♪♪
(men shouting, crying)
(men crying, groaning)
Jim will be home soon.
God willing.
Will I find him changed?
He's come this far.
That's what matters.
A pretty sight, is it not?
No shame in it.
As we sow, so shall we reap.
As my wife would no doubt remind me.
If I can be of service.
Ah, you can.
Find a way to restore me my mines,
my estate, my dignity.
Francis...
But no, today is your day.
First auction for Carnmore.
I wish you could join us.
George would disapprove.
I know how little you care for his opinion, but you should.
I care for those he seeks to ruin.
You'll never get it, Ross.
What?
Justice for all.
Fair wages would be a start.
Agh!
Damn these blisters!
Agh!
You would speak with him?
It will keep.
♪♪
Gentlemen, gentlemen, the auction is now open.
I've first to dispose of a dole of ore
from Wheal Busy.
Wheal Busy ore, sold to the Carnmore Copper Company
for six pounds, 17 shillings and sixpence a ton.
Wheal Leisure, parcel of red copper, 45 tons.
Sold to the Carnmore Copper Company
for eight pounds, two shillings a ton.
What name did you say?
Wheal Leisure.
No, sir, the buyers?
The Carnmore Copper Company.
United Mines, three doles of ore, 50 tons apiece.
First parcel is sold to the Carnmore Copper Company...
for seven pounds, one shilling a ton.
Second parcel is sold to the Carnmore Copper Company
for six pounds, 19 shillings a ton.
Sir, I dislike to intervene,
but may I say, I've never heard of the Carnmore Copper Company.
CHAIRMAN: I am assured it do exist, sir.
What proof have you of its good faith?
Who stands guarantor for it?
Who is its agent?
As I thought, there's something here not...
I'm the agent.
I've never heard of your company.
Well, that's odd, since the chairman's been talking
of little else since noon.
BLIGHT: What is your purpose in bidding
for this quantity of copper?
The same as yours, sir,
to smelt and sell it on the open market.
And who are the men behind your company?
What are their names?
Do we know the names behind the South Wales Smelting Company?
You know full well we came in vouched for by the Warleggans.
Because you are the Warleggans.
You, Sir,
I don't know what your game is,
but it reeks!
CHAIRMAN: Gentlemen, gentlemen, please!
Let the auction continue.
Here he come.
You see, Keven'?
I tamed him for you.
And Zacky Martin, do he waste his days 'ticing starlings
or do he swag around the county on Captain Poldark's business'?
Zacky's educated.
He can read.
Any fool can read.
I know you can.
It is no secret you could have done better for yourself.
I was only glad you did pick me.
Not some highfalutin' scholarly chap.
You may think you've done well today.
Sir?
But we're on to you.
Believe me, you won't have it your own way next time.
TONKIN: Riots in Bodmin now.
BLEWITT: Looting in Truro.
Every week, another mine closes.
BLIGHT: That's no excuse to take the law
into their own hands.
Examples must be made.
And are.
Bodmin jail is now fit to burst.
And rife with fever.
BLEWITT: 'Tis as plain a death sentence as you could wish, sir.
(screaming)
Both lungs are afflicted,
but under a strict regime of goat's milk,
walking four miles a day,
sleeping out in the open when it's fine...
Is she badly hurt?
Captain Poldark, I can guess why you're here.
I should imagine not, ma'am.
You've heard the rumors
attaching to Miss Verity's name again?
'Us, uh... hen.
From over there, to see, um...
Have you heard?
The Warleggans are giving a ball.
Are we invited?
We are!
What a way to mark your entrance into society!
What is it?
Well... what will I wear?
What shall I say, how...
How shall I know the new dances?
I'll help you!
When I return from town.
I'm expected there later today.
Expected?
Have you spoken to Francis?
You must.
I will, I will.
Did well, today, we did indeed.
That was the easy part.
CARY: You underestimated him.
I did no such thing.
You took him for one of those overbred idiots
who trade on their name
instead of their wits.
Like his cousin.
GEORGE: Ross is made of harder mettle.
Well, his company is a threat.
But if we knew the names of its shareholders...
(winces)
You're being very brave.
You must stay in bed.
If you get up, it may raise a fever.
Of course, sir.
I'll do anything you say, sir.
I never knew anyone could be so kind.
(door opens and closes)
(thunder)
VERITY: Lisbon!
How I long to see it.
It'll enchant you.
The orange trees, the olive groves, the endless sunlight...
Will you take me?
Are you a good sailor?
Oh, yes, indeed!
Though... I have never actually been to sea.
(both laugh)
My quarters aboard are not lavish.
I need no luxury.
To be free, to live my own life,
to be with you...
is all the riches I could wish.
So you will tell Francis?
Before the ball?
Perhaps we should not be seen there together.
Unless I speak with him first.
Or let me.
No... it must be me.
I must find the right moment.
Then let it be soon, my love.
♪♪
(horse whinnies)
Judas!
This is a new device, creeping in like a tomcat.
And how is my fair maiden?
The one invited to the Warleggan ball?
That one, too.
Would it please you to go?
Oh, Ross, can I?
Beg pardon, sir. Ma'am.
Shall I serve supper?
Thank you, Jinny.
Have you heard from Jim?
Not since last month, sir, but he was fair then.
FRANCIS: So, I am to go to the ball
without a mine to my name,
my estate in ruins, and my wife in a made-over dress?
For heaven's sake, Francis,
who can afford new clothes these days?
Truly,
you imagine Demelza won't be trotting out her one good dress
and not care a feather what people say?
Well, she should, and if she does not,
then she shows her ignorance.
You like Demelza.
Mmm. Mmm.
I do.
Doesn't alter the fact
that the connection does our family no credit.
I'm grateful it's the only
unsuitable marriage we're forced to endure.
What keeps you awake?
The mine, the smelting company.
Jim.
Is there news?
Rumors.
Has Verity said anything?
About Andrew Blarney?
Why?
There are rumors she's meeting him again.
Is she?
I wouldn't like to say she is.
And I wouldn't like to say she isn't.
In other words, you wouldn't like to say anything at all.
Well...
Ross, what's given in confidence isn't fair to repeat.
I can't pretend I'm not disturbed.
(sighs)
I wonder how she met him again.
♪♪
Practice your steps.
I claim first dance at the ball.
(hammers clanking on metal)
"Us as we feared, Ross."
Fever's rife at Bodmin.
They're dropping like flies.
Whole mine's talking of it.
Say nothing to Jinny.
(knocking on door)
You're close to Jim?
I have known him since he were a boy.
Were he my worst enemy, I'd not wish jail pestilence on him.
(knocking)
Your arm is mending?
I came to see what Dr. Enys could prescribe.
He's away with my husband till tomorrow.
Mrs. Daniel...?
A word?
Hope do love a gossip.
And 'tis not wise to give them cause.
What cause?
"Us said you have a roving eye."
And whose business is it where my eye do light?
Well, some say it might be their business,
should it light on their husbands.
There's not a man in 50 miles I'd look twice at.
Excepting one.
Mark?
Pardon my interference.
'Twas kindly meant.
You have a plan?
None whatsoever.
(knocking)
(Pounding)
Good evening to you, sir.
Dr. Enys is here to attend on James Carter.
Eh?
What's that?
James Carter, the typhus.
Be so good as to let us in so we may show you our papers.
There's not a moment to lose, sir.
ROSS: This way, if you please, Dr. Enys.
Much obliged to you.
JAILER: Now look, they say there be fever down 'ere.
We'd be sick ourselves if we...
ROSS: Is this the cell?
DWIGHT: What an affront to human dignity.
Is Jim Carter among you?
Where's your authority?
You must show your papers.
Jim?
Jim, can you hear me?
DWIGHT: Perhaps he has been moved?
Are you there, Jim?
(rats squeaking, man moaning)
DWIGHT: Dear God, look at his arm.
Open this cell. Eh'?
ROSS: This man needs urgent medical attention.
We're taking him away.
Nay, he be serving his sentence.
Open this cell before I have you dismissed
for neglecting your duty.
Give me the keys.
JAILER: You can't go in there.
It ain't safe. There's fever!
I could make over the bodice,
maybe add a little lace.
Just as you please.
So long as Francis thinks it's new.
I'm sorry...
that he's been a disappointment.
You... speak to me of disappointment?
Perhaps it's always the way.
In the first flush of love, we think anything is possible.
We must both learn to lower our expectations.
(groaning and wheezing)
Avoid his breath.
It will be deadly at this stage.
What chance does he have?
He might survive the fever, but this arm...
Is it gangrene?
It must come off.
He won't survive.
I beg you to try.
I'll help you.
ROSS: Be brave now, Jim.
Think of Jinny waiting at home.
It's all right, Jinny...
(gasping): I'm coming home...
I'm coming home...
I'm coming home.
(baby fussing)
(crackling)
ROSS: We buried him by the sea.
If you'd seen his face, Demelza...
I think he knew me.
He smiled and tried to speak, but...
The magistrate should have been there.
Smug, self-satisfied upholders of the law.
And so-called gentlemen!
Who prize game above honest working men.
He tried to feed his family.
How is that a crime?
By God, I could commit murder myself.
Will there not be trouble?
That you broke the jail and helped a prisoner escape?
Let there be.
I welcome it.
I could almost be induced to go amongst them tonight to the ball
if I thought I might infect them.
You mean not to go, then?
How could we?
To dance and smile
at the very men to blame for Jim's death?
No, no...
We could not go, I do see that.
(door opens)
Parcel come for... Mistress.
'Tis from the dressmakers.
It is a mistake.
I called on my way to Bodmin to order it.
It seems like 100 years ago now.
Oh.
Could I see it?
If you've the interest.
It will do for some time in the future.
Oh, Ross...
(knocking)
I couldn't sleep.
All last night, I was thinking of you
giving me something to ease the pain.
Uh, please wait here, I'll fetch you something.
Miss Verity, sir.
Oh, my dears, I heard about Jim.
Say nothing, Verity.
If I'm forced to relive it, I'm like to explode.
You must compose yourself
before the ball.
Do you know who will attend this ball?
Every single one of those men who condemned Jim to die.
So how do you imagine I could go among them?
Because you must go among them.
Your move in forcing the jail was reckless and unlawful.
Your presence among these people tonight will remind them
that you are one of them, a gentleman.
It may make them think twice before moving against you.
Your arguments disgust me.
They disgust me, too.
But you have more than yourself to consider now.
My wife and child...
Would suffer.
As Jinny suffers.
(sighs deeply)
Justice is a fine thing, is it not?
(echoes of guests chattering)
Ross!
Where are you going?
To acquaint myself with as much brandy as George can supply.
We shouldn't have come.
Ross hasn't been sober since he got back from Bodmin.
For you, I think.
It's from Ross.
But how can I wear it?
With Jim in the ground and Jinny all bereft.
You cannot help them, my dear.
But you can try to keep a lid on that powderkeg below.
(dance music playing)
ls there a war on?
(chuckles)
The Poldark cousins seem hell-bent on battle.
I cannot speak for Ross,
but Francis is most definitely at odds with all the world.
(both chuckle)
There, now.
Look how lovely you look.
Let us go down.
It will take us both to keep Ross in check.
You won't desert me?
I would not dream of such.
Oh, dear God!
I must go to him.
He must leave at once.
Dwight, I feared I wouldn't know a soul.
Here is a gentleman eager to make your acquaintance.
Sir Hugh Bodregun, may I present Mistress Demelza Poldark.
Enys tells me we're neighbors.
How could I come to overlook such a bloom, hmm?
I cannot account for it, sir.
Do you hunt, ma'am?
No, sir.
I have some sympathy for the foxes.
(chuckles)
Please, Andrew...
Ross.
Hm'?
I've been singing your praises.
To whom?
Mr. Matthew Sanson.
He's keen to test his mettle against you.
Oh, thank you.
I have no taste for gaming tonight.
Oh, that's a pity.
Last time he played, he had the better of the Poldarks.
I thought you might care to level the scores.
He may try.
I'm here to escort my wife.
That being so, it wouldn't suit my purpose to spend the evening
in a card room.
Which is your wife?
I should like the pleasure.
She's over there.
And she seems very well attended by Sir Hugh Bodregun.
Might I suggest a short game, just...
while the evening warms up?
As you wish.
Please.
Did you not hear?
Since Francis lost the mine,
that woman has thrown him over.
Now he can't even afford a new dress for his wife.
And as for Ross, no doubt regretting his marriage
to that hussy...
(dance music begins)
Andrew, I beg you to leave.
Francis will see you.
That's exactly what I wish.
Have it all out in the open.
I will not be ashamed of our love.
Nor I!
But if we're seen together, it will be a disaster.
Who's to say Francis would make difficulties?
Has he not grown up?
Might he not have mellowed?
Let him once catch sight of you
and you will see how much he's mellowed.
Who is that young person dancing with Sir Hugh?
She's quite lovely, don't you think?
That's Demelza, Mama.
Ross's wife.
The scullery maid!
I see no scullery maid, Mama.
Reverend Halse.
Will you join us?
What are the stakes?
A... guinea.
It's more than my customary stake.
Perhaps you'd prefer to wait for another table.
I think not.
I have as much right to call the stakes as any here.
Half a guinea, let it be.
(music continues)
Still not dancing, Elizabeth?
What will people say?
Your first outing in months and to be so neglected by Francis.
Elizabeth, will you grant me the favor of the next dance?
How charming you look tonight, ma'am.
I swear Elizabeth's place will be taken
the moment I lead her away.
(sighs)
Wicked shame to have thrown her away on a Poldark.
You did not return my trump lead, sir.
It is an elementary principle to return one's partner's lead.
Thank you, I'm acquainted with the elementary principles.
ROSS: No doubt your partner has
all the principles at his fingertips.
It's a general misfortune
he does not make better use of them.
Manners were never your strong suit, Poldark.
Who can only guess at the bad humors
that come from an ill-spent life?
Ill-spent?
And this from a justice of the peace who combines
all the virtues of office except perhaps justice and peace?
No doubt the common people you mix with
have blunted your faculties
as to what may or may not be said in polite society.
I agree, they alter one's perspectives, sir.
You should try mixing with such people.
It might enlarge your outlook.
I think I will find another table.
Have you ever been in a jail, sir'?
It's surprising the stench
30 or 40 of God's creatures can give off
when confined to a squalid pit for months on end
without drains, water, physicians, care.
The matter of your performance at Bodmin jail
has not gone unnoticed, sir.
There will shortly be a meeting of the justices,
of whom, may I say, I am one.
Then pray convey this message:
That it would give me great pleasure
to meet any of you who can spare the time
from your high offices and holy livings.
Especially those responsible for the upkeep of Bodmin jail.
You offensive young drunkard!
You'll be hearing from us presently.
Continue.
Come, Mr. Francis, follow your cousin's lead.
Lay a stake on the queen of spades.
Thank you, I've learned never to stake on women.
Excuse me, I'll have a... breath of air.
(music ends, applause)
You look ravishing tonight, Elizabeth.
If I were a poet or a painter, I could do you justice.
You're very kind, George,
but I'm afraid you have little reward for your attentions.
I'm a dull creature these days.
That which is treasured can never be dull.
You should venture out more.
And bring Francis, if you will.
To the gaming tables?
It's the only reward for the end of Grambler,
that he sees less of the green cloths
and more of his family.
If I were to promise never to encourage
or even play with Francis again, would that please you?
We both know he will continue to play,
whether you encourage him or not.
He cannot help himself.
Any more than I can.
Some... refreshment?
(sobbing)
I hope you will do me the honor of allowing...
How dare you address me!
Francis!
Your sister deserves better.
I beg you, let us resolve this peaceably...
Step aside!
Your sister is not to be commanded.
Nor am I.
Then perhaps you will take this as an inducement.
I forbid you ever to see him again.
Er, no, thank you.
Excuse me, sirs.
I must speak with my cousin.
Oh, no, no, not so fast, missy.
I haven't had the pleasure of my second dance.
Nor I, indeed.
Excuse me, sirs, I cannot stay.
We've been admiring your gown, Demelza.
Mama thought it had come from London
until Mrs. Treneglos assured her to the contrary.
And how is your father, dear?
We've not seen him since the christening.
No, ma'am, I'm sorry.
Father is overparticular who he meets.
He despises me.
No.
And so he should.
I am to blame.
I should have told Francis when I had the chance.
But I was timid.
It's the one weakness Andrew cannot abide.
He will forgive you.
He left... without a backward glance.
I shall never see him again.
Propose.
Two.
I hope you're as well entertained as your wife.
Or had you forgot her existence?
Dangerous mistake.
Absentee husbands make for wandering wives.
If you wish to retain our favor,
you'd do well to pay it attention.
Ah! I'm determined, ma'am.
The next dance is mine.
ROSS: Forgive me.
Pardon me.
I came to see if you require anything.
BODRUGAN: It's a bit late to be showing
a lively concern for your wife, isn't it?
Better a belated conscience than none at all.
Hm!
DEMELZA: Perhaps I should ask for an introduction,
as it's so long since we've met.
I hear you've been well consoled in my absence.
Look at them all.
Overpainted, overdressed...
Overstuffed.
If these are my people, I'm ashamed to belong to them.
Well, if you think all the stupid, fat ignorants
are in your class, then you're mistook.
I've lived long enough to know that they're everywhere.
And you'll not right any wrongs
by blaming just these folk for Jim dying.
Of course they're to blame!
For their ignorance, their selfishness,
their arrogance...
And you'll not right any wrongs
by drinking and gaming
and leaving me to fend for myself
at my very first ball!
If you behave like this, you'll not come to another.
If you behave like this, I'll not want to.
(dancers applaud as music ends)
Would you care to dance?
No, thank you.
Poldark's losing badly.
50 guineas?
Agreed.
I propose...
How many?
The book.
I'll take two.
Propose.
Accept.
Two.
I'll lay ten guineas.
Twenty.
I'll take it.
The luck of the devil.
This is a decent little piece.
Somewhat high priced.
I trust it keeps good time?
It never failed my grandfather.
Shall we continue?
And what do you intend to play with?
Assets I can realize.
Ross, no.
Play with this if you must.
And what is this worth?
About 100.
(softly): Oh, Ross.
Well?
Deal.
He's met his match in Matthew.
Hm.
Shall we retire?
Another hour.
With what?
My stake in Wheal Leisure.
Ross, no.
I propose.
How many?
One.
I'll take the book.
Can you explain how you come to have a card in your hand
before you drew one from the pack?
You're mistaken.
I'd already drawn.
I rather think he had, Ross.
Oh, no, he had not.
He most certainly had not.
What the hell are you doing, Ross?
George! Cary!
Will you permit this?!
I'm sorry for assaulting your friend, George,
but if you insist on entertaining such fellows,
you should at least keep them on a leash.
Or perhaps you prefer your guests to be ruined in silence?
When did you first know he was cheating?
Almost at once.
But I wanted to be sure before I challenged him.
Thank you.
Your exploits at Bodmin jail were much discussed.
No doubt.
There was some sympathy for your intentions.
Though not our actions.
Pity some of your partners at Carnmore should be
on the other side of the bench.
How do you mean?
St. Aubyn Tresize, Alfred Barbary...
They're magistrates, are they not?
They may feel compelled to take a stand.
And then there's the matter of Matthew Sanson.
What of him?
Once this tale gets out,
George may feel obliged to respond.
Why should he?
Matthew's a cousin.
Did you not know?
No, I did not.
(thunder)
Old tripe-for-brains be within.
Who?
Mark Daniel, moping and moaning
fit to make your lugs bleed.
There's talk of Keren and Dwight.
Any truth in it?
Couldn't say.
Anything else we can't say?
About Verity, Blarney...?
I know as much as you.
ANDREW: "Since you brought Verity and me together,
"I must tum to you for further help.
"Francis is impossible.
"There can never be a reconciliation.
Therefore, Verity must choose between us."
Folks say she's brazen.
That she'll fling herself at other men.
Have you asked her if it's true?
I haven't the heart to, Ross.
I can't put myself to believe it.
But if a man can't trust his wife...
You must have faith, Mark.
Without that, there's no hope for a marriage.
JUD: Hope for marriage?
Pick me liver.
Best take it out 'fore it's not to be cuckolded thrice a day
by every man, dog and mule in the county.
(clears his throat)
(knocks)
I come to offer myself.
To help you with your work.
I can write, I can take notes.
But...
Oh, don't refuse me.
You've been so kind.
I must use my wits for something, or I'll go mad.
It is an omen, mark my words!
It is a fiendish, black omen!
What is the matter with the women of this family?
The men.
You think you could do better?
"CARY". What do we know?
What we know is that Ross Poldark,
though clever, has a weakness.
Just the one?
He plays it straight.
And trusts others to do the same,
but others have eyes and ears.
And they report.
What we've been trying for some time to find out,
the site of the Carnmore Copper Company smelting works.
And?
Trevaunance land.
They've struck a deal with Tresidder's Mill.
GEORGE: For now, they have enough copper to keep going,
but come the next auction...
CARY: We'll see they come away empty-handed.
And the question is, will that be enough to ruin them?
What more can we do, since they deliberately withhold
the names of their shareholders?
There's no law against that.
It makes it considerably more difficult
for us to exert pressure.
So... let's begin with the one name we do know...
Jonathan Tresidder.
Banks with us, does he not?
CARY: He does indeed.
"GEORGE". And has substantial loans.
Here's to the first chink
in the Poldark armor.
(Clink)
(baby crying)
I wish Jim could have seen his child grow up.
You did all you could.
I wonder.
Ross, you cannot fight all the world.
You can only make your own small corner a fairer place.
Will anything come of what you did?
It may. It may not.
Lay your flowers.
This is the first time I've been sober in five days.