Episode 8 Poldark

We've two weeks of coal left. After that, the pumping engine stops.

-This hardship is too much.

-I can bear it. But for my son...

You'll make an offer for Geoffrey Charles' holding in Wheal Grace.

-I came to tell you I'm leaving.

-To be with Caroline?

Are you sure you don't regret our leaving?

The smugglers intend to use your cove tonight.

For two years there's been an informer about.

-Why would you do it?

-I done what I done!

And don't be my judge!

-Open fire!

-Ambush!

Relaunch!

Was he killed or did he do the job hisself?

I'm told they had their eye on a bigger prize.

Where is Cap'n Poldark?

I pity anyone who must depend on such a man.

I wonder she does not remarry.

A husband could offer her more protection.

He could. And he will.

MAN'S VOICE IN DISTANCE

What did he bring?

A proposal.

From Trencrom.

-Judas, Ross! Will you never learn?

-Possibly not.

You're about to stand trial for being part of a smuggling run.

I can't bear it all over again.

So you can tell Trencrom,

till he offers to stand in court in your place,

he can sling his proposals and his guineas

and his secret caches off Damsel Point!

My money's on transportation.

It's not essential. Elizabeth's already unnerved by his involvement.

Any form of discredit in court today will suffice.

Hm!

I admire your confidence.

When one has laid the foundations,

one has every right to expect a result.

CROWD CHATTERS

HANDBELL RINGS

-MAN:

-Call Ross Poldark!

Well, well...

..here we are again.

There are those who seem capable of learning from their mistakes.

And those who do not.

Clearly, you fall into the latter category.

Mr Poldark...

With the deepest respect, sir, I beg to differ.

-On what grounds?

-On the grounds that, on the night in question,

I was not at Nampara Cove, but at St Ives.

I can produce three witnesses to swear to the fact.

Customs Officer Vercoe

alleges you were part of the smuggling operation,

that you attacked him and broke his nose.

I'm very sorry to hear about Mr Vercoe's injury, sir, but...

as my witnesses will testify,

the assailant could not possibly have been I.

Aye, sir. It's true, sir.

Case dismissed.

-MAN:

-Call Dwight Enys!

I have perused your statement and I find it singularly unconvincing.

No man, no educated man, can suddenly appear on a cliff edge

and start building a bonfire without certain conclusions being drawn.

What explanation can you offer?

It was a cold night and my coat was thin.

CHUCKLING

A heavy responsibility rests upon all men of reputation

to help stamp out the illegal conduct

of their less enlightened neighbours,

not to encourage or participate in it.

What have you to say?

Nothing that would convince you, sir.

Fined £50 or three months' imprisonment.

Sir...

Mr Trencrom offers to pay your fine, sir.

Tell Mr Trencrom I thank him,

but I'm perfectly capable of paying my own fine.

You should take his bounty, Dwight. He looks after his friends.

Mr Trencrom is not my friend.

I did not go to all that trouble for his sake.

No, for mine.

-And you know what I feel about that.

-You told me many times.

-I am under an enduring debt.

-No.

Enduring.

So now it's all over, when do you leave for Bath?

I've no plans to do so.

-But your...your wedding to Caroline?

-Is off.

We were incompatible. I see that now.

It could never have lasted, and...

it would have led to misery on both sides.

What made you decide to accept Trencrom's offer?

When a man's life is in tatters, he can ill afford to be stubborn!

I never thought I'd see the day.

That I'd go to gaol?

That you'd play the penitent to avoid it!

I played the game!

I thought that's what you wanted.

Is there really no hope for Grace?

On Saturday, our coal runs out.

The engine will halt and so will the whole dismal venture.

I'm sorry for it.

I'm sorry for many things.

Our workers,

our coffers...

..and most of all, I'm sorry for you.

-Nay, Ross.

-No, for selling my shares in a profitable mine

and sinking them into this utter folly.

All I can say is this...

I will never again be guilty of such recklessness.

DOOR OPENS

Cap'n Henshawe to see 'ee, sir.

Cap'n Ross, ma'am.

Excuse the intrusion, but...

I'd like for ye to see something.

-What's that, the last of our coal?

-Hah!

-Tin.

-Tin?

It's from that main shaft we're sinking below the 60 fathoms.

They come upon it today.

Have you been down? Is there any size to it?

Six foot or more across and we don't yet know how deep.

We've spent 18 months searching for copper

and you expect me to get excited over a parcel of tin?

-Who found it?

-Ted Carkeek and Paul Daniel.

-Hm.

And they think they've discovered El Dorado.

I'd like for you to come and see it for yourself.

Trevithick reckons his engine should last 50 years.

No doubt he's right.

Well, given the opportunity.

'Tis worth a look, Cap'n. You'll not be disappointed.

-Will 'ee be joining us below, ma'am?

-No, I think not.

But do take my assistant and make sure he reports back to me.

SHE SINGS TO HERSELF

Betty...

Ah, it's true? A keenly lode found and the mine saved?

I wish, as much as you.

-LAUGHS:

-I'll save my wishes for an easy birthing.

Now, that is wishful thinking!

Good day to you, ladies.

Don't 'ee fear, Betty. If anyone can make it right, 'tis Dr Enys.

What it is to be a miracle worker!

I agree.

It's not unimpressive.

You said all along you'd a feeling to go deeper.

Yes, but for copper, not for tin.

Anyway...

..it may just be the merest pocket.

Bring up what you can. It'll make a difference to your final earnings.

We'd have give up more easily without this find.

I know that, Paul. But it's come too late to save us.

'Tis a queer one, though. Copper under tin, you'd expect.

But not tin under copper.

To my mind, what's needed is breathing space,

-to see if this'll amount to anything.

-I'd agree...

but how's that to happen?

I tell you, I don't have £20 in the world.

Betty seems fair.

I wish she were stronger.

But then, all these people are half-starved.

-She's braver than she looks.

-She wants me at the birthing.

Though, in truth, she's as well off with you and Mrs Zacky.

It'd make her easier to know she'd be tended by a man of learning.

With little practical experience.

That's not so! What you did for Rosina,

was that not practical?

Was indeed!

Has your knee given you any trouble since the night of the ambush?

No, sir. And I'm that grateful.

What would've happened if he hadn't come to help me?

-Well, you'd be wed to Charlie.

-I never knowed he was the informer.

'Tis better this way.

Is it?

If you hadn't helped Rosina...

I'd be married, in a new town, tending new patients,

living a new life.

Rosina's knee do have much to answer for!

It has saved me from myself, at any rate!

BANGING ON DOOR

Doctor...

Thank you.

-CAROLINE:

-"Dear Dwight...

"I am returning your letters, which I have fully digested

"and in which I find nothing to make me regret my decision.

"Your preference for your patients and friends is estimable.

"Had it not been at my expense,

"I would not now be requesting you never to write me again.

"But it was.

"So adieu."

Demelza!

I've been meaning to call upon you

to thank you for your kindness these past few months.

In lending you my husband?

In a manner of speaking.

Oh, you're welcome to him!

Just so long as you remember where he belong

and send him back to me when you're done with him.

Mistress Poldark! Another escape for your husband in court.

What a charmed life he leads.

It would appear so.

-For you, young man.

-George, you must stop this.

Oh, cannot a man spoil his godson?

This new find...

what do it mean?

In a word...

..nothing.

Perhaps if we'd struck a massive bed of tin,

requiring minimum outlay and promising quick return...

But tin do fetch less than copper.

Considerably.

And besides, what good would it do?

The tin industry's much depressed.

-A pity.

-Hm.

There it is.

Did I mention that I saw Horace Treneglos at the market?

No.

-Is he well?

-He sends his compliments.

And says that it's a shame that you've sold

all of your shares in Wheal Leisure.

I said that he must be mistaken,

for surely, if you had...

you'd have told me.

I've been meaning to mention this for some time.

But not quite sure how to begin.

As you know, Francis sank his last £600 into Wheal Grace.

Yes.

And when he died, he left Elizabeth with...considerable debts.

To relieve her poverty, I bought all his shares in Wheal Grace,

through a third party, knowing she'd not accept the money as a gift.

But why should you...?

Because I felt under a burden of obligation...

..to Francis and his family...

..which is now discharged.

Of course, at the time, we had Trencrom's money coming in, but...

..since the ambush...

Are you angry?

That you help Elizabeth.

-And Geoffrey Charles.

-And leave Jeremy and me to fend for ourselves.

You have me to fend for you. They have no-one.

Are you sure?

From what I hear...

George is being very obliging.

Oh...

Doubtless he would be...

if Elizabeth would let him.

But she will not.

George's ambition, before Francis died,

was to drive a wedge between our two families.

And the easiest way to do it was by befriending theirs.

By helping Elizabeth, he is merely continuing the same tactics.

Yes, Ross.

And although it was my aim in helping her,

it does have the effect of strengthening her hand against him.

Yes, Ross.

Mistress Demelza!

Who be that, then, coming across the fields?

Betty Carkeek!

'Tis her time and Dr Enys can't be found!

Ross! Fetch me the brandy wine!

Calm yourself, we'll go, we'll go.

Now, you stay here, Jeremy.

Thank you.

Come here. Come here.

Up!

Hurry.

Sir! Cap'n, er...

Who is it?

Er...Henshawe asking for 'ee.

-Your mine...whatever.

-Here.

Hey?

Won't be long.

BETTY SCREAMS IN AGONY

Betty, I brought you something for the pain.

Shhh...

I found him, Betty! Dr Enys be here!

BETTY GROANS

SHE CRIES OUT

We've opened her up a tidy bit these past days.

The last we brought up, 'tis as rich as I'd ever see'd.

Ross...

More and more it go against the grain

to let her fill up with water, knowing what's down there.

It goes against the grain at any time,

but without coal to keep the pump working...

Well, that's what I been thinking.

I could put down £100.

It would see us through another month.

You'd be willing to do that?

-After all our failures?

-In a day or so we'll know better.

If nothing comes of it, we can close and I'll have lost £20.

Now, with your permission, I thought to send out for more coal.

By all means...send out.

HENSHAWE CHUCKLES

BETTY SCREAMS

He'll be a boy, that's for sure!

They's trouble even afore they born!

Push. Push, Betty. Push.

BETTY SCREAMS

BABY CRIES

Betty! You'll never guess!

There's news of Grace!

And a fine new Carkeek boy!

What news of Grace?

She's to stay open another month!

'Tis a blessing we never looked for.

God willing the lode should hold

and I'll be able to feed my family!

-To young Master Carkeek!

-And tin!

And tin!

God bless 'ee, sir.

Bless Captain Henshawe. He's our saviour.

This is becoming an obsession.

Are you planning on joining the Army?

Why would I do that, when I have battle fronts of my own at home?

Hm!

Which reminds me... Have those forces been deployed yet?

Mm. As per your instructions.

Don't frown, dear. A wrinkled brow is not becoming.

I'm at my wits' end with Tabb.

He contradicts everything I say,

as if he thinks he is master here now.

And now these letters have come. All these questions

which, apparently, only I can answer.

A tithe of £1.6s on the seines of certain fishing boats in Sawle.

Should the fishermen be pressed for money?

I don't know! Should they?

Can I afford not to press them?

Whose need is greater?

Dear God, is there no end to it?!

What is it?

-Who are these people?

-Tinners.

Exercising their rights, under Stannary Law, to prospect for tin.

But this is outrageous!

Vulgars, permitted by law,

to violate the purlieu of a gentleman's estate!

SHE SPLUTTERS

How can such a thing be lawful?

It's monstrous!

Mon... Mon... Monstrous!

SHE COUGHS AND SPLUTTERS

No sign of it petering out?

Far from it.

You know I'm not one to raise hopes, but it could be significant.

The damage is considerable.

She'll need constant care for the foreseeable future,

possibly the rest of her life.

But...we cannot afford a nurse.

Who is to provide...?

Me.

I must be the one to take care of her.

Who's to take care of me? I was here first!

I must speak to Ross.

You'll get no sympathy from that quarter!

He was never a fan of your mother.

Is there no-one else you can turn to?

I came as soon as I could. How is she?

Very bad.

Dr Enys fears she may never recover.

You must know how that grieves me.

I know how fond you are of her.

Do you know what I wish?

-No.

-That you would allow me to make all the necessary arrangements.

Engage a separate establishment for her, here at Trenwith,

so that no further burden need fall on you.

-I couldn't let you do that.

-You're so frail, Elizabeth.

You try to be strong, but now it is you who needs care.

Let me provide it.

You're very kind, George.

But I'm stronger than I look.

I will have to be.

One must take what life sends.

But not what I send?

You've already given so much.

For my godson, a few trifles.

For yourself, nothing.

At least let me help your dear mother.

SHE SIGHS

Your generosity makes me ashamed to refuse you anything.

If there was one thing you did not...refuse me...

..it would solve everything.

What's that?

Yourself.

Before you speak, let me add one thing.

You must be aware how long I have loved you.

Serving you only as I could, paying back Francis' card debts,

allowing no thought of retaliation when he persistently insulted me.

Since his death, I've served you in any way you would allow

and will continue to do so, whether or not I stand to gain by it.

-And I'm more than grateful.

-But now...I ask you to marry me.

I say that I love you.

Now, I don't flatter myself that you love me.

I think you might... like and respect me.

I hope, in time, that liking might become something more.

-But...

-I cannot bring you breeding.

But I can bring a kind of gentility

which is all the more punctilious for being only a generation deep.

-As for material considerations...

-George, please!

No, I know you would never marry for money.

If you did, you would not be the person I know you to be.

But at the risk of offending, let me be clear about what I can offer.

My house is four times the size of Trenwith.

I have 20 servants. A park of 500 acres.

My own carriage. A phaeton.

You could have one, too.

Or three or four.

I'd take you to London or Bath.

You'd wear the finest clothes, the rarest jewels,

mix with the best in society.

As my adopted son, Geoffrey Charles would be my heir.

For so long you have lived in a cage.

Will you not allow me to give you the key?

Oh, George...

I don't know what to say.

Say nothing, my dear.

I don't ask for an answer now.

I only ask permission to give.

It's just...that I feel so alone.

Loneliness is not one-sided, Elizabeth.

A man may feel it, too.

Especially when he has loved as long and as devotedly as I have.

And the devil taketh him up into an exceedingly high mountain

and showeth him all the kingdoms of the world

and saith, "All these things I will give thee..."

Yes, Aunt.

All these things and more besides.

A fortune for my boy,

to make up for the one his father lost.

And what is he expecting in return?

A heart?

Is he aware that you have none to give,

having long ago bestowed it elsewhere?

How soon till we need timbers?

Timbers cost.

-And without them?

-You know as well as I do.

Is it a risk we're willing to take?

It's a risk we've been taking for some time now.

We've shored it up best we can.

We'd sooner 'ee spent money on coal to keep the pump going.

There isn't a mine in existence wouldn't take the same chance.

-It's a pretty piece!

-Mm. I made it from an old one of Ross'.

I shall wear it tonight. We're expecting visitors.

Do I know 'em?

One of them you even like!

Hah!

You grew up here?

'Tis a veritable galleon compared to my father's humble sloop.

Aye, aye, Captain!

Or should I say...Admiral?

My father!

Charles William Poldark.

Then he is my grandfather-by-proxy,

since you are my commanding officer, Stepmama!

Elizabeth, my dear! How are you? May I introduce my stepson?

Midshipman James Blamey.

My sister-in-law Elizabeth Poldark.

Your servant, ma'am.

Close the hatch, dear.

We don't want to be catching flies, do we?

Well, Elizabeth...

Well, cousin. How good of you to come.

AUNT AGATHA: Is that little Verity?

Bring her to me this minute.

Cutlass at the ready?

THEY CHUCKLE

Had I known of your mother's condition,

we'd not have dreamed of intruding.

How difficult it must be for you.

It was, at first,

but now she has a nurse and a maid.

Is that not expensive?

How strange it must be for you here,

without Francis.

No more than for you.

I've had to grow used to it...

for Geoffrey Charles' sake.

And can you?

For my son, I must do whatever's necessary.

And that, boy, is how you put the Navy in its place!

Your great-aunt is a fiend at French Ruff.

-Obviously, I let her win.

-Obviously!

We're expected at Nampara. You'll go with us?

Oh, I...

Yes, Elizabeth?

I have a headache.

Did Elizabeth not wish to join you?

She's much distressed over her mother's illness.

She sends her apologies and her love.

Mistress Poldark's a thing of beauty, do you not think?

Were I five years older, I'd throw myself at her feet!

She'd very likely trample you underfoot!

On our way over, I noticed the engine chimney

of the mine still smoking.

Oh, we continue to limp on, existing on a shoestring,

-everything against us.

-Not entirely!

Tin has been found. We're not sure how far or how deep it goes, but...

The quality of the ore is promising, I admit it.

I'm very glad for you.

A change in your fortune is long-deserved.

You keep a very fine ship, Captain. Do you have your own cabin?

Naturally. Would you care to inspect it, sir?

Ha! So I should!

Do you see much of Elizabeth?

She don't seem inclined to visit us now.

Though she's happy enough to admit Ross.

Or was. Why do you ask?

I don't know, there's something...

I cannot put my finger on it.

She seems a little on edge, as if innerly excited.

And I got the impression...

Yes?

..that she thinks her circumstances are about to change.

-Oh.

-Do you know why that might be?

Perhaps you should ask Ross.

That sounds a little bitter.

Do it? I only meant, he sees more of her than I.

I know he did love her.

So when he goes to see her, I...

I'd not be human if I didn't wonder what they say to each other,

or if they still have feelings.

You think they do?

They were each other's first love.

Such a love cannot easily be put aside.

But you have no reason to think...

No reason. Just...

..Ross'd never mean to hurt me.

But I think, if it came to a choice between me and Elizabeth...

And with Elizabeth now free...

You cannot believe that!

Your ship is the Thunderer?

The frigate Hunter now, under Admiral Gell.

We're in Plymouth Sound at present, but under sailing orders next week.

I'm monstrous glad of it.

I'd not want the war to end before I've had the chance

to pepper the Frenchies!

Oh, I'm sure there'll be plenty of opportunity for glory

before the war is out.

DOOR OPENS

Oh, er...my apologies.

No, no, come in. Join us.

May I introduce Midshipman James Blamey?

-My good friend Dr Dwight Enys.

-Your servant, sir.

And yours, sir.

If you ever tire of life ashore, consider us poor souls in the fleet.

We're in dire need of good surgeons.

Is that so?

Honour and glory beckon, as well as blood and gore!

Honour and glory I can do without, but...

a mission somewhere useful to direct my energies...

We can surely provide that.

And a good skirmish is a fine distraction.

The point is, to do something.

I agree.

Idleness allows us too much time to think.

What a treasure is James.

He's like the west wind - all gusty and clean and kind.

-Oh, and he adores you.

-And I him.

As if he were my own son.

Oh, Verity, I'm that glad.

It'd make up for...

For what? My not having a child of my own?

Oh, but that's the most wonderful thing.

There is nothing to make up for.

Verity! When?!

-About October.

-Oh...!

THEY LAUGH AND GIGGLE

Is it Verity's news which keeps you awake?

I think so.

I can't imagine what else it could be.

No. I don't suppose you can.

-VERITY'S VOICE:

-And I got the impression

that she thinks her circumstances were about to change.

Is it not dangerous, Captain,

riding when you're not recovered?

You leave me no choice!

I was hoping you'd visit me as I convalesce.

Or else, that I'd, er, receive an invitation to visit you.

Well, last time you came without an invitation.

Ah, that was in the course of duty.

This is in the pursuit of pleasure.

Well, as you can see, my husband is not here.

Are you sure of that?

On my previous visit, you told me he was from home.

Yet we both know he was somewhere about the house.

-Do we?

-Indeed.

I thought it probable, if I posted a watch long enough,

we'd discover where he was hiding.

And did you post such a watch?

Oh!

I did not.

Why?

I have too great a regard for you, ma'am.

In truth, my heart was not in it.

I'm a soldier, not a spy.

I hold nothing against Captain Poldark,

except he married so charming a wife.

So I trust you hold nothing against me for what I did.

Indeed.

I'm obliged to you for what you did not do.

So now I'm forced to venture out for company and gossip.

So what can you tell me?

What news of your cousin-in-law, Mistress Elizabeth?

I am sure I've heard nothing.

I'd have thought you, of all people, would know.

And what do you hear?

Only that Sir Hugh Bodrugan,

who shares a tailor with a certain person,

tells me that certain person has just ordered his wedding clothes.

Judas! Who's that?

Can you not guess?

Why, George Warleggan!

Had you no idea?

No.

Erm...well, that is, er...

..yes, I did somewhat suspicion.

No doubt you'll be able to ask him yourself at the ball.

The ball?

Sir Hugh is to hold a ball in a week's time.

-I hope you'll favour me with the ecossaise?

-Yes.

Of course.

Well...

..thank you for calling, Captain McNeil.

I must go and check on Jeremy.

Pray excuse me.

THEY LAUGH AND GIGGLE

What ails 'ee, maid?

George Warleggan is to marry Elizabeth.

Mr Ross'll be surprised.

Mr Ross mustn't be told.

He'll find out soon enough, but it won't be from me.

HAMMERS AND CHISELS CLATTER

Fresh air and whatever fruit you can get.

Phthisis and scurvy?

No wonder you've had your fill.

I confess, a new challenge would suit me.

A war would certainly supply that.

Are you not tempted yourself?

If duty calls, I won't ignore it.

But I know enough of combat not to relish it.

Whereas I can almost hear the cannons as we speak.

-It'll be a test.

-See how far we can cut it back.

RUMBLING

She's coming down. Run! Run!

FAINT RUMBLING

Run! Run!

MEN SHOUT

DISTANT SHOUTING

How many?

-How many?

-There's Paul and Ted!

There's one here!

Paul!

-Who's unaccounted for?

-Dan Curnow, Ted Carkeek.

We don't stop until they're found.

Forgive my intrusion.

I thought to bring you the news before you heard it elsewhere.

There's been an accident at Wheal Grace.

-Your cousin-in-law...

-Is dead?

Is very much alive.

Only the poor souls who labour for him have paid the price.

What happened?

What inevitably happens when corners are cut

and safety is abandoned in favour of profit.

I can scarce believe it. Ross of all people...

Is a desperate man.

One can only feel for his wife and child,

innocent casualties of his overwhelming hubris,

now condemned to a life of penury.

Oh, but forgive me for keeping you from your dear relations.

The devil...

I hope you know what you're doing.

Where's Ted?

Dwight!

How is he?

He was buried too long. I can't bring him back.

There's nothing you can do here, Ross.

Help the others.

One dead.

Two.

And five more badly injured.

-I'm to blame.

-Nay, Ross.

-I should have ordered timbers.

We're all to blame. We knew the risks.

Grace is mine.

I should have insisted.

Ted...

20 fathoms of pumping gear gone.

Six weeks or more to clear the debris.

200 won't even do it, even if we each had the capital.

Even then, I wouldn't attempt it.

This mine has cost three lives.

It was an ill-conceived venture from the start.

It will never open again.

"My dear Ross, I do not know how to write this letter

"or to tell you what I have to say..."

HE GRUNTS

Are you ahead?

I've already won.

I've secured the hand of the woman I love.

Elizabeth Poldark.

And in so doing, will deal the deadliest blow

to my bitterest enemy.

I see I must congratulate you.

Oh, I congratulate myself.

It's not given to many to achieve so much...

at a single stroke.

Sometimes, I don't know my own strength.

What is it?

Sir Hugh Bodrugan...

inviting us to a ball.

Oh!

Obviously, we'll decline.

Of course.

Letter come from Trenwith.

Thank you, Prudie.

-ELIZABETH:

-"I know what I have to say will distress you

"and I, who gave you so much pain once before,

"would do almost anything than to hurt you again and in the same way.

"Yet, it seems I must.

"Oh, Ross, my life has been very frustrating

"and since Francis died, a lonely and an empty one.

"Perhaps I am the wrong sort of person to be left alone.

"I seem to need the strength and protection only a man can give.

"I have agreed to marry George Warleggan."

-I'm going to Trenwith.

-No, Ross, not tonight.

-I must speak with Elizabeth.

-Ross, you can't!

Do you know what this is?

Is it about George?

You knew...!

I heard rumours.

-And you didn't think to tell me?

-What, and have my head snapped off?

This...thing must be stopped.

How will you stop it? You can't stop it.

-Perhaps you don't want me to stop it.

-Perhaps I don't!

And especially not like this.

Like what?

Whatever it is you intend.

How do you know what I intend?

How do I know anything, Ross? How do I know you?

And yet, I think I do.

Please, get out of my way.

Ross...

don't go there tonight. Wait until tomorrow.

Please...

get out...of my way.

HE BANGS ON THE DOOR

Elizabeth!

DOOR CRASHES

CRASHING ECHOES

Elizabeth!

Ross...!

I came to pay my respects

and to thank you for your letter.

-Perhaps tomorrow morn...

-No.

Not tomorrow. Now.

Downstairs, then.

I'll get a candle.

-Ross, I don't think...

-I should be in here?

There is no-one to consider but you and I.

Ross, I so hated having to send you that letter but, really...

-I've said all there is to be said.

-I disagree.

Perhaps you could clarify something for me...

-George Warleggan...

-Yes?

..a man I consider my greatest enemy.

And you...

I've long considered my greatest friend.

In which particular am I most adrift?

It's not as simple as that, Ross.

Of course I'm proud and happy

to think of you as my greatest friend.

Well...

it was more than that, as I recall.

Did you not tell me, barely 12 months ago...

..that you had made a mistake in marrying Francis?

That you realised quite soon that it was I you had always loved?

Do you think I would ever have said those words

had I known what would happen to Francis?

And yet, they cannot be unsaid.

I felt you needed to know

that, if you were unhappy in those early days, then so was I.

That the mistake was not yours, but mine.

That "mistake", as you call it...

..has cost many people dear.

Francis...

yourself...

myself.

What mistake are you making now?

I don't expect you to understand.

Try me.

George has been so good to me since Francis died, so kind.

Do you marry a man out of gratitude?

No! Not just that.

You're wrong to think of him as your greatest enemy.

The man who tried to get me hanged?

I don't believe that's what he intended.

And now, I think I can help mend the breach between you.

Are you marrying him for his money?

How dare you?!

God knows I've made mistakes in my life, Ross...

..but I've tried to be loyal to the people I care for.

And what seems like disloyalty to you now

is actually loyalty to my son!

What do you suggest for me?

30 years of widowhood and loneliness?

Can you offer me anything else?

Do you?

Do you love George?

-Yes.

-Why do I not believe you?

Why does this remind me of when you said you loved Francis?

You ask me, would I condemn you to 30 years of widowhood?

Why would I need to?

You could have your pick of 30 men!

But I won't see you condemned to George!

Please, leave now, Ross!

I'm my own mistress and I will not be instructed.

I'm sorry you feel like this, but I cannot help it.

Oh, you've never been able to help anything, have you?

It's all beyond your control.

Full of good intentions, leaving a trail of havoc in your wake!

Or perhaps you can't help this, either.

I oppose this marriage, Elizabeth.

I'd be glad of your assurance you will not go through with it.

We both know you don't love him.

I love him to distraction and will marry him next month!

Ross!

You're hateful, horrible! I detest you!

No, you don't. You never have and you never will.

You would not dare. You would not dare!

Oh, I would, Elizabeth. I would.

And so would you.

BABY CRIES

-It ain't right.

-It ain't fair.

-It ain't fit.

-It isn't.

I must go before the household wakes.

What shall we...?

I must think.

-When will you...?

-Soon.

APPROACHING CLATTER OF HOOVES

What can I say?

It was something...

I cannot explain.

You must see I had no choice.

Nor I.