(Laughter and playful chatter)
DEMELZA: Dearest Ross, you are sorely missed -
by your children, your wife,
your dog...
and by all at home for whom you speak.
(Shouting) SPEAKER: Order! Order!
Gentlemen! ROSS: Mr Speaker,
the Honourable Member for Ilchester
has suggested that poverty is a condition
that Christianity may condone.
May I inform him that his arguments are repellent
as... as they are fatuous.
Sit down!
This week we've heard again how scarcity of food does take its toll.
There's fever in Sawle. Six failing, four dead.
If they were stronger they could fight it.
But they've barely a crust between 'em.
Shamefully some here consider it acceptable
for small children to be regarded as inevitable casualties
of our current food shortages.
(Jeering)
Some blame the war, some the poor harvest.
Yet how can it be that a man has work yet still can't afford to feed his family?
Mr Speaker, yet again this House declines to endorse a bill
to enforce a fixed price for grain.
Is it a mere coincidence that many of our Members are also corn merchants?
- (Shouting) - And how long...
how long will we turn a blind eye to the suffering of the needy?
If they're that needy, let them apply to the poorhouse!
(Some shouts of agreement)
Nothing the House dislikes more than inconvenient truths thrust in its face!
- How does one ever get anything done? - Patience. Stealth.
Compromise.
Guineas?
- This child is malnourished. - Cap'n Ross did vow to put an end to this.
Nay, Sam, he went to Westminster to begin the process.
But what 'ave he achieved?
Since he went away, 'ave aught changed?
BASSET: How is your wife? Commanding the house at home?
With more distinction than I can do here!
For all the use I am, I might as well be in Cornwall.
Well, you can surely be of use to His Lordship.
Is not his bill due to come before the House?
The new road through St Day?
And the demolition of half a village to make way for it.
- He'll be counting on your support. - Yes.
He's made that very clear.
So, it appears we are heartless brutes! ELIZABETH: Who says so?
Oh, the "starving poor".
Apparently, by conspiring to keep grain prices high,
we are "filling our coffers at their expense".
Surely the "starving poor" should be thanking you.
- For providing employment? - And how do I do that?
By ensuring that all of my businesses remain in profit.
- Quite. - Of course, if the "starving poor"
require me to make less profit - by demanding a fall in the price of grain -
then I will be unable to employ so many of them and they will be all the poorer.
(Laughter)
(Birds chirruping)
(Low chatter)
(Laughter and chatter)
(Low chatter)
- Ah! - Captain Poldark!
Are you here to look after your constituents?
That is the task of an MP, is it not?
Have we met?
Not in the House, at any rate.
My Lord, will you and the Captain join me this evening?
A small gathering.
No more than a hundred of your closest friends?
A pleasure, ma'am.
Good day.
MONK ADDERLEY: What a tiresome fellow.
(Caroline giggles)
- A lost child is not easily forgot. - Unless one comes to London.
A slight fever but no cause for alarm.
I know I worry overmuch.
Forgive me, Mrs Whitworth...
You are aware your husband once suggested that you might harm the child?
- I would never do so. - I entirely believe you...
..but why say it?
It's the only weapon I have against my husband's... attentions.
'Tis a little bare and cheerless, but... a woman's touch...
Rosina's?
You have a taking for her, don't you?
Well, somewhat.
Hah.
But 'tisn't love, sister.
At least, not what I recollect of love.
But that love can never come again.
I know it.
And Rosina don't rattle away like other girls. She's... quiet, thoughtful and kind.
And, in time, love might grow.
Is that how it was for you?
No. (Chuckles)
'Twas with me always. But... not with Ross.
He did not love me when first we wed.
But he came to.
Do you not think, Vicar, that my new gown deserves matching slippers?
Oh...
I... may be obliged to limit these visits.
Yes, Vicar.
In fact, it will be for the best when I no longer visit at all.
Whatever you say, Vicar.
(Chatter)
(Clock chiming in distance)
(Knock at door)
Mrs Parkins, do you know, is there a poorhouse hereabouts?
St Leonard's, sir.
My nephew's there. To my shame!
Is he in debt? Has he lost employment?
Oh, no, sir, he had wages, just not enough to live on.
Miss Cane...
your experience in dealing with unstable and aggressive patients
will prove invaluable.
Every time I approach my wife, to... comfort her as only a husband can...
..she vows to murder our son.
What can be done?
(Birds chirruping)
No, please. Please.
Please, don't.
(Sobs)
(Man clears throat)
'Ee must know... that I've a liking for thee?
An' 'tis on that account that I wish to explain what's in my heart.
For ye've maybe heard rumours of a girl I did once love.
An' maybe 'twas ill-wish'd from the start.
But love her I did...
..an' love her I always shall.
'Tis a hard thing to hear, I know.
But I can't abear to say what next I wish to say, without 'ee knowin' the truth.
I like 'ee...
..take pleasure in your company...
I can offer 'ee a home, a hearth...
..a quiet yet comfortable living.
Maybe you'll go off an' think it over, an'...
..in due time give me your answer.
No, Drake.
I need no time.
You're a brave and honest man...
..and I believe our life together will be good.
May I call tomorrow... to ask your father's permission?
- (Bell tolling) - (Classical music in distance)
(Chatter and laughter)
- Yes. - (Chatter continues)
Good evening, sir.
- Who are these people? - My new acquaintances.
From London, Oxford, Bath...
Not from Cornwall.
Sometimes the last thing one wants is to be reminded of home.
Ah, here's Captain Adderley.
GEORGE: You see his game?
Squiring her around London, so as to ingratiate himself further into high society.
- Enys would not be impressed. - Nor Demelza.
Is there scurvy in Mellin?
I sent my steward with potatoes and carrots.
There's no oranges to be had for love nor money.
This is for the mine. But how many it'll feed...
(Door opens)
Do it not make a body wonder?
What they London folk get up to?
I hope they have a care for one another. As your mistress and I do here.
Hmm!
Tin't proper...
(Door closes)
It's... true that of late I've come to regard this as more of a home than Killewarren.
The children's laughter consoles me.
Sometimes at Killewarren I find the silence oppressive.
Nights especially.
Do you picture them ever?
Ross and Caroline, together, in a world of which we have no part.
Might not fit, as they fit in.
- Do you not sometimes wonder... - If... they'd met each other before they met us.
- ..they'd be better matched. - (Chuckles) Would we?
Happy ever, sister.
Rosina said yes!
- Oh... - That's cheerful news!
An' a blessin'. For though Rosina be not of the connection,
she's a God-fearing girl and will surely mend his ways.
- And his heart, it's to be hoped. - That especially.
(Chatter and laughter)
Ah, Mrs Warleggan.
Captain P is out of favour!
What makes you say so?
Well, relations between you seem less warm than that night at Trenwith.
Ross? Was at my house?
In your gardens.
I took him for an errant troubadour.
You don't recall me telling you?
Because your mind was more agreeably occupied.
It was the night you vowed to return to Parliament.
Ah.
Of course. That would account for it.
Mm.
I do wonder that such a thing escaped me.
The thought of Ross - and my property...
My dear, must we revisit the subject?
Did we not agree?
Suspicion has no place in a marriage.
We did agree.
Your hat, sir.
- The night is young. - And I am not.
I have a full day in Parliament tomorrow.
Well, I have no intention of retiring until I fall asleep the moment I close my eyes.
I see that.
(Door opens)
Ossie.
- (Door slams) - Why are you here?
What are you doing, Ossie? You know what I told you.
Yes, my dear. That you would murder our son.
But Miss Cane is here now.
She will never let him out of her sight. So your threat... is quite futile.
But your duty remains.
So let us say a little prayer...
..and then you will submit to me.
(Low chatter)
(Chatter continues)
Oi, you! Away with you!
Move on.
(Man coughs)
(Demelza laughs)
DRAKE: So, we thought Easter week.
- In haste, are we? - Not at all, sur.
- My Rosie be a fitty maid. - Yes, sur.
Handy with a needle and thread.
By rights I should be recompensed.
Is not a well-matched daughter recompense?
Look, how if I offer'd to mend all thy tools free of charge?
Oh! So it's bribery now?
- Father... - My brother Tom warned me of thee!
Sayin' what?
What a sneavy, snivey l'il worm 'ee be!
Rosina. You an' I talk over arrangements for the wedding breakfast.
She'll not find a truer, honester man than my brother.
Amen to that!
(Birdsong)
How the joy of resuming one's conjugal duty
pales beside the pleasure of the act itself.
Is it not a blessing...
to know we are about God's holy work?
Mm.
(Door opens and closes)
BASSET: A poorhouse?
To my shame, I've never set foot inside one.
I wish every member of this House could do so.
They would soon see why men would rather starve
than commit themselves to such a degrading institution.
- But if people lack employment... - Many do not.
They only lack the sufficiency to meet the price of bread.
And Parliament lacks the will to remedy that.
Perhaps there is no remedy.
Perhaps I should throw up my hands and go home.
Is that new? How can we afford such fine things?
How do you think, my love?
Every week, I save a few pence of your earnings
so that we may allow ourselves these little indulgences.
- You're too good for me, Rowella. - (Chuckles)
Every day I think to marry such a goddess.
You are Artemis... Athena... Aphrodite.
My love, your mother and sisters.
So kind, always thinking of others.
Give them my love. Tell them I will visit next week.
(Door opens and closes)
Goddess Fortune is against you.
(Chatter)
CROUPIER: Players, take your chances.
(Chatter and laughter)
CROUPIER: No more wagers.
Come to try your luck, sir?
You have a reckless streak?
Only with my own money.
(Giggles)
- Dr Enys? - Oh, Mr Solway.
Your sisters have the ague.
It's nothing to be concerned about,
but they are resting and should not be disturbed.
I thank you, sir. I'll visit them tomorrow.
CROUPIER: The house wins.
I really am quite hopeless. Should I quit the field?
Well, that seems a pity, when it affords you such pleasure.
- Interesting advice. - Entirely dis-interested!
Having nothing to lose, I have nothing to gain.
How often we see those with "nothing to lose" assisting others to lose all they have.
CROUPIER: No more wagers.
(Clattering and gasps of shock) MAN: Damn it, sir!
You will pay me in full or give me satisfaction!
Do I make myself clear, Poldark?
- Are these gentlemen annoying you? - Who the devil are you?
- (Gasps of shock) - Aaargh!
- Interesting manoeuvre. - (Groans)
Not one I'd recommend after two bottles of port.
I don't believe we've been introduced.
The Honourable Jasper Inchcliffe. And I am Viscount Bollington.
- (Inchcliffe groans) - Oh...
I have the honour of being acquainted with both your fathers.
At Westminster.
So, how may we resolve this to everyone's satisfaction?
(Murmurs of disgust)
(Lock rattles)
(Latch clicks, gate squeaks)
(Indistinct voices)
OSSIE: Oh, God, Rowella!
OSSIE: Oh!
(Panting)
(Ossie grunts)
(Ossie chuckles and moans)
(Breathes heavily)
CROUPIER: Players, take your chances, please.
(Water splashes)
I hope this will recompense you for your trouble.
No trouble at all, sir.
Truth be told, it's why I work here.
There's always some gent paying me to swab up after their relations!
Were it not for that, I'd never make ends meet.
ROSS: Huh.
(Exhales heavily)
Do I look dreadful?
Good night.
- Ross? - A fortunate misunderstanding.
- Fortunate? - In that I was the target, not Geoffrey Charles.
- Where is he? - Returned to Harrow.
Lesson learnt.
- Are you quite sure he was gambling? - I myself discharged the debt.
- I must repay you. - It's the least I can do for my nephew.
- (Continues pouring drinks) - Hm.
Ross, do you suppose...
Will this become a habit?
- Is he like... - Like his father?
I hope so.
For a truer, more generous heart would be hard to find.
- I shall write and reprimand him. - No, do not.
If he thinks I've informed on him, he will no longer trust me.
- If I can keep an eye on him... - That role should fall to George.
We both know he would not want it.
Nor would Geoffrey Charles.
I'm obliged to you, Ross.
And I agree, Geoffrey Charles does not need to be told of our meeting.
- Any more than George does. - Then the subject is closed.
ROSS: My dearest Demelza.
Thoughts of you console me and bolster my resolve
against the challenges of the House,
where I find I have few allies.
I have a scheme in mind but doubt it will be well received.
Yet all the while the food shortages continue.
My dearest Ross,
our fortunes here are yet to improve.
In Sawle the fever carried off three young Nanfans.
Dwight could do nothing, for they were weak with starvation.
The loss of innocent lives makes me feel more keenly our own loss.
And the distance between us.
You seem very far away.
Where are you?
Nampara. Thinking of my daughter.
- Dear Clowance. - No.
No. Julia.
Oh, forgive me, I have no wish to intrude.
Did I tell you how she died in my arms?
How I watched her... take her last breath?
I could not conceive how the life could go out of her...
..when the day before, I'd... danced her on my knee.
We are taught to be strong...
..to betray no weakness, but...
..that night I learnt... to be strong is weakness.
Pain should not be avoided.
Tears must fall.
(Stifles a sob)
- (Birdsong) - (Bell tolling)
(Exhales)
(Exhales contentedly)
I shall visit Nat Pearce today.
Extraordinary how he lingers on.
Extraordinary too that you find not the smallest pleasure in our congress.
Quite...
baffling.
God's blessing be upon you!
You'll need them where you're going.
Yet... I must thank you for lingering on.
My visits here have provided the perfect cover for me to service my ardent young sister-in-law.
Of course, now that I've prevailed upon my wife to resume her... duties,
I'll no longer require those services.
So today will be the last time I visit either of you.
And may I cheerfully say,
the devil take you both!
(Chuckles)
And you, sir.
(Door slams)
I've been thinking on this. Suppose you're a waiter.
You earn a pittance.
But... with my small gratuity, and that of others like me,
you go some way towards making ends meet.
Yes?
- Thus saving yourself from the poorhouse. - And?
Thus saving the state from having to pay out even more,
to fund an institution which everyone hates.
- In other words... - Help the workers to keep working...
By helping them to eat.
Oh, Vicar, did I mention the roof has begun to leak?
Good to know.
It must be why Arthur's been laid so low -
shivering and weeping in his bed all week.
- But repairs are so expensive. - However will you manage?
- Well, I was hoping... - Blessed are they who live in hope.
For they shall receive God's benison.
Go forth, saith the Lord,
and count thy blessings.
For you have had the last of 'em!
(Door opens and closes)
I never thought I'd see you smile again.
'Tis not something comes easy, even now.
Then you must practise more! For tomorrow you're to be wed.
And, in time, like Ross an' me...
- Love may grow? - Love will grow.
(Ossie humming cheerfully)
(Owl hoots)
(Continues humming)
(Rustling)
(Horse whinnies)
Mr Reverend Whitworth?
Yes? Who is it?
What do you want?
This is what I want.
(Grunts)
(Grunting)
(Horse whinnies)
Aaargh!
(Grunting)
- You! - (Grunts)
(Horse whinnies)
(Ossie cries out)
(Ossie gasps)
(Ossie shrieks)
You're later than usual.
Were your sisters well?
Arthur?
(Gasps softly)
(Gasps)
(Dull roar of waves)
(Low chatter)
(Birds chirruping)
(Knocks on door)
(Chatter)
Dead?
♪ She's out in the meadow flower-gathering
♪ In the merry morning of May
Why tell me, sister?
Why not keep me in the dark an' let me wed that sweet, sweet girl?
Oh, Drake. You know why.
(Drake sobs)
This was no accident.
I cannot tell you, ma'am. I was not there.
No, I am telling you.
These lacerations and bruises...
Are consistent with a fall and the headlong bolt of a horse.
For which he could not possibly be at fault.
My son was an excellent horseman. Did he not ride to hounds?
But clearly someone is to blame, and I will not rest till I discover who it is.
(Laughter and chatter)
I went to the smithy, but found no sign of 'im.
- Zacky see'd him with Rosina. - (Sighs)
Then he left. None knows where.
(Sighs) Judas, Sam...
Should I have told him? Should I first have let him wed Rosina?
Yes!
For she'd have made him a good an' proper wife.
And they'd have grown happy an' served Christ together.
Yes.
But then he'd never have forgiven me.
(Baby grizzles)
Demelza?
- Drake's gone. - And Rosina?
Rosina's brave. Jacka's raging.
- As is half the village. - I don't wonder.
To jilt a girl on her wedding day?
Oh, Dwight. What shall I do?
I'm that weary of keepin' the peace...
I just wish somebody would take care of me!
Yes.
Ross should be here.
And Caroline.
So first you torment me and then you abandon me?
Return with me to Cornwall.
Sir Francis has room in his carriage.
We will have the swiftest possible journey.
Dwight would not thank me for returning with my demons still intact.
You know very well he would embrace you, demons and all.
(Clock chiming)
I did not weep. Could not.
Even when Sarah grew cold in my arms.
I thought, if I could only keep hold of her...
..I could will her back to life.
When Dwight finally prised her from me, the agony was...
..so overwhelming.
I had to remove myself from even the possibility of ever feeling that again.
By coming to London.
You know, there's nowhere like London for numbing the senses.
Is that what you desire?
Still?
For now.
But I have begun to weep, Ross.
And I will do so again.
If you're hungry, help yourself.
Here, take some bread.
Ha! Mistress or no... Don't 'ee think 'ee will buy our favour!
Whenever he shows his face, brother of yours'll pay for what he done!
- Here. - Hm.
ROWELLA: It's unfortunate we cannot attend the funeral.
- I will write to my sister... - (Winces)
..commiserating with her on the terrible news.
Some people think it was murder.
Do they?
But if that were the case, would not a weapon have been found?
(Bell tolling)
(Low chatter)
True, yes. Plans have been made.
I shall take charge of John Conan.
As my grandson and heir, he will be properly educated.
His mother is wholly incapable.
No wonder Osborne despaired of her.
(Gasps of shock)
Miss Cane, fetch the smelling salts. Mrs Whitworth has fainted.
Morwenna?
GEORGE: Sincere condolences.
You must feel the loss keenly.
I feel nothing.
But relief.
I loathed him with every bone in my body.
He sought to have me committed.
He took away my son.
He violated me...
again and again...
..and again.
I... did not know.
We... could not possibly have known, cousin.
Our only thought was to provide you with an advantageous match...
Advantageous to whom?
(Clears his throat)
He's gone.
But where?
(Birdsong)
(Door being unlocked)
Morwenna.
- Do not... No... - What is it?
Please.
- Leave me. Go away. - I had to come.
I've been sleeping rough. I know I don't look seemly.
- I beg you to excuse that. - I cannot.
(Gasps) I cannot bear it.
If it too soon... I can come again tomorrow.
- Just tell me what... - Never...
What?
I'm sick.
Tainted.
It's done with. Ended.
Please, leave me now and never come back.
No, Morwenna, we can't part like this.
Who is this person, Morwenna?
Beggin' yer pardon, ma'am.
I'm... a friend, a well-wisher.
- I come to inquire... - Go inside, Morwenna.
- So, please you, ma'am. - Elliot? Clegg?
- Morwenna. - Horsewhip this person,
then remove him from the premises.
(Gate squeaks)
Drake Carne was found lurking outside the vicarage?
Osborne's death may not be an accident after all.
- You surely don't suggest... - Where is Harry?
(Cockerel crows)
Should we not send for Cap'n Ross?
He have London matters to attend to. Besides, what could he do here?
Well, 'tis 'oped the thing will blow over soon enough.
- An' no harm done. - (Firm knocking on door)
Mr Warleggan did send me in 'is stead.
Thy little brother is wanted. I have orders to search the house.
(Scoffs) George Warleggan don't give orders here.
I do. An' you'll not set foot across this threshold.
Care to wager that, missus?
Aaargh! Urgh!
- (Demelza grunts) - Urgh!
(Exhales heavily)
(He bangs on door) Hey! Hey!
Lunch at Ashbourne or shall we press on?
The latter.
If we're to succeed with this, the sooner we put forward the scheme...
You will, of course, require Lord Falmouth's agreement.
As foremost landowner in the district, nothing will pass without him.
- He had no business to threaten them. - If they were sheltering a felon...
What proof had you that they were? Or that Drake Carne is a felon?
- You go too far, George! - My dear, I merely wish to see justice done.
For whose benefit? Morwenna's? You heard her. She is glad Osborne is dead!
- Nonetheless... - George!
The man was a monster.
And we forced her to wed him.
- If you value my love... - You know I do!
Do not pursue Drake Carne.
As you wish, my dear.
(Harry Harry clears his throat)
(Raised voice) We will call off the search for Drake Carne.
Yes, sur.
There will be other ways to punish him.
HARRY HARRY: Sithee, Jacka, 'twas a terrible thing young Carne did to thy daughter!
JACKA: Don't I know it! - Last time Tom let 'im wriggle off the hook.
This time we'll do a proper job.
(Fire roaring)
Dear God! It gets worser and worse.
What can we do?
Pray for forgiveness, for sins and sinners.
Why? Is it a sin to seek happiness for ourselves and others?
Only our merciful Father knows that.
Do he?
Sometimes it do feel like he don't think about happiness at all.
ROSINA: What a wicked thing to have happened.
I can't think 'twas an accident.
Nor we, maid.
Rosina.
When Drake came to you, did he... he tell you where he was going?
No, ma'am.
Only what had happened an' that he had to go because of what he called his "prior love".
Rosina, I'm that sorry.
To think, if it had happened only an hour later, we'd be wed now.
And I know he'd never have left me.
So, if I understand you correctly:
after a year in which you have not once voted as I directed...
and ignored my proposal for a road through St Day,
you now come to me, seeking my support for a proposal of your own?
Which will cost me dear and deliver me nothing in return?
(Drake sobs)
SAM: Oh, praise God.
Oh, we've been waitin' here, prayin' for 'ee to come home.
- Pay no heed to this, brother. - She's changed.
She don't want me. She won't see me ever again.
- Hey. It's all right. It's all right. - (Sobs)
Brother, Sam will take you home with him.
Ross!
(Birdsong)
DEMELZA: I wish the world would go away.
What world?
- Promise me you won't go after George. - (He exhales)
I couldn't bear to have the feud stoked up again.
I'll let it pass this once.
- For your sake. - Oh, not for yours?
Will you not need his consent for your scheme today?
Which he'll refuse on principle.
So 'twill be a wasted journey.
Not entirely.
So, in short, I propose a means-tested, sliding-scale of wage supplements
in order to mitigate the worst effects of the current food crisis.
And by doing so we can keep our mines and our mills working and our workers fed.
- And the cost of all this? - Would fall on the landowners of this parish.
- We who are assembled here today. - (Murmuring)
And where, pray, is the incentive to work, if one pays people to be idle?
- I believe, sir, you misunderstand the principle. - Do I?
The assistance is temporary - while the price of grain is prohibitive,
to enable people to live and not die.
Another solution would be for the grain merchants to lower their prices.
Why should they? Do they not have a living to make as well as anyone else?
Speaking for myself, I have no capital to spare.
Because you've spent it on buying up a borough.
Besides, if the scheme is to work, surely it's only fair
that all landowners in the district participate?
Where is Lord Falmouth?
If he is not willing, why should anyone else be?
Well, I suggest we take a vote.
Those in favour?
And those against?
- Since there's no clear majority... - I rather think there is.
I believe I'm just in time to cast my vote.
(Lively chatter)
The bill I have in mind has a particular place in my heart.
Were the road in question to be built,
it would considerably aid my scheme to clear the hovels of St Day
and build in their place an extension to my estate.
And the hovels of St Day?
Specifically, their inhabitants?
They will be rehoused.
At my expense.
You have my word.
You have my vote.
As you have had mine.
- I wish I could stay longer. - You did what you came to do.
Now you must tell Westminster.
If it will listen.
Make it listen.
So, I propose
that this new system of Poor Relief -
devised in my own constituency,
implemented with great success - should be adopted nationally.
So that health, welfare, and maintenance
become the birth right not of the few, but of all!
(Shouting and some heckling)
Have the Honourable Member for Truro call on me.
He has some interesting things to say.