Episode 1 Poldark

-Can not a man love two women?

-I think he loves Elizabeth better.

-To the Poldarks.

-And Wheal Grace.

HE SCREAMS

-Are you stalking me, Dr Enys?

-Not at all.

-I am a gentleman, sir.

-And she is an heiress.

I ask you to marry me.

-Don't go there tonight.

-Get out of my way.

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

-Do you not want her?

-I don't know.

He's left me with only one possible choice.

I thought you should know, he has joined the Navy.

-I'm going to war.

-So, these are our last few hours.

My true and abiding love is for you.

She will never come between us again.

In the summer, Elizabeth gives birth to a Warleggan heir.

Unless it comes sooner.

HORSE'S HOOVES THUNDER, SHE GASPS

HORSE SNORTS

HORSE WHINNIES IN DISTANCE

SHE SCREAMS

HORSE WHINNIES, SHE GASPS

-Elizabeth!

-HORSE WHINNIES

-Are you hurt?

-No, not in the least.

-Please let go. I can manage.

-You could have been thrown.

-Well, is it any of your concern?

-You were in difficulty.

-Would you rather I just abandon you?

-Because that would be unheard of?

I wish you nothing but good, Elizabeth.

-You must know that.

-Must I?

HORSE'S HOOVES APPROACH

Elizabeth, what happened? One moment you were behind me, the next...

-The horse bolted.

-I happened to be close by.

Neither my wife nor my unborn child require your assistance.

Must you turn everything into a battle, George?

Lay hand or set foot on anything of mine again,

and you will find the battle has barely begun.

-HORSE WHINNIES

-Yah!

How looked Elizabeth?

Must be near her time.

-Or within a month of it.

-I know little of these things.

-And care even less?

-Would you rather I care more?

I'd rather there was one day in seven

that you did not rise before dawn.

Then I fear you've married the wrong man.

What is it for, Ross?

You're always about some task, but to what purpose?

'Tis almost as if to keep your mind from thinking.

Whereas you, my love, think too much.

If you recall, my dear, I was against you riding at all

with barely a month to go before the child.

-Perhaps it was a little reckless.

-And not for the first time.

Only yesterday, I find you lifting heavy books.

Before that, a three-mile walk.

Perhaps you'd advise against me joining you in Truro today.

My dear, nothing would gratify me more

than to have you beside me at the grand opening,

but our priority now must be the welfare of the Warleggan heir.

DOOR OPENS

Mama, I heard Saphira took you for a gallop

and Uncle Ross saved you.

-Who is spreading such tales?

-We ought to thank him.

-Shall we ask him and Aunt Demelza to dinner?

-Excellent thought.

Uncle Ross and Aunt Demelza do not visit us now.

But why should that be?

-They are Poldarks and we are...

-Warleggans.

I've been thinking, boy,

that the time has come for you to take my name.

He was born a Poldark.

But since his mama's marriage, he is now my son.

-HE SIGHS

-Since you wish it,

-I will change my name...

-Good boy.

..to Geoffrey Charles Francis Poldark.

SHE SNIGGERS

No. No. No. No, my dear.

Your efforts, though valiant, will be in vain.

Dr Enys warned me

he could only prolong my life, not save it.

Dr Enys may be wrong.

Dr Enys is at sea

and doubtless gives me not a second thought.

Still, there is, however,

something that would ease me.

If, when I'm gone,

you will be cared for by a husband of wealth and consequence.

Lord Coniston has written,

asking for permission to announce your engagement.

And, as I have told you, I cannot consider it.

You are my only concern.

Still, I wish....

Shh, Uncle. The subject is closed.

-Captain Poldark!

-HORSE WHINNIES

-Finally!

-George thanking 'ee for saving Elizabeth?

No. The thing I've been labouring to bring about for months.

-SHE LAUGHS

-I must leave immediately.

# Now, this old man went out to roam

# Twee, tweedle, twee

# Now, this old man went out to roam

# Left his wife alone at home

# For a funny old woman was she, was she

# A funny old woman was she

# A funny old woman was she. #

-How will it be managed?

-With care and the utmost secrecy.

Judas, I can scarce believe this day has come.

It's far from over, and anything could go amiss.

Well?

Tomorrow.

Who be this, then?

-Prudie, this be my brother, Drake.

-Good day, ma'am.

How be you've escaped father's clutches?

Nay, 'tis he did send me.

-Wherefore?

-To fetch 'ee home.

And is the broodmare safely back in the stall?

I must ask you not to use such terms.

Elizabeth is much more to me than that.

Which, frankly, baffles me.

The thrall she's exerted over you and Francis, Ross -

I fail to see the fascination.

-In fact...

-You think I could have done better.

Yes, Uncle. You've said so many times.

And the Poldark brat?

Grows more like his father every day.

-Spoilt, petulant.

-And overly attached to his mother.

Two words.

Boarding school.

Softly, Uncle. These things must be done by degrees.

But, in fact, I will be tackling the subject this very afternoon

after we've commenced our mission to be the only bank in Cornwall.

DOOR CLOSES

-Be this Cap'n Poldark?

-My brother, Drake.

-What brings you here?

-Father, sir, did send for Sister.

-To what purpose?

-To make his farewells. He's a-dyin'.

-Will you go?

-I've no liking to. The man never loved me.

-All he ever give'd me was bruises.

-And I.

Though it do grieve me, I think I must decline.

'Tis brother Sam did urge me here. I tell'd him 'ee wouldn't come back.

-'Tis not for want of love of thee.

-I do know that, Sister.

SHE SIGHS

Impending arrival brings fresh travail.

That's cheerful(!)

Blood, name, purpose, fate -

the cards tell me naught.

But he's coming, sooner than we think.

BAND PLAYS

Uncle Ross!

Come indoors, boy. The rabble are mustering.

Would you like me to convey your respects

to young Master Warleggan?

By all means, if ever he exists.

As if that monstrous bank were not enough.

Now George must flaunt his ownership of all the Trenwith Poldarks.

Well, he means to put me out of business.

-Every day, he grows more dominant.

-The war with France suits him.

Men like Enys go off to fight

while George stays home and grows rich.

Fine way to make a profit(!)

But of matters more pleasant -

your accounts are healthy, your mine prospers.

My land thrives, my family is well,

and I promised my wife my fighting days are done.

Then what could possibly go wrong?

It did gladden the heart to see how 'ee live now, Sister -

in such contentment and with so fine a gent as Cap'n Poldark.

Yes, Brother. Truly, I am blessed.

Tell Father that I'll pray for him.

SHE SNIFFS Morwenna!

This way, madam.

-Are we here to ask for money, Mama?

-Don't be uncouth, Morwenna.

Your father may have left us destitute,

but we are not so vulgar as to beg.

My dear Mrs Chynoweth.

Such a noble family name

and so undeserving of your current misfortune.

I hope I can be of service on this auspicious day.

May I present my daughter, Morwenna?

I have the honour to be your relation,

since I married your cousin, Elizabeth.

And, as you may know,

our first child will be born next month.

-Yet I worry for my stepson.

-Is he unwell?

Thankfully, no, but with the arrival of a sibling,

I'm concerned he may no longer receive the attention he deserves.

But I've been speaking with your mother

and we think we've found a solution.

The bank opening was so dull.

I made Trigg take me home as soon as it was over.

SHE CHUCKLES Uncle George has returned.

But who is that with him?

A governess?

What on earth do you mean?

Forgive me, cousin, this is no reflection on you.

It's just...we have never discussed this.

Why would Geoffrey Charles even need a governess?

-My dear, you must see what I'm thinking?

-Oh, we do!

Do we want him to feel neglected

in his final year before he goes away to school?

But I thought we'd agreed he would not go away.

I would miss him too much, and he would miss me.

But your cousin is a most amiable girl.

She's, of course, no substitute for you,

yet she will help him to be less dependent.

And her presence here will take the burden off you.

My son is not a burden to me.

And how can I applaud an arrangement in which I am no longer

the major influence in my child's life?

But how could you ever continue to be

when, in a month, you will have our child to care for?

-You fetched all I asked for?

-Now you can supply the feast.

If you can supply the guests.

I saw George outside his new bank.

-Geoffrey Charles was with him.

-By choice?

Francis must be turning in his grave.

Message from the mine. 'Ee have a visitor.

Who's our mystery caller?

-Ah!

-Well, Uncle Ross.

-Well, Nephew.

-So, you've escaped your jailers?

-Seeing you reminded me of Papa,

so I thought, "Why should I not go and visit his mine?"

-You're welcome any time.

-So I should hope.

After all, mining is in my blood.

Your father must have told you, mining is hard.

-And the results uncertain.

-This seems real enough.

Well, that's the finished article.

I should like to find some for myself. May I?

See here? This is a fine quartzy rock.

And that becomes bright, shiny metal?

Sounds easy, does it not?

To think I'm the last of the Trenwith Poldarks.

-You forget Aunt Agatha.

-So do you.

-HE LAUGHS

-Or so she tells me!

I think of her often.

And you.

This is Morwenna, your new governess, and my cousin.

I hope, in time, we can become good friends.

-Of course you will!

-HE SCOFFS

Oh, Aunt, Uncle Ross said I must pass on his good wishes.

-He misses you.

-And I, him.

-Where did you speak with Ross?

-At the mine.

-I went to visit him.

-By whose permission?

I need no permission to visit my own family.

Quite right, boy!

Fitty fizzog he have, little brother of yourn.

-I wish he'd never come.

-'Ee'd sooner not be minded of him?

There's much I'd sooner not be minded of.

I should learn to be like Ross.

What he can't abide to think on, it's like it don't exist.

SHE GROANS SOFTLY

SHE GASPS

-Ross, am I a bad daughter?

-He was a bad father.

And yet 'tis a bond, Ross...

..father and child.

Despite all, it cannot be denied.

-Can you be there and back in time?

-If we leave now.

If you're late, we cannot wait for you.

Of course. You mustn't miss the hour.

I can scarce believe 'twill happen at all.

It must and it will,

provided the other parties play their part.

No, Horace. You must stay here and guard Uncle Ray.

Caroline? Are you going out?

I've been thinking over what you said, Uncle,

about Lord Coniston,

-and I wondered if I shouldn't go to London.

-Oh, my dear.

You'd make your old guardian very happy.

I only wish I could come with you.

I'll be there and back before you know it.

KNOCK ON DOOR

DOOR CREAKS OPEN

Sister be here, Father, as ye did command.

Take his hand.

The hour is upon me, Daughter.

I'd easier go...

..if I know'd 'ee've returned to the light.

The Lord is merciful and He shall guide 'ee home.

I thank the Lord kindly...

..but I believe I know my own way.

Samuel. Drake.

'Tis for thee to lead...

..the fallen souls of Cornwall.

Aye, Father. We'll make it our mission.

Ah, Ross, here you are.

Tom Harry spied you riding this way.

I believe I'm free to do so.

Unless you've purchased every church in Cornwall.

There are a few places I've yet to purchase,

Wheal Grace being one.

I think we both know there are things which even you cannot buy.

Your stepson, for instance.

It would be a mistake to encourage his visits.

A mistake for whom?

He's my stepson and heir. He'd do well not to displease me.

Surely his very existence displeases you.

I shall tolerate him for the moment

for I may soon have a son of my own,

and then everything will change.

Before Papa died,

sometimes villagers would pass and we'd all talk together.

But since, Uncle George had fences built.

Why did he so?

Uncle George likes people to know what he owns.

He's been very kind to me.

Oh, he is kind, till he gets what he wants.

# Jesus, lover of my soul

# Let me to thy bosom fly

# While the nearer waters roll

# While the tempest still is high

# Hide me, O my Saviour, hide... #

He can't last much longer.

I'd stay, but I'm already late.

What will you do now?

Sam do wish us to get out and spread the Word.

And what do you wish?

Just to get out.

Shall we begin?

Dearly beloved, we are gathered together

here in the sight of God...

Does your mama approve of you wandering so far?

What harm can it do?

I did not say I disapproved.

I'm a great believer in fresh air and exercise.

I see we'll agree very well.

Oh, look. There.

That's my Uncle Ross and Aunt Demelza.

The other gentleman is Dr Enys.

He used to attend our family before Uncle George came.

When Papa was alive, we saw much of Uncle Ross.

Even after, he and Mama were good friends...

-..but now, no longer.

-How sad.

I wonder what could be the cause.

SCREAMING

Elizabeth?

Elizabeth? Elizabeth?

Elizabeth? Help! Give me some help here!

Help me carry her upstairs.

And send for Dr Choake. Bid him come at once!

To Ross - who conceived and executed the plans,

spirited me from Falmouth, arranged the parson.

And even brought the bride's bouquet!

-Demelza's handiwork.

-And the feast?

Prudie must take some credit!

Since Jud moved away she's had time to perfect her puddin's.

And that be another good reason t' bless his departuring!

-You don't miss your former wedded bliss?

-Like a ruptured spleen!

If Caroline and I are half as happy as our saviours,

we'll be fortunate indeed.

Be Mr Penvenen very sick?

He cannot last more than a fortnight.

An' he've no suspicions?

Why would I distress him? But what could I do?

The minute Dwight was granted leave,

I knew I could not wait a moment longer.

An' must you return to your ship tomorrow?

24 hours shore leave is all I'm permitted.

Has Dr Choake arrived yet?

The servant says he's been called to another patient.

-He'll come when he can.

-Damn him!

I'll insist we have first call on his services in future.

-What other doctor is hereabouts?

-Dr Enys?

That quacksalver? Absolutely not. In any case, is he not at sea?

-What of Dr Behenna?

-Lives the other side of Truro.

-Take time to summon him.

-Let him be summoned.

SHE EXHALES

Demelza and I regret we have chores to attend to.

Let me show you to your room.

Do you like her? I once feared you did not.

Now I know her better, I think her a remarkable woman.

At pains to disguise her own goodness as if it were

-something to be ashamed of!

-Like someone else we know?

I'm forever in your debt.

The debt was mine long before it was yours.

I am honoured to be able to repay it.

To Nampara, with haste.

Are you nervous?

I would be, were tonight our first time.

-A remarkable woman I've married.

-And I, a remarkable man.

Still, I hate having to deceive my uncle.

Would it kill him to know the truth?

He has his heart set on my becoming Lady Coniston.

He would give out entirely if he knew I was Mrs Enys.

-I'm sorry for that.

-I could not be less so.

But in his case, ignorance is most assuredly bliss.

And in mine, bliss is most assuredly Caroline.

It'll be hard for Dwight to leave again.

Yes. And yet you envy him.

Do I? His clarity of purpose, perhaps.

The simple act of living in the moment,

not knowing whether you'll live or die.

And something more?

A life more simple?

No shadow from the past which may come back to haunt him?

Everyone has shadows. The trick is to outrun them.

Or ignore them.

A letter come from Trenwith from Master Geoffrey.

Has he pushed his stepfather down the stairs?

Elizabeth's been taken ill.

Dr Choake cannot be found so the boy begs Dr Enys

to come in his stead.

There appears to be no external damage

but these internal pains - you say the onset occurred

-directly after the fall?

-Almost at once.

Do you think they will go away?

I suspect not.

Your wife has suffered a serious fall. You should prepare yourself.

For what? Surely there's no risk to the infant?

Or Elizabeth?

Childbirth can be a precarious business,

particularly when it comes a month early.

You're not suggesting...?

These are birthing pains, sir.

The child will be born tonight.

But surely that's a month before her time?

Doubtless the fall has brought on her travail.

So much for my wedding night!

More port?

SHE GROANS

GROANING

GROANING

I warned you she was a poor choice.

A younger, more robust specimen

would have better served the purpose.

How difficult it must be for him, he and Elizabeth.

Forgive me, I've no wish to be impertinent...

-..but did they not...?

-What?

..love each other once?

And though it's long past, to know that tonight she'll

be delivered of the child of his worst enemy -

it must be vexing.

Yes, I believe it is.

GROANING

If it comes to a choice, obviously the child takes priority.

SHE GASPS

She is in a good deal of pain. When do you expect Dr Choake?

God knows! It's hours since he was summoned to Killewarren.

Killewarren? On whose account?

Ray Penvenen's, naturally.

Apparently he's taken a turn for the worst.

-And just when his niece has left for London.

-Dear God.

He's had a good innings. No-one's immortal.

Dr Behenna is delayed in Truro.

-You would not think of leaving my wife unattended?

-Of course not.

But I'm expected back at Nampara.

I'd be grateful if you could have a note delivered for me.

Ross?

No sign of Dwight?

How unlucky is he?

This accident could hardly have come at a worse time.

You think it an accident, then?

The boy's letter said so.

Yet, why would Elizabeth fall down the stairs?

KNOCK AT DOOR

That ape Tom Harry! How dare he show his ugly fat phizog 'ere!

Oh, Judas!

Dear God! I must go to my uncle.

-Can Dwight meet me there?

-Elizabeth is gravely ill.

How ill?

Is she dying?

Is the child?

The letter doesn't say so but...

I must go to Killewarren at once.

You'll go with Caroline?

Of course.

HORSE NEIGHS

What is that at the edge of the moon?

-What is it?

-A black moon.

'Tis a bad omen, mark my words.

-Quickly.

-SHE GROANS

Feet up.

SHE SCREAMS

Sam?

What do it mean?

'Tis the coming of the shadow of death.

SHE EXHALES

MUFFLED GROANS

-I ne'er was the god-fearing kind.

-Nor I.

But if I were, I'd pray.

For what, maid?

Deliverance.

SHE SCREAMS

Is it alive?!

Is it alive?

HEAVY BREATHING

Father, I will do as 'ee bid me.

Go forth into the world an' save souls.

Do 'ee join me, brother?

Uncle Ray?

Caroline? You should be halfway to London by now.

I came back. I realised there is nothing there which cannot wait.

And will you stay with me now?

For as long as you wish.

BABY GURGLES

You have a son.

Your son is healthy, strong.

He appears no worse for coming a month early.

-I think we need to detain you no longer.

-On the contrary.

Your wife has endured a difficult birthing.

Much as it inconveniences me,

I cannot leave until I'm assured of her safety.

-He favours you, I think.

-Yes.

Yes, I see the resemblance.

BABY GURGLES

May I present my son and heir.

So that's what an eight-month brat looks like!

Hold your tongue, old woman,

before my nephew has you thrown on the midden!

-What will be his name?

-Old family names be the best.

Joshua or Francis...

or Ross.

Elizabeth and I agree his name will be Valentine.

May I take Geoffrey Charles to see his mama?

-Can you not wait till morning?

-I want to see her now.

Chastise him for his insolence.

-Show him who's the master here.

-Aye, do!

-Call Tom Harry.

-That great lump!

-He doesn't frighten me!

-Well, he should.

Take Miss Poldark's chair and remove it to her chamber...

and Miss Poldark with it.

Unhand me, you devils!

-George, tell them to put me down!

-Carry on.

Elizabeth shall hear of this!

Manhandled in my own house! Stay, you vermin!

I would speak!

That child of yours.

What of him?

Cursed he be!

Born under the black moon. No good shall come to him!

SHE HISSES

I have never known the blessing of a happy marriage...

..but it's been my privilege to have had the guardianship of you.

Shh, uncle, do not exhaust yourself.

Had I ever married, I might have understood what it is

to follow one's heart

and I should not have prevented you from doing so.

Can you ever forgive me?

Oh, Uncle Ray, what if I told you there was nothing to forgive?

Oh, my dear girl.

My dear, dear girl.

Elizabeth is alive...

and her son.

Dwight returned just before dawn and left shortly after for Falmouth.

-I must speak with George.

-Why?

There is a conversation which can no longer be avoided.

The babe doesn't look at all like me.

That's because he's your half brother.

He may be more Warleggan than Chynoweth.

Now that he's here, you must be prepared for change.

-Your mama will be much occupied.

-She will always have time for me.

Of course. Love will never change, but...

Where are we?

Is this still Trenwith land?

Nampara's. Does it matter?

-Only that your Uncle George may...

-Uncle George doesn't concern me.

Let's go further!

HE LAUGHS Come on!

Well, Ross!

Are you here to congratulate me?

Fatherhood changes everything, does it not?

Will you take a drink with me?

Why have you really come?

To make a bargain with you.

Always assuming you have something I want.

I do.

Myself - out of your life.

So these are my terms.

You possess things I hold dear.

My family mine, Wheal Leisure.

My family home, Trenwith.

But most importantly, my great aunt and nephew.

Is that all?

Have a care for them.

Do not use them as a means to injure me,

or you will wish you had never been born.

In return, I will remove myself from your life.

You will live in your world and I will live in mine

and there will be no need for our paths to cross ever again.

Is it far now?

A mile or two, brother.

Will 'ee ask her, or shall I?

As to that, I believe the Lord will guide us.

Do 'ee believe 'tis all his plan?

For instance, do he decree us to meet yon souls up yonder?

Maybe so, brother. For he 'ave made we fishers o' men.

And this could be our first catch.

I'm hungry. I hope Mrs Trigg's made jellies!

-Good day.

-Good day to you, ma'am.

Do 'ee know the way to Nampara?

But we know'st the way.

I regret I'm a stranger here.

I'm not. Stay on the path and you'll come to it directly.

Much obliged, sur.

We're strangers us'selves.

Do 'ee bide in these parts or be just passin' through?

She's staying.

Are you not, Morwenna?

Morwenna?

'Tis a liltin', musical name.

I'm Drake.

'Tis a pleasure to meet 'ee.

-And you, sir.

-I 'ope we may meet again.

I know why ye've come.

This is a change of heart!

There was a time when you fought to escape your family.

-As you now mean to escape yours?

-George is not my family.

Geoffrey Charles is.

I must trust him to his mother's care.

And the child?

To his father's.

Yes, Ross.

So we'll have no more to do with Trenwith.

I think that's for the best.

No good can now come of connection between our two families.

And since you've lost a part of your family,

can you find it in you to embrace a part o' mine?

My dear, you will be pleased to hear we are rid of him!

-Who?

-Ross.

Finally he has admitted defeat.

He will never again approach our house nor any member of our family.

-He actually said that?

-Hmm!

A new chapter begins...

without him.

There's something I must tell you, Ross.

Though I fear you will not like it.

I'm with child again.

You're not displeased?

I might wish the timing were better.

The war's getting deadlier

and everything in this world seems less certain...except for you.

-Are you so certain o' me?

-Perhaps I don't deserve to be.

No, you do not!

But with you beside me...

..whatever life sends...

We can face it.

Ross Poldark has chosen to sever all ties with his Trenwith relations.

And you'll favour me by never setting foot on Trenwith land,

nor having dealings with any of the household.

-Who's that?

-Miss Morwenna!

It seems a lifetime since I married Dwight.

He'll be home again soon.

-We have an invitation from Sir Francis Basset.

-Who's he?

What George aspires to be.

There are rumours that the merchant ship is the Esmeralda.

-She appears to be missing.

-And the Travail?

Lost off the French coast.

GUNSHOTS