obvious.
You interfere with their interests.
What else might I usefully know?
That Joseph Merceron rules the east of London.
As magistrate, he has the power to sentence.
As prison governor, the power to punish.
As licensor and leaseholder, the oversight of every inn
and alehouse in the city and beyond.
He keeps a web of spies to nose out activity hostile to the Crown -
information he passes to me, which I convey to the government,
which in exchange turns a blind eye to his more nefarious dealings.
Did he inform you that he tried to have me murdered?
-Have you proof that he did? -My broken ribs.
But now that I'm here, there is something I can prove.
KNOCK ON DOOR
No word yet.
You come all the way from Cornwall to bring me vague rumours?
-An arms hoard is not vague. -So what am I to do?
Go to the Prime Minister with smuggler's tales on the word of
a man who supported a traitor right up to the foot of the scaffold?
What little credibility you once had is dead.
You are now deemed at best a renegade, at worst a traitor.
You'd do better to return to Cornwall and,
instead of wild speculation, fetch proof.
In truth, what did you expect? To be taken seriously?
By Wickham, yes.
Except I find he's in league with Merceron.
By Merceron, no. I...
I cannot threaten, flatter, or appeal to a better nature when none exists.
There may, in fact, be a better way to bring him down.
First, "do no harm" is the physician's oath,
but the doctors of Coldbath Fields Prison are instruments of vengeance.
How can we call ourselves civilised
if we turn a blind eye to such barbarism?
Sir Roger, Lord Emptage, are you aware that the
governor of Coldbath Field Prison, Joseph Merceron,
permits the torture of prisoners in the name of scientific research?
We are calling for the government to investigate these abuses.
-May we count on your support? -Most assuredly.
You have our word.
I wonder that you simply leave me to my fate.
If you do not act soon, I doubt I will survive.
Sir George.
Surprised to see me alive?
In body, perhaps. But in reputation...
A soldier must know when to retreat.
You're everything I have sought to be, but better.
This nation will one day be a beacon of democracy, freedom,
justice and humanity.
-Clowance, dinner's ready. -I'm coming.
MORWENNA CLEARS HER THROAT We have news to share.
A blessed day might soon be coming...
..for Drake and I.
-We do expect. -What?
A child?
Oh, that's wonderful news!
-God be praised, brother. -I'm tha' glad for ee.
Come. Come.
What do you think they will call it, the baby?
And I'll be glad when Master Sam comes to his senses.
Let's raise a glass and toast -
to hope, health
and a little happiness.
A little happiness.
ALL: A little happiness.
Handed out in Hyde Park by Poldark and his cronies.
Are you serious? In the park?
Brazenly accosting all and sundry with this absurd piece of fiction!
Brother, we are amongst friends.
The only fault in this account is that it does not go far enough.
So, it's true? These experiments do, in fact, take place?
On criminals of the vilest kind - Jacobins, rabble-rousers, agitators.
But the lily-livered members of the Commons might see fit to object
if these people continue to make noise. And this document...
Must be stopped.
They must be stopped...
..before they do any more damage.
How will that be managed?
Ha!
HORSE WHINNIES
Sh, sh.
Go on.
-More letters? -The Prime Minister, Mr Canning, Mr Pitt, the Queen.
If even one of them takes up our cause...
-Caroline? -It's nothing.
A man accidentally stepped out in front of my horse.
-She reared but, as you can see, it's no harm done. -No harm?
Do I not ride to hounds? When do I ever lose my seat?
Are you sure it was an accident?
Caroline, your insistence on coming to London,
championing Kitty's cause, may I ask why?
May I ask you the same?
-I seek to see justice done. -And I. -But I have little to lose.
You, leaving aside this accident - if indeed it was one -
you have a reputation to consider.
-Do I? -Yes.
And who knows how it might suffer if you align yourself too closely with the wife of a traitor.
My reputation as a simpleton, perhaps.
An empty-headed heiress. Is that not how you view me?
I merely caution against too close an association.
Have you considered that perhaps it's you who is getting too close?
In what regard? Am I not bound to help the wife of a friend?
Now the widow of a friend.
I think there's nothing more to be achieved here.
Will you return with me to Cornwall?
Lead on, Dr Enys.
And his four sons with him hid themselves...
Your speed's getting better.
May I speak with you, Brother?
Have it not occurred to you that Tess
and her sudden urge to turn to God be not as it seem?
I've been called by God to bring souls to salvation.
Tess be such a soul. Why would I not save her?
There are certain matters that I may not disclose now...
..but things that injure us greatly.
Such as?
Speak a word to you, Tess.
Gladly, ma'am.
I know full well he misdoubt me...
..and I'll not defend what I once was.
Since thy brother showed me a better way...
Save your breath, Tess.
I know what you're about -
and I know why.
What do you know?
You think that life dealt you a poor hand
and that warrants taking what you please,
but I, too, once had no prospect.
And I looked on others with envy and asked, "Why not me?"
But what I never did...
..was stoop to malice,
nor theft.
Like I said, mistress,
'tis your right to misdoubt me...
But I will continue to serve the Lord, and heed your brother.
KNOCK AT DOOR
Uncle Ross!
I hoped you'd still be here.
I beg you help us.
"Us"?
The mood is beginning to turn for Merceron.
I'm told he was snubbed in the Park, heckled at Vauxhall,
and now it's rumoured the Queen has been petitioned.
And the stink still lingers over the "Grove of Death" affair.
Perhaps, all things considered,
a little distance might be useful.
A return to Cornwall?
Today?
Her companion and footman have also vanished.
Doubtless bribed to facilitate her flight.
When was she last seen?
Breakfast today.
By now, she could be anywhere.
Though I think we can guess where she's headed...
..and with whom.
And how is my little she-bear?
Ooh.
HE LAUGHS
Yes.
-Papa! -Papa!
Apologies.
For what?
Geoffrey Charles!
Hello.
-Can you play with us? -Yes. By and by. Come on.
-Help Papa with his bags. -Yes, Papa.
I can't believe you managed it.
They're not safe yet.
We must get them out of Cornwall without delay.
How? Where?
I'll be at Trencrom tomorrow.
Meanwhile, we station a watch around the farm.
See they do not leave the house.
Do you not think that's a thought extreme?
Not for what we're dealing with.
Sam, take the meadow.
Zacky, Drake, the Long Field.
Prudie, the garden.
Demelza, you remain here with Geoffrey Charles and Cecily.
If anyone approaches, use these.
Where will you be?
Devising your escape.
Who the devil's that?
My niece contrived to flee again.
What? How?
Abetted by the Poldarks and Enyses,
whose support of the Despard trull, and her plaguey campaign,
have now caused questions to be raised in the House.
So...
..the Hyde Park incident was not sufficient.
I must devise a worse deterrent.
FOOTSTEPS APPROACH
What are you doing?
-Nothing. I... -You're reading my private papers?
I'm sorry. I just... I just came across your notes.
And your appetite for scandal couldn't resist?
Is that how you see me?
-A frivolous busybody? -These notes are confidential.
You will kindly forget you ever saw them.
Of course.
DOOR OPENS
The One & All leaves Truro Quay tonight, bound for the Scillies.
You will not be aboard.
At ten, she will anchor off Nampara Cove
and I myself will row you out to join her.
When she docks at St Mary's, you will board The Callisto,
bound for the Americas. Trencrom will arrange everything.
Tonight?
How can we ever thank you?
By letter from New York, I hope!
Till then, nobody leaves this house.
Horace?
Where are you, my sweet?
Have you seen Horace?
Bone?
Pinner?
Dwight!
Horace must restrain himself
from guzzling every morsel he comes across.
No, Dwight, you misunderstand,
this was not Horace - this was deliberate.
How can you know that?
I know it.
Mrs Caroline Enys, sir.
My little dog, Horace, has been poisoned
and the person responsible also had my horse frightened in Hyde Park.
With all due respect, ma'am,
how might that concern us?
You are acquainted with the person and I hope have some influence.
I very much doubt it.
I lately came across some notes pertaining to a patient of Dr Enys.
A landowner, mine owner.
Banker.
A person of great eminence in these parts...
..who has been treated for lunacy.
Advise me.
Should this person's affliction be made public?
If the King's own malady is any indication,
few would ever take him seriously again.
W-W-Why would you wish to make it public?
More to the point,
what would induce you not to?
A simple promise that your "friend" will not trouble us again.
And by "us", I include the Poldarks and the Despards.
May I leave the matter in your hands?
Pray do.
Why are we protecting some local lunatic?
We're not.
We're protecting you.
Sam.
I did fetch my Bible so we may study together.
I've a powerful yearning to learn more of the loaves and fishes.
And you will, maid, but not today.
I promised sister I'd keep an eye out.
For what?
Oh, folks lurking who've no business here.
But, who would lurk...
..for no reason?
Can we at least say a prayer?
Surely.
Holy father...
I'll ready the boat then return to bring them down to the beach.
I'll ready them.
The One & All won't wait.
Master Ross, have a care - take no chances.
Would I?
Horace will make a full recovery.
I'm grateful that you broke your rule of never attending on dogs.
A necessary rule.
Horace is the exception.
My friends, your kindness to me
has been more than I deserve.
But I think my presence here is causing more harm than good...
..so I must beg your aid one last time.
Ross will be here any minute.
Then we'll be ready to leave.
Dear Lord.
I can't bear to think of you gone.
Shall we ever see you again?
It is not to the benefit of France to permit spies to come ashore.
Roscoff?
We meet again.
I distinctly recall ordering your execution.
I regret I could not oblige you.
No matter.
We can finish the task now.
Just like old times.
Something's amiss.
Ross would never be so long.
I think I must go to the cove.
-I'll come. -No.
Ross bid me keep you indoors till we know it's safe.
I'll not be long.
All will be well.
Perhaps you have some final message for your wife?
No, monsieur.
But I've one for you.
Or rather, a question.
Why do you assume I'm an enemy of France?
I myself...
..have been hounded from London.
I'm persona non grata with the government and Crown.
Who has more cause than I to rethink his loyalties?
Surely you don't think to drag the thing out thyself.
I've done it scores of times!
Where's Ross?
He should be here.
I can't but think he's come to grief.
The One & All won't wait.
Go, bring the lovebirds.
I'll fetch some oars and row them out myself.
You assume that a loyal Englishman would not betray his country.
But what if that country were toothless and corrupt...
..and repaid loyalty with treachery...
..as mine has to me?
If he saw another leader in whose service he might find honour...
..would he not be right to change sides?
There's no sign of Ross,
but The One & All is out in the bay.
We must get down to the cove afore she sails.
Take care of each other, my little chibbies.
Make haste!
The sea is rough,
but I believe we can get you there.
-Run! -Cecily!
SHE SCREAMS
You have a steady nerve.
You have a steady hand.
You may, after all,
be of use to the Republic.
Prudie! Prudie!
DOG BARKS
Prudie!
BLOW LANDS
Again.
HE COUGHS
Hold him up.
The intimidation of the Enyses and Despards
must cease.
Likewise any attempt to injure my stepson.
The reasons need not concern you...
..only the matter of your inducement to desist.
Inducement?
When I set on a course, I dislike to abandon it.
Double it.
Done.
As much as I relish inducements,
maintaining supremacy is more useful in the long run.
You, I trust, appreciate that.
The Enyses, Despards and Poldarks
have yet to learn.
Beginning with the boy.
The boy's alive.
What?
He lives?
You have little value to me now,
but you will never be his.
If you want to avoid a next time...
..let me advise you what must be done.
Attempt to flee with him again...
..and he's done for.
You know where I live...
..and you know how I value my family.
Nothing you have said convinces me to trust you.
That you must earn.
You know I will do so.
Ross!
If he thinks to deter us, he's greatly mistook.
If anything, this makes me more determined.
He means shortly to depart for Honduras.
Then we'll be free of him!
Yes.
WHISPERS: You will.
But not you?
My love...
..do not hate me.
These last few weeks have...
..brought me to a better understanding of myself.
I dislike the creature I've become.
Reckless, hysterical...
..capable of risking her life, of risking yours.
If we are not together...
-..would you want to live? -Yes!
With all my heart, I love this life.
There's so much to challenge,
to achieve, to make better.
But the world would not let me do any of that...
..if I became a wife.
You don't wish to be my wife?
I don't wish to be anyone's wife.
Then you do not love me?
I'm a child.
You're a child.
What can we know of real, deep,
tenacious, unflinching, abiding love?
You will find someone better than me.
And I require only myself.
Forgive me.
So your mind is made up...
..and there is nothing I can do to change it?
Nothing.
But there is something you can do for me.
But you were not hurt?
No. Only shocked...
..and afeared.
You?
The Frenchman was a mite unruly
till I assured him I accidentally strayed into the mine.
Clearly he thought me an idiot. Threw me out.
But you made no mention of the weapons?
Do you think me an idiot?
Yes...
..but an idiot I love beyond measure.
Dear God, Ross, has the world gone mad?
We've combed every beach, cove, every meadow for miles.
Still no sign of them.
Will we ever just sit quiet, drink tea, watch the children play,
without some dread in our hearts?
Yes. We will do all those things again
without dread.
Judas! Your face!
-Merceron! -No! Wait!
I came here to beg your assistance.
Are you quite certain this is what you wish?
You know Ross would lay down his life to protect you.
Please! I will not have any more laying down of lives!
-If Merceron is brought to justice... -Which Ross has sworn to do.
..then Ned will not have died in vain,
and I can go to Jamaica with an easier heart.
But how will you live?
Happily.
Ned did not leave me without means.
I can buy land, build a house,
raise my child,
and I can speak of his vision.
Work until it comes to pass.
I won't be alone.
Oh, thank you.
Have you seen any sign of Merceron's thugs?
May I write to you?
No.
Let's agree that, when I step aboard that ship...
..you will walk away
and forget you ever knew me.
As you will forget me.
We have a brave new world before us.
Let's run towards it and never look back.
Merceron cannot touch you now,
and we have all the evidence we need to bring him down.
Then do it. For my sake, and for Ned's.
We will.
All aboard!
Is it time?
It's time.
Two remarkable women.
Both, in their own way, quite bewitching.
Indeed.
First love.
Deepest cut.
There will be other loves.
Greater loves.
Will you do something for me?
These next few months,
have a care for Demelza.
Where will you be?
Here, but...
..my actions may seem strange to her...
-..and to you. -What do you intend?
I cannot tell you.
Will not tell me.
But I can tell you this...
..it's the greatest gamble I've ever undertaken.
As things stand...
..I see no other way.
On a positive note, we saved ourselves a small fortune.
On a less pleasing one...
Caroline Enys may not...
-..remain silent. -Mm.
And worse than that...
..those Merceron devils are still here.
They may yet be of use to us.
Do you picture it?
The French fleet on the horizon?
God speed the day!
Amen.
If your own country betrays you,
to whom do you then owe loyalty?
May I present General Jules Toussaint.
This country does not deserve liberty.
It punishes loyalty and rewards corruption.
Colluding with the French at the highest level?
His hanging should be even more spectacular than his friend's.
Let us find a more fitting place, so we can take our time.
When I look in your face, I see a stranger. I must leave.
-You no longer love her? -No, I no longer love her.
He's a liar and a bully.
He is also a traitor.