ancis and Elizabeth have a son.

Previously on Poldark...

I'd hoped you would be named godfather, but Francis and George are inseparable these days.

CHARLES: I am not immortal.

We have a mine.

It requires leadership-- yours!

MAN: We struck ironstone almost at once-- there.

Chase that and we'll hope to catch copper.

DEMELZA: I thought after what happened... ROSS: You thought you would no longer be my servant.

You're right.

You can no longer be my servant.

Dearly beloved... Poldark, tonight on Masterpiece ♪ ♪ (seagulls crying) (humming) JUD: 'Tisn't right.

PRUDIE: 'Tisn't fair.

'Tisn't fit.

'Tisn't proper.

Won't last.

Won't work.

Who does she think she is?

Who does he think she is?

JUD: A chit of a girl.

She'll be too grand to skivvy.

Too common to curtsy.

'Tis all cocky-eyed.

(dog barking) He's late tonight, Garrick.

Where can he be?

(singing quietly to herself) (clears throat) Sir!

Ross.

I was thinking you might stop over in town.

I have a home, do I not?

And a wife.

I just sometimes forget.

That I live here?

That I'm your wife.

Well, let this be a reminder.

Why are you up so late?

I have chores.

Suppose I have other plans for you?

Tell me.

(laughs) Yes, Ross?

Folks will wonder.

They'll not understand.

I don't rightly understand.

What?

How it came to happen.

This.

We.

You're not required to understand.

You're required to accept it as a fact of life.

So it's not to be a secret?

Why should it?

(birds squawking) (horse neighing) Good day, ladies.

Are we expecting a storm?

Storm of pilchards, God willing!

ROSS: They're late this year.

And we do fear they missed us entirely and swung away to Ireland.

If that happens, you'll have nothing to see you through winter.

And we'll starve.

Simple as that.

Let's hope it won't come to that.

I'm not a magician, sir!

I cannot conjure wages out of thin air!

The men must wait.

Did my father send you?

Why would he?

Read me the riot act?

Tell me what I'm doing wrong?

Or was it my wife?

Does she think I'm falling short of the mark?

Is she wrong to be concerned?

What she doesn't know won't hurt her.

What she suspects might.

Gaming?

Whoring?

What gentleman doesn't occasionally indulge?

This one.

Since when?

Since my wedding.

(singing) FRANCIS: Your kitchen maid?

But Ross, surely you must see... With such a wife, you cannot hope to have entry into any respectable gathering.

You will cut yourself out of society, consign yourself to... A life of peace and seclusion?

I must try to bear it as best I can.

May I leave you to share the glad tidings at Trenwith?

Demelza?

(coughing): Damn me, he's done it now!

What the devil can he mean by it?

(coughing) I never thought you the marrying kind.

Is she wealthy?

Not at all.

GEORGE: He could've had his pick.

Any number of eligible girls from rising families.

Instead of which, he marries his serving wench.

It beggars belief.

It may beggar him.

He must be deranged.

How else could he lower his sights so abominably?

Is she beautiful?

In a way.

In spite of all our assets, we Warleggans struggle to pass muster.

How will he fare with a scullery maid on his arm?

MRS. CHYNOWETH: His family will never forgive him.

Society will never forgive him.

CARY: Doors which were open will be slammed in his face.

His ventures will fail... And you can enjoy the sight of him in the gutter, along with his slut.

So you love her?

We get on.

VERITY: "My dear Ross, "I am the last person to criticize your attachment.

"But I would like to be the first to write to you and wish you joy."

ROSS: "I am presently taken up with tending father, but I hope soon to call to offer my felicitations in person."

There.

We have at least one friend.

"Calling"?

Who has time to call?

What do they mean by it?

"Calling"?

I'll call 'em!

What?

You been giving me squinty-eye ever since I got back from church.

How else we must look?

We don't rightly know who we looking at!

One minute she Miss Skivvily- Scullery-Kitchen-Maid, the next she be Mistress High and Mighty!

Do you think it's not as strange to me as it is to you?

Do you imagine I ever looked for or expected it?

Come to think of it, 'tis more your fault than mine!

How be that, then?

'Tis you have raised me up and taught me all I know.

So if I'm fit for better than I'd hoped, blame yourselves for educating me!

(door opens and closes) ROSS: Damn this ironstone.

Is there no end to it?

How long till we strike copper?

If we strike copper, it could be months.

Can we last?

With good will and good men.

And the power of luck beside.

We will need a rise in the price of ore.

Else we're all wasting our time.

This shareholders meeting.

Not a prospect I relish.

We're no closer to copper, so I must appeal for further investment if we're to keep blasting.

But are they not friends of yours?

If ever they were, they're reconsidering the connection.

PASCOE: I believe felicitations are in order.

Your son John?

Recently wed?

To Miss Ruth Teague.

A determined girl.

My best wishes to them both.

But are we not remiss, overlooking the presence of a bridegroom in our midst?

Oh yes, indeed, indeed.

Congratulations, Captain Poldark.

You have our best wishes for you and your young bride.

I thank you, gentlemen.

Now if you'll excuse me, I must consult Captain Henshawe before our meeting.

I confess myself uneasy.

His early skirmishes with the law.

His contempt of court at the last assizes.

Now this marriage to his serving wench.

You think him foolish?

I think him reckless in the extreme.

Is a man that demonstrates such a spectacular lack of judgment to be trusted?

Is he fit to helm a venture of such risk as a mine?

More to the point, am I prepared to trust him with more of my capital?

I am not, sir.

I can see no reason for pouring good money after bad.

Come to me when you've struck copper and I may reconsider.

Till then, you'll see no more of me or my guineas.

The rest of you share his opinion?

I do not.

Nor do I. ROSS: Gentlemen, thank you.

I'm sorry we could not bring you better reports.

(door opens) You got the candles and twine?

And the muslin for the cheese?

Open it.

A book for you.

To practice your letters.

And ribbons to tie up that unruly mane.

I know little of these things.

If they don't suit, give them to Prudie.

(gasps happily) Did I mention I wrote to your father?

Oh Ross, you never!

He'll be that vexed, thinking I'm never coming home.

I told him your duty lay here.

Well, so it do, Ross.

Nothing's changed.

Nothing?

I do get less sleep.

And that's your only complaint?

I have no complaints.

I do, however.

Tell me.

You have yet to make an official visit to the mine.

Oh no, Ross, I couldn't, how would it look?

"Look"?

A kitchen maid giving herself airs.

I see no kitchen maid.

I see a wife whose duty is to take an interest in her husband's work.

I do take an interest!

Excellent.

First thing tomorrow, then.

Harder, damn it, push harder!

Is this wise, sir?

Can Grambler not wait till you're stronger?

Dr. Choake ordered bed rest.

Dr. Choake doesn't have a failing mine or a son who's neither use nor ornament!

I'm touched by your faith, father.

Not sufficiently touched to behave like a man and the heir of Trenwith?

(cries out) Father!

Father!

I never knew such ironstone.

It's impenetrable.

Our luck has deserted us.

Let's hope the pilchards don't do likewise.

Mining and fishing is our lifeblood.

Surely both won't fail.

ROSS: Captain Henshawe, you know my wife Demelza?

A pleasure to see you, ma'am.

Good day to you, sir.

No sign of those shoals yet?

Demelza's of mining stock herself.

Her father's a tributer at Illuggan.

Perhaps you'd like him to join us here, ma'am?

I'd as lief stick a fork in my eye!

(chuckles) We do get on better from a distance, sir.

I must be getting back.

The pies'll be burning.

We hope to see you here often, ma'am.

(chuckles) DEMELZA: I was that worried I'd show you up!

Why would you?

I've no notion how to be.

As you are.

What am I?

A lady.

I'm not, and I don't know how.

You're a quick learner.

Nay, Ross, I came a day at your behest, but I shan't venture again.

Miners are my own kind, but I'd not be so kindly received by yours.

Judas!

I'll fetch him such a dusting!

Demelza!

Oi!

Guts!

Demelza!

Get back here, you good-for-nothing viper!

Thieving, conniving!

(cries out) Half a morn I labored at that pie, you lizard!

Demelza, leave him be!

Think to fox me, would you?

You'll have to be quicker than that!

Damn me if a man can't take a fair morsel now and then.

I told you to stop, did you not hear me?

Yes, but...

I cannot have my wife wrestling a manservant.

It's unbecoming.

No, Ross.

I see it is not dignified.

I'll remember next time.

There'll be no next time.

There's only one way to remind you you're no longer a servant.

But you'll do all the arranging?

I will not.

You are mistress of Nampara.

It's for you to engage your own servants.

JINNY: I'll serve you gladly, ma'am.

When shall you want me?

Tomorrow would be quite convenient.

Yes, ma'am.

Thank you, ma'am.

(knock at door) How does the patient fare?

Lucky to have any blood left!

Progress is excellent.

If he continues with my treatment, he can expect to eat a hearty Christmas dinner!

But how will you manage, Ross, without a kitchen maid?

My wife has this very day engaged another.

(laughs) The cheek of the devil.

But your father was no different!

The Nampara Poldarks were renowned for their disregard of convention.

Good day to you.

Mm... We're so delighted by the news, Ross.

Francis especially was quick to see the advantage.

Father... Of what?

A wife to divert you.

He feels it marginally less likely that you'll ride over and steal Elizabeth from him!

(laughs) Father!

Compose yourself.

(continues laughing) Oh, my heart!

My heart, my heart!

Fetch the doctor.

Damn, Choake, promised me Christmas dinner!

He's asked to see you.

I've lost all faith in this world of ours.

And my legacy.

We both know Francis is not the man you are.

Uncle... Look after him for me.

Of course.

And our family.

And our good name.

You have my word.

(bell tolling) He'll be missed.

Not by me.

Is it terrible to feel nothing but relief?

Nothing I ever did pleased him.

Not even your choice of wife?

He always said she would make a fine mistress of Trenwith.

And I an indifferent master.

You can still prove him wrong.

Oh, now I've come into my estate?

Half of it's mortgaged, the other half soon will be.

But apparently now, I'm one of the most important men in the county.

VERITY: Are you not coming down?

I really cannot face it.

Nor I, but one of us must play the hostess.

She didn't come.

His wife.

This isn't the occasion.

Will you give him my good wishes?

Shouldn't you do that yourself?

I wouldn't know where to begin.

FRANCIS: "Unwell"?

Not even the thought of a tête-à-tête with Ross could persuade her?

Francis... She'll have few opportunities with Mistress Poldark to amuse him.

You must be relieved.

How?

You're not the only one to disgrace the family by an unsuitable attachment.

Francis!

Consider yourself fortunate.

See what you've missed.

Dr. Choake.

Hm?

Mm...

I've puzzled you out.

Was I so hard to fathom?

Well, I thought so, but your recent nuptials have made everything clear.

It delights you to thumb your nose at society because you consider yourself above the niceties by which it operates.

Not above.

Just indifferent.

Are you pleased with Wheal Leisure?

Pray do not mention it to me.

Mining's always a gamble.

And the gamester rarely meets a Good Samaritan.

As in?

Someone willing to take a worthless bet off his hands.

But should I hear of anyone, would you be interested?

♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ What have I told you?

I don't require my wife to crochet and sip tea, but I do require her to remember she's not a beast of burden.

Are you happy?

I am.

Then I hope you'll be even more so when I tell you who's coming to stay.

Come on through.

It's so kind of you to invite me, my dear.

Would you care for some refreshment?

Oh, no, please, let me take care of myself.

The last thing I want is to give you any trouble.

No trouble at all.

We've been looking forward to your visit, haven't we, Demelza?

Yes, Ross.

ZACKY: Blasted copper!

It's proving a devil to find.

ROSS: Blasting is the word.

ZACKY: It seems to be our only hope.

(hammering metal) Right, boys.

(bell dings) Some tea?

Oh, thank you, but no.

It's a little early.

Oh.

Yes, so it is.

Thank you, Jinny.

You know, Ross is very dear to me.

What woman should ever deserve him, I couldn't imagine.

So when I heard he'd married you, I was...

Horrified.

Relieved.

Before he met you, he was... ...broken.

Lost.

So I was relieved to think he'd found someone to console him, to save him from his loneliness.

But now I see it's more than consolation.

You've given him hope.

A life without hope is bleak.

And a life without love... Oh, it's not that.

You do not?

Love him?

(sighs): Beyond anything.

But I could never hope that he... That he would ever...

He's kind to me.

And when we're abed, I have reason to think I do please him.

Oh, I'm sure you do.

But I'd never call it love.

He's never used that word to me, and I misdoubt he ever shall.

It's life's greatest treasure, to love... (voice shaking): ...and be loved in return.

My dear, do you think I care a jot where you come from or who your father is, or how well you curtsy?

I often wished I could curtsy.

Will you teach me, Verity?

(giggling): To the left!

Left, to the left!

No, to the right a little.

Well, make up your blasted blathering minds!

What in God's name are you doing?

We thought we should move it into the parlor so Demelza may learn to dance.

If you ladies would give us leave?

(giggling) Dip, one, two, three.

Dip, one, two, three... On your tiptoes... One, two, three, dip.

Dip.

Foot behind, foot behind.

One, two, three, step.

Step... Napkin.... ...goes to the left of the plate.

And slowly.

Dip, one, two, three.

(giggles) Good.

That man that used to meet Verity here.

Captain Blamey?

Has nothing been heard of him?

Thankfully, no.

Oh Ross, shame on you!

What do you mean?

How could you let them part like that?

What the devil could I do?

You should've stood up to your uncle for her.

Even now in her heart, she still hankers for him.

Then she must stop.

Why should she?

Must hope be buried and love denied?

What do you know of love?

A little.

Is that all?

Then you must practice more.

(baby cooing) DEMELZA: Must you go home tomorrow?

VERITY: Francis needs me, but I'll come again soon.

Did you really hate it today?

Oh, no!

I'm just afeared we spent too much money and it will all be wasted.

How could it?

Only that perhaps my measuring might not be the same for long.

My dear, do you mean...?

Oh, Ross will be delighted!

Don't tell him, not yet.

See, he's not liked me for long, and when I get to waddling about like an old duck, he might forget he ever liked me at all.

Ross forgets nothing.

If we're to find copper, it is now or not at all.

Come to watch us set our final fuse?

Will one more blast get us through?

One more blast is all we can afford.

(bell chiming) (man shouting) (birds squawking) I heard the bell, what's amiss?

We must leave at once.

Where are we going?

(men shouting) (happy, indistinct chatter) ROSS: Good catch, eh, Mark?

MARK: Handsome, Ross.

More than a quarter of a million they reckon before they're done.

I'm very glad; it'll make the difference this winter.

It will indeed!

Night, Ross, night, ma'am.

Night, Mark.

Night, Ross, night, ma'am.

Night, Ross, night, ma'am.

Good night.

Everyone's happy tonight.

They like you.

Nonsense.

'Tis the truth.

I should know, I'm one of them.

You're a gent.

You don't despise them.

You help them, give them food and work and... Marry you?

No, not that.

They don't know what to make of that.

But they like you just the same.

And you?

Do you like me?

I could learn to!

And I, you.

(wind howling) We're still not through.

I could swear we're almost there.

But we're out of gunpowder.

Capital, investors... How long can we continue?

An optimist would say three months.

And a realist?

Two.

I must find more investment.

It gives me no pleasure to tell you this, but capital's short.

I understand.

Though I've kept my ear to the ground in case other speculators could be found.

And?

Tom Choake has done you no favors, Ross.

His views on your marriage.

"Ross Poldark, the loose cannon.

Too much of a risk for the prudent investor."

I blame myself.

You couldn't foresee as we'd hit such rock.

But I could foresee that in marrying my kitchen maid, I'd scandalize all I might look to for capital.

Well, short of jilting her and wedding a rich heiress.

Perhaps I was over-hasty.

But it's done now.

So how shall we order things?

We can last till the week before Christmas.

(sighs) Let it be the week after.

If I have to sell half my house, I'll not ruin Christmas for them.

(sighs) (door opens and closes) From Francis.

Inviting us to spend Christmas at Trenwith.

Oh.

What's the matter?

I...

I couldn't.

You go.

Naturally, we both go or we both stay.

Ross, I aren't their sort.

They'll look down their noses, they'll send me to eat with the servants.

Do you think I ought to be ashamed of you?

'Tis not that, but... You think they are so much better than you?

I don't, but they'll think so.

Maybe not Verity, but... Elizabeth.

You do her an injustice.

And me.

You?

To think I could admire someone who thought meanly of you.

Do you admire her?

Elizabeth was born to be admired.

And I was born to pull turnips.

(chuckles) What are you doing?

Accepting the invitation.

(hammering) ROSS: What a sorry Christmas I've handed them.

No.

You've handed them near on 12 month of work they'd otherwise not have.

Welcome.

My dear, it's so good of you to come to us.

May I take you to meet Aunt Agatha?

Married, you say?

To my nephew?

Why wasn't I told of this?

FRANCIS: You were, Aunt.

I told you myself.

They never tell me anything.

And you, bud, where are you from?

Illuggan, ma'am.

Who do we know from Illuggan?

The Cardews?

You'll know Sir John, of course.

And the Perrins of Helston Hall?

No, ma'am.

Six generations of Poldarks I have seen.

Now what do you think of that?

You think I don't look old enough?

Quite right, too.

Now you go and sit by Elizabeth so that I can see how you measure up.

Aunt Agatha!

Go on, child.

Go, off you go!

Hm... A pretty little thing.

A mite coarse beside Elizabeth, but doubtless she'll polish up sufficient when the need arises.

FRANCIS: You think I don't know what you're about?

Taking her under your wing?

Making her your friend?

Francis... "Oh Ross, see how kind and generous I am!"

"Look what a pearl you've lost!"

You're being ridiculous.

Am I?

(sighs) (knock at door) What's this?

Just something I ordered from town.

No, Ross!

It's meant as a surprise!

It's just a family party.

No need to flig yourself up for it.

I asked Verity, and she said it was right to change for Christmas Eve.

Well, don't lace your stays too tight.

They feed you well here, and I know your appetite.

You were very kind to Demelza.

Who wouldn't be?

She looks like a startled faun.

She's young.

And this must seem very daunting to her.

You don't despise my choice then.

What right have I to despise anyone?

Besides, I've too much to distract me here-- Grambler failing and Francis gambling away his inheritance.

I'm sad to hear it.

Oh, and worse!

Rumors... No, reports, that he has another woman.

Has he?

If he has, he's an idiot.

(footsteps approaching) I am ravenous!

When do we dine?

DEMELZA: I can scarce stand up.

Lord knows how I'll keep my food down.

And they'll think I'm that vulgar and simple.

Ross will be sorry he ever wed me.

Here, let me help you.

I shan't lace you too tightly.

Thank you.

Trust your husband.

And yourself.

(knock at door in the distance) Visitors?

At this hour?

We were just passing, Francis.

Thought we'd come and offer the compliments of the season.

If we're intruding, we can easily depart.

Damn me nostrils, though!

What do I scent?

Swan?

Partridge?

Mrs. Tabb, please lay four more places for dinner.

TRENEGLOS: Ross Poldark, the famed recluse!

For all we see of you, you might be Robinson Crusoe!

Oh, but he has his Man Friday, dear.

Is she hereabout?

(quietly): Or should we seek her in the scullery?

Demelza.

Let me introduce you.

(indistinct chatter) TRENEGLOS: Damn you, Ross, for keeping this rosebud a secret!

RUTH: Hardly secret, John.

All the county was talking of her in June.

Yes, ma'am, people dearly love to gossip, don't they?

Ha!

Well answered, Mistress!

A merry Christmas and damnation to all gossip!

VERITY (quietly): She's on her mettle tonight.

POLDARK (quietly): Overdoing the manners a bit.

Look at her plate.

She's hardly touched a morsel.

Too busy making conquests!

CARY: What news of the mine, Ross?

Are we swimming in copper yet?

Not according to my father.

We have reason for optimism.

FRANCIS: Glad to hear it, Ross.

At least one of us is prospering.

CARY (quietly): You believe him?

(whispering): Each way, we win.

Enjoy his ruin or the fruits of his labor.

Our friend Choake saw the wisdom of my offer and sold me his shares in Wheal Leisure.

(laughs) (Demelza and John laughing) How do you manage for servants, Elizabeth?

Mama and I were only saying, young girls these days have such ideas, always trying to rise above their station.

ELIZABETH: I haven't noticed that.

Perhaps you've been unlucky.

Well, at least I have my own household.

My poor sisters all lack husbands.

And truly, beyond the age of 23, what hope is there?

I don't believe there's ever cause to give up hope.

'Tis sometimes just a question of waiting.

RUTH: And seizing the opportunity when it comes.

I bow before your expertise, ma'am.

(groaning and panting) (harp playing) (breathing heavily) (applause) Mistress Poldark, now you must play something for us.

Oh no, I don't... Not musical, ma'am?

Did your governess not teach you?

Demelza sings.

Then we must hear her.

TRENEGLOS: We surely must!

(note chimes out) ♪ I'd pluck a fair rose for my love ♪ ♪ I'd pluck a red rose blowing ♪ ♪ Love's in my heart ♪ ♪ A-trying so to prove ♪ ♪ What your heart's knowing ♪ ♪ I'd pluck a finger on a thorn ♪ ♪ I'd pluck a finger bleeding ♪ ♪ Red is my heart ♪ ♪ Wounded and forlorn ♪ ♪ And your heart needing ♪ ♪ I'd hold a finger to my tongue ♪ ♪ I'd hold a finger waiting ♪ ♪ My heart is sore until it joins in song ♪ ♪ With your heart mating.

♪ (applause) FRANCIS: Good night.

(door closes) (sighs) It's a curious thing.

(sighs) We envy a man for something he has, yet the truth may be he hasn't got it after all.

And we have.

Am I rambling?

Ignore me.

Merry Christmas, cousin.

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas, my love.

Thank you, Francis.

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas.

That wasn't so bad.

ROSS: I hope you won't live to regret your choice of husband.

Why would I?

We may soon be destitute.

There are other kinds of treasure.

(bell ringing) What is it?

A rockfall?

(men shouting) What's happened?

Copper!

Copper's been struck!

A monstrous load!

(laughing) So how did I do, Ross?

You were not too ashamed of me?

Why do you think I married you?

I don't rightly know.

To satisfy an appetite?

To save myself from being alone?

Because it was the right thing to do?

I had few expectations.

At best, you'd be a distraction.

A bandage to ease a wound.

But I was mistaken.

You have redeemed me.

I am your humble servant.

And I love you.

I hope you will have a little love to spare.

For what?

Our child.

Next time on Masterpiece... ELIZABETH: For months now, Grambler has been failing.

She means Francis has been failing.

My name is Poldark.

Did Verity send you?

May I see her?

How?

When?

Do I have a chance?

MAN: Did you hear of the riots in Launceston?

ROSS: People can only starve for so long while the rich get fat.

Poldark, next time on Masterpiece.

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