Episode 7

LAURA LINNEY: This is "Masterpiece."

NED: You will make the world a stronger, fairer, wiser place.

Go finish what I could not.

LINNEY: Previously, on "Poldark"... GEOFFREY CHARLES: If you wed her, you will always wonder is her first child mine or yours.

SAM: The Lord would say there be no such thing as a body beyond forgiveness.

His mercy be praised.

ZACKY: Still no clue what them up to.

I have no wish to confront them without just cause.

It's better to watch and wait.

MERCERON: Were you not aware?

The governor of this prison is I.

Poor Ned.

You should weep for him.

My love?

(loud thud) MAN: Compliments of Mr. Merceron.

LINNEY: "Poldark," right now, on "Masterpiece."

♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ (waves crashing) ♪ ♪ Anything?

SAM: We've been down the cove and searched the village.

Not a sign.

DRAKE: It's like he'd melted off the face of the Earth.

Should we summon more folk to help search?

No, no-- the less that know, the better.

Well, Tess knows.

Then so will half the county!

SAM: You wrong her, brother-- she wish us nothin' but good.

DRAKE: I doubt that.

Enough!

Keep searching.

♪ ♪ (yawns) Please excuse me.

You've not slept?

(exhales): So many letters to write!

Some tea?

KITTY: I thank you.

DWIGHT: As your physician, let me urge you to resist the temptation to overexert.

And as your friend, let me ask you to consider your future.

My future?

When your child is born, how will you live?

Where will you live?

I know I speak for Caroline when I say you will always have a home with us.

(stammers): For, for as long as you wish.

Thank you, you are both so generous.

But my concern at present is to bring a monster to justice.

♪ ♪ (groans softly) (groaning) (groans) ♪ ♪ (seagulls squawking, waves lapping) FOOTMAN (voiceover): Mr. Joseph Merceron.

MERCERON: Good day, gentlemen!

Bring me eggs, ham, partridge... Quail.

And a healthy side of revenge.

Was that not the order?

Uh...

So, in summary: Despard is dead.

Poldark has vanished.

Vanished?

Vanished.

I ordered him to be thrown down a mine, so he should be.

The nephew has had a taster and will shortly see what follows.

(clears throat) ♪ ♪ (metal clatters) (strikes match) ♪ ♪ Any sign?

None.

♪ ♪ (men talking nearby, water dripping) ♪ ♪ (bell tolling in distance, bird squawking) (people talking in background) ♪ ♪ CECILY (voiceover): My windows are barred and my door is locked.

I am prevented even from approaching the window.

If you ever receive this, send word by my maid.

I have thought and thought, and there is no other way but this.

(rumbling in distance) ♪ ♪ (voices murmuring in distance, echoing) (Ross gasping) JACKA: Full measures of brandy before they gets their hands on my ore!

Last time, we were two hogshead short!

LAURENT: Your smuggling operation does not concern me.

JACKA: No, mon ami, but it concerns me!

LAURENT: Anything happens to our cargo, you will have much more than brandy to be concerned about.

(voices fade into distance) It occurs to me, now we've dispensed with Despard and Poldark, we might revisit the matter of contracts.

Mahogany?

GEORGE: Ah, uh, yes, by all means.

MERCERON: I'll have them sent round.

(chuckles) Tipped down a mine shaft.

Do we like the sound of that?

I don't.

(sighs) Is your opinion required?

VALENTINE: No.

But it should be.

(sniffs) What, what could I do?

Did I order it?

Nephew?

Did I even wish it?

CARY: Who are you talking to?

♪ ♪ I was thinking aloud.

(panting) (waves crashing) ♪ ♪ Well...

I'm gratified to find you ambling about the county while the rest of us are frantic with worry!

What in God's name happened?

(exhales) Merceron?

Are you certain you heard correctly?

So certain that I intend to leave for London first thing.

To what end?

His.

Ross, for Heaven's sake.

Needless to say, Demelza cannot know.

And needless to say, the notion is preposterous.

Even if your suspicions are correct...

If?

I heard his name!

Does it not occur to you that the man who ordered my demise is in all likelihood the man who ordered Bannantine's?

That is pure speculation.

And the corrupt governor who permits torture in his prison is more than likely the corrupt magistrate who, rather than plead for Ned, helped condemn him.

Why would he do so?

What possible motive could he have... Ross...

I urge you, till you're in full possession of the facts... Dwight...

The man has played me.

He has cost innocent lives-- nearly cost mine.

If he denies it...

Which he assuredly will.

He'll pay nonetheless.

And the mine?

The stolen ore?

Can wait.

This is more pressing.

And Demelza?

What will she be told?

So you follow some strangers, you fall down a gulley, knock yourself senseless.

Crack half my ribs.

Come to this morning and stagger home.

And who were these strangers?

Why did you follow them?

They were French.

Why are there even Frenchies here?

I don't know.

There's naught you're not tellin' me?

Not that I can think of.

♪ ♪ Seven.

Seven.

Twice?

That's right.

Uh... Day.

SAM (chuckles): Yeah.

Do...

BOTH: I...

Praise... (both laugh) ROSINA (voiceover): I know 'twill appear I tell it out of vengeance on account of Sam turnin' aside from me.

But Tess Tregidden be up to some wickedness.

And you know this because... My father is, too.

Wait, so, our missin' ore... Be stolen, stored, and sold abroad, and swapped for brandy, tea, and rum.

By Jacka and Tess?

Judas, is Rosina sure?

She heard 'em connivin' together.

Those sneavy, ungrateful varmints-- after all we've done for 'em!

Did Rosina say where the ore is hid?

That she did.

ZACKY (voiceover): Do 'ee not think to tell the mistress?

And give her sleepless nights?

Well, at least tell her 'ee've found the ore. Once you verify it is our ore.

Which I don't doubt for a second.

And when I know the extent of the operation, and who's involved.

I think we both know that.

ZACKY: 'Twas a goodly thought to avoid Wheal Leisure's main entrance.

ROSS: And remember an old hidden one.

(men speaking in distance) (Zacky and Ross panting) (men speaking French) (laughing) ♪ ♪ DEMELZA: Judas.

Cannons and guns.

(men speaking French in distance) (men laughing) (speaking French) DRAKE: Sister should be head of search operations.

Not only does she find out there's missin' ore, she also discovers a weapons hoard!

I agree-- it's not a bad day's work.

DEMELZA: What I wish to know is, why would folks be storin' arms at all?

Uprisin' planned, do 'ee think?

Led by Jacka?

DEMELZA: And to what end?

If they be the Frenchies you did fight with?

♪ ♪ (birds chirping, dog howling) (fire crackling) I know that face.

You're up to somethin'.

Wondering how to rein my wife in, who chastises me for taking risks, while she recklessly ventures down a mine herself.

(laughs): You're to blame!

Where the master goes, the pupil follows.

When did I ever master you?

(laughs) This weapons hoard, though, is it not some strange?

French smugglers... Or French spies.

You think?

What could they intend?

An invasion?

Judas, Ross, I mean...

If you truly believe that's a risk... Then I must report it.

Yes, but to who?

Persons of influence who can alert the prime minister.

So that's it, you're returnin' to London.

My love, I think I must.

I fear it must be first thing tomorrow.

♪ ♪ DWIGHT: Doubtless your arguments convinced her, but I know full well why you go.

And I tell you, it's folly to even approach the man.

Wickham?

Merceron.

So I should simply let it pass?

A man tries to have me murdered, and I merely shrug and say, "Lucky he didn't succeed!"

Can you think of no better way to even the score?

Can you?

KITTY: Ross.

ROSS: I must take my leave.

(laughing): I've no idea when I'll see you again.

Kitty, thinking further on your wish to hold Merceron to account...

Yes?

It's a worthy cause and should be pursued.

KITTY: I'm glad you think so, but what must I do?

Gather up all the evidence you have, return with me to London, and present it to any who'll hear us.

How soon can you be ready?

Within the hour.

My love, would Mrs.

Bone prepare Kitty and me a light supper before we leave?

Yes, I'm sure... ♪ ♪ CAROLINE: What a happy coincidence we all have need to be in London.

So we may keep each other company on the way.

Yes.

How fortunate.

♪ ♪ (driver shouting) ♪ ♪ (bell tolling) (knock at door, door opens) FOOTMAN (voiceover): Captain Poldark to see Mr. Merceron.

(door closes) Surprised to find we're acquainted?

Almost as surprised as you to see me alive.

Hardly.

Every coaching inn from here to Exeter reports to me.

Your visit was entirely expected.

Then you anticipate its purpose.

To hold me to account?

What had you in mind, a duel?

(chuckles softly) Do you actually know how to hold a pistol?

Or will you have someone pull the trigger for you?

Oh, the latter, I think.

And I'll supply a dozen witnesses to swear it was in self-defense.

And then you can join your friend Bannantine on the banks of the Thames.

♪ ♪ You believe yourselves untouchable.

Well, if you doubt it, ask your friend Wickham.

You know him?

RALPH (chuckles): Oh... Oh, my brother knows everyone.

Half-brother, to be precise.

But he is correct.

I do know everyone.

(liquid pouring) ♪ ♪ ROSS: You didn't think to inform me?

Would it have helped?

To understand sooner how their interests were aligned?

Why they conspired to bring down Ned?

Why they now turn their sights on me?

I would have thought that was obvious.

You interfere with their interests.

What else might I usefully know?

That Joseph Merceron rules the east of London.

As magistrate, he has the power to sentence.

As prison governor, the power to punish.

As licensor and leaseholder, the oversight of every inn and alehouse in the city and beyond.

He keeps a web of spies to nose out activity hostile to the Crown.

Information he passes to me, which I convey to the government, which, in exchange, turns a blind eye to his more nefarious dealings.

Did he inform you that he tried to have me murdered?

Have you proof that he did?

My broken ribs.

But now that I'm here, there is something I can prove.

(knock at door) ♪ ♪ (door closes) (quietly): No word yet.

You come all the way from Cornwall to bring me vague rumors?

An arms hoard is not vague.

So what am I to do?

Go to the prime minister with smuggler's tales on the word of a man who supported a traitor right up to the foot of the scaffold?

What little credibility you once had is dead.

You are now deemed at best a renegade, at worst a traitor.

You'd do better to return to Cornwall, and instead of wild speculation, fetch proof.

(footsteps retreating, door opens) DWIGHT: In truth, what did you expect?

To be taken seriously?

By Wickham, yes!

Except I find he's in league with Merceron.

By Merceron, no.

I...

I cannot threaten, flatter, or appeal to a better nature when none exists!

And there may in fact be a better way to bring him down.

♪ ♪ "First, do no harm" is the physician's oath, but the doctors of Coldbath Fields Prison are instruments of vengeance.

How can we call ourselves civilized if we turn a blind eye to such barbarism?

(people talking in background) Sir Roger, Lord Emptage, are you aware that the governor of Coldbath Field Prison, Joseph Merceron, permits the torture of prisoners in the name of scientific research?

We are calling for the government to investigate these abuses.

May we count on your support?

SIR ROGER: Most assuredly.

EMPTAGE: You have our word.

(tapping inkwell) CECILY (voiceover): I wonder that you simply leave me to my fate.

If you do not act soon, I doubt I will survive.

(bell tolling in distance, people talking in background) Sir.

Sir George.

Surprised to see me alive?

In body, perhaps.

But in reputation... (chuckles) (horse whinnying) (people talking in background) JEREMY: Clowance, dinner's ready.

CLOWANCE: I'm coming!

(people talking in background) (Morwenna clears throat) MORWENNA: We have news to share.

A blessed day might soon be coming.

For Drake and I. DRAKE: We do expect... What?

A child?

(chuckling) (gasps) Oh, that's wonderful news!

(laughing) God be praised, brother.

I'm that glad for 'ee.

DEMELZA: Come.

(chuckling): Come.

CLOWANCE: What do you think they'll call it, the baby?

(whispering): And I'll be glad when Master Sam comes to his senses.

(exhales) (bell tolling in distance, carriage rattling) Handed out in Hyde Park by Poldark and his cronies.

Are you serious?

In the park?

Brazenly accosting all and sundry with this absurd piece of fiction!

Brother, we are amongst friends.

The only fault in this account is that it does not go far enough.

So it's true?

These... experiments do in fact take place?

On criminals of the vilest kind-- Jacobins, rabble-rousers, agitators.

But the lily-livered members of the Commons might see fit to object if these people continue to make noise.

And this document... (taps table): Must be stopped!

They must be stopped!

Before they do any more damage.

♪ ♪ And how will that be managed?

(inhales) (people laughing, wind howling) (people talking in background) ♪ ♪ (man shouts) (Caroline gasps, horse whinnying) (man shouts) (horse whinnying in panic) (shushing) (panting) More letters?

The prime minister, Mr. Canning, Mr. Pitt, the queen.

If even one of them takes up our cause.... (bell tolling in distance) Caroline?

It's nothing.

A man accidentally stepped out in front of my horse.

She reared, but as you can see, it's no harm done.

No harm?

Do I not ride to hounds?

When do I ever lose my seat?

Are you sure it was an accident?

(sighs) Caroline...

Your insistence on coming to London, championing Kitty's cause, may I ask why?

May I ask you the same?

I seek to see justice done.

And I.

But I have little to lose-- you... Leaving aside this accident-- if indeed it was one-- you have a reputation to consider.

Do I?

Yes.

And who knows how it might suffer if you align yourself too closely with the wife of a traitor?

My reputation as a simpleton, perhaps?

An empty-headed heiress?

Is that not how you view me?

I merely caution against too close an association.

Have you considered that perhaps it is you who are getting too close?

In what regard?

Am I not bound to help the wife of a friend?

Now the widow of a friend?

♪ ♪ I think there's nothing more to be achieved here.

Will you return with me to Cornwall?

Lead on, Dr. Enys.

♪ ♪ (goats bleating) TESS: "...and his four sons with him, hid themselves."

SAM: Your speed's getting better.

May I speak with you, brother?

♪ ♪ (people talking in background, horse snorting) Have it not occurred to you that Tess, and her sudden urge to turn to God, be not as it seem?

I've been called by God to bring souls to salvation.

Tess be such a soul.

Why would I not save her?

There are certain matters that I may not disclose now.

(whispering): Things that injure us greatly.

Such as?

(birds twittering) Speak a word to you, Tess.

Gladly, ma'am.

I know full well 'ee misdoubt me, and I'll not defend what I once was, since thy brother showed me a better way.

Save your breath, Tess.

I know what you're about, and I know why.

What do 'ee know?

You think that life dealt you a poor hand.

And that warrants taking what you please.

But I too once had no prospect.

And I looked on others with envy and asked, "Why not me?"

But what I never did was stoop to malice, nor theft.

(evenly): Like I said, mistress, 'tis your right to misdoubt me.

But I will continue to serve the Lord and heed your brother.

♪ ♪ (knock at door) (footsteps approaching) Uncle Ross.

I hoped you'd still be here.

I beg you help us.

Us?

♪ ♪ The mood is beginning to turn for Merceron.

I'm told he was snubbed in the park, heckled at Vauxhall, and now it's rumored the queen has been petitioned.

And the stink still lingers over the "Grove of Death" affair.

Perhaps, all things considered, a little distance might be useful.

A return to Cornwall?

Today?

(papers rustling) ♪ ♪ Her companion and a footman have also vanished.

Doubtless bribed to facilitate her flight.

When was she last seen?

Breakfast today.

By now she could be anywhere.

Though I think we can guess where she's headed.

And with whom.

♪ ♪ (carriage rattling) ♪ ♪ (Ross sighs) CLOWANCE: Papa!

(drops bags) JEREMY: Papa.

Mm.

Apologies.

For what?

JEREMY: Geoffrey Charles!

Hello!

CLOWANCE: Cousin!

JEREMY: Can you play with us?

Yes, by and by.

ROSS: Come on, help Papa with these bags.

JEREMY: Yes, Papa.

I can't believe you managed it.

They're not safe yet.

We must get them out of Cornwall without delay.

How?

Where?

I'll be at Trencrom tomorrow.

Meanwhile, we station a watch around the farm.

See they do not leave the house.

Do you not think that's a thought extreme?

Not for what we're dealing with.

♪ ♪ (birds twittering) (rooster crowing) ROSS: Sam, take the meadow.

Zacky, Drake, the long field.

Prudie, the garden.

Demelza, you remain here with Geoffrey Charles and Cecily.

If anyone approaches, use these.

Where will you be?

Devising your escape.

♪ ♪ (birds squawking) My niece contrived to flee again.

What?

How?

Abetted by the Poldarks and Enyses, whose support of the Despard trull and her plaguey campaign have now caused questions to be raised in the House.

So...

The Hyde Park incident was not sufficient.

I must devise a worse deterrent.

(door opens) (opens drawer) (closes drawer) ♪ ♪ (footsteps approaching) What are you doing?

Nothing, I... You're reading my private papers.

I'm sorry I was...

I just came across your notes.

And your appetite for scandal couldn't resist?

(exhales) Is that how you see me?

A frivolous busybody?

These notes are confidential.

You will kindly forget you ever saw them.

Of course.

(footsteps retreating) (door closes) (door opens) "The One & All" leaves Truro quay tonight, bound for the Scillies.

You will not be aboard.

At 10:00, she will anchor off Nampara Cove, and I myself will row you out to join her.

When she docks at St. Mary's, you will board "The Callisto," bound for the Americas.

Trencrom will arrange everything.

Tonight?

How can we ever thank you?

By letter from New York, I hope!

Till then, nobody leaves this house.

(dog barking in distance) Horace?

Where are you, my sweet?

(shuffling) Have you seen Horace?

(footsteps shuffling) (door opens) Bone?

(door closes) Pinner?

♪ ♪ (gasps) (panting) Dwight!

♪ ♪ (Horace whimpering) Horace must have strained himself from guzzling every morsel he comes across.

CAROLINE: No, Dwight, you misunderstand.

This was not Horace-- this was deliberate.

How can you know that?

(forcefully): I know it.

♪ ♪ (Horace whimpers) (footsteps retreating) (birds twittering) FOOTMAN: Mrs. Caroline Enys.

My little dog Horace has been poisoned.

And the person responsible also had my horse frightened in Hyde Park.

With all due respect, ma'am, how might that concern us?

You are acquainted with the person, and, I hope, have some influence.

I very much doubt it.

I lately came across some notes pertaining to a patient of Dr. Enys.

A landowner, mine-owner, banker.

A person of great eminence in these parts.

Who has been treated for lunacy.

(stammers) Advise me.

Should this person's affliction be made public-- if the king's own malady is any indication-- few would ever take him seriously again.

(stammering): Why would you wish to make it public?

More to the point, what would induce you not to?

A simple promise that your "friend" will not trouble us again.

And by "us," I include the Poldarks and the Despards.

May I leave the matter in your hands?

Pray do.

(clock pendulum swinging) (door opens) (door closes) (chuckles) Why are we protecting some local lunatic?

(sighs) We're not.

We're protecting you.

♪ ♪ I'll ready the boat, then return to bring them down to the beach.

I'll ready them.

"The One & All" won't wait.

PRUDIE: Master Ross, have a care.

Take no chances.

Would I?

(fire crackling, footsteps approach and stop) Horace will make a full recovery.

(clears throat) I'm grateful that you broke your rule of never attending on dogs.

A necessary rule.

Horace is the exception.

(Horace whimpering) KITTY: My friends.

Your kindness to me has been more than I deserve.

(exhales) But I think my presence here is causing more harm than good.

So I must beg your aid one last time.

(waves crashing) ♪ ♪ (men speaking French) ♪ ♪ (gun cocks) (gun cocks) (gun cocks) (men speaking quietly) (laughs) It is not to the benefit of France to permit spies to come ashore.

Roscoff.

We meet again.

I distinctly recall ordering your execution.

ROSS: I regret I could not oblige you.

No matter.

We can finish the task now.

Just like old times.

DEMELZA (voiceover): Something's amiss.

Ross'd never be so long.

I think I must go to the cove.

I'll come.

No.

Ross bid me keep you indoors till we know it's safe.

I'll not be long.

♪ ♪ All will be well.

(blade sings) ♪ ♪ Perhaps you have some final message for your wife?

No, monsieur.

But I have one for you.

Or rather... a question.

Why do you assume I'm an enemy of France?

♪ ♪ I myself have been hounded from London, am persona non grata with the government and Crown.

Who has more cause than I to rethink his loyalties?

♪ ♪ (waves crashing) ♪ ♪ DRAKE: Surely 'ee don't think to drag the thing out thyself?

I've done it scores of times!

Where's Ross?

He should be here.

I can't but think he's come to grief.

"The One & All" won't wait.

Go, bring the lovebirds!

I'll fetch some oars and row 'em out myself.

ROSS (voiceover): You assume that a loyal Englishman would not betray his country.

But what if that country were toothless and corrupt, and repaid loyalty with treachery?

As mine has to me.

If he saw another leader, in whose service he might find honor... Would he not be right to change sides?

(door opens) (cocks gun) (gasps) There's no sign of Ross, but "The One & All" is out in the bay.

We must get down to the cove before she sails.

Take care of each other, my little chibbies.

Make haste.

(puts gun down) The sea is rough, but I believe we can get you there.

(wind howling) ♪ ♪ Run!

RALPH: Cecily!

(screaming, grunting) ♪ ♪ (swallows) ♪ ♪ You have a steady nerve.

You have a steady hand.

You may, after all, be of use to the République.

♪ ♪ DEMELZA (muffled): Prudie!

Prudie!

(dog barks) Prudie!

Maid?

Prudie!

Prudie!

(groaning, coughing) RALPH: Again.

(groaning) (coughing) Hold him up.

(Geoffrey Charles coughs) GEORGE (voiceover): The intimidation of the Enyses and Despards must cease.

And likewise any attempt to injure my stepson.

The reasons need not concern you.

Only the matter of your inducement to desist.

Inducement?

(clears throat) When I set on a course, I dislike to abandon it.

(exhales) (chuckles softly) Double it.

Done.

(inhaling): As much as I relish inducements, maintaining supremacy is more useful in the long run.

You, I trust, appreciate that.

The Enyses, Despards, and Poldarks have yet to learn.

Beginning with the boy.

♪ ♪ (screams) (sniffles) (sobs) The boy is alive.

(exhales) (breathlessly): What?

(panting): He lives?

(Cecily sniffles) (weeping) You have little value to me now.

But you will never be his.

(sobbing) If you want to avoid a next time, let me advise you what must be done.

Attempt to flee with him again and he's done for.

♪ ♪ You know where I live.

And you know how I value my family.

Nothing you have said convinces me to trust you.

That you must earn.

You know I will do so.

Hm.

♪ ♪ Ross!

♪ ♪ (breathes with effort) If he thinks to deter us, he's greatly mistook.

If anything, this makes me more determined.

He means shortly to depart for Honduras.

Then we'll be free of him.

Yes.

(quietly): You will.

But not you?

(quietly): My love... Do not hate me.

These last few weeks have brought me to a better understanding of myself.

I dislike the creature I've become.

Reckless, hysterical, capable of risking her life, of risking yours?

If we are not together, would you want to live?

Yes!

With all my heart, I love this life.

There's so much to... to challenge, to achieve, to make better.

But the world would not let me do any of that if I became a wife.

You don't wish to be my wife?

I don't wish to be anyone's wife.

Then you do not love me?

(sobs) (weeping): I'm a child.

You're a child.

What can we know of real, deep, tenacious, unflinching, abiding love?

♪ ♪ You will find someone better than me.

And...

I require only myself.

Forgive me.

So your mind is made up.

And there is nothing I can do to change it.

(mouths) Nothing.

But there is something you can do for me.

But you were not hurt?

No.

Only shocked and afeared.

(pouring) You?

The Frenchman was a mite unruly till I assured him I accidentally strayed into the mine.

Clearly he thought me an idiot, threw me out.

(pouring) But you made no mention of the weapons.

Do you think me an idiot?

Yes.

But an idiot I love beyond measure.

(chuckles) Dear God, Ross, has the world gone mad?

We've combed every beach, cove, every meadow for miles.

Still no sign of them.

Will we ever just sit quiet, drink tea, watch the children play without some... dread in our hearts?

Yes, we will do all those things again without dread.

(door opens) ♪ ♪ Judas!

Your face!

Merceron!

No!

Wait!

I came here to beg your assistance.

(seagulls squawking, men shouting orders) CAROLINE: Are you quite certain this is what you wish?

DEMELZA: You know Ross would lay down his life to protect you.

KITTY: Please!

I will not have anymore laying down of lives!

If Merceron is brought to justice...

Which Ross has sworn to do.

Then Ned will not have died in vain and I can go to Jamaica with an easier heart.

CAROLINE: But how will you live?

(exhales): Happily.

Ned did not leave me without means.

I can buy land, build a house, raise my child, and I can speak of his vision, work until it comes to pass.

I won't be alone.

Thank you.

(people calling in background) (seagulls squawking) ♪ ♪ (quietly): Do you see any sign of Merceron's thugs?

♪ ♪ GEOFFREY CHARLES: May I write to you?

No.

Let's agree that when I step aboard that ship, you will walk away and forget you ever knew me.

As you will forget me.

We have a brave new world before us.

Let's run towards it and never look back.

♪ ♪ Merceron cannot touch you now.

And we have all the evidence we need to bring him down.

Then do it.

For my sake, and for Ned's.

We will.

♪ ♪ MAN: All aboard!

All aboard.

Is it time?

It's time.

♪ ♪ (chuckling softly) ♪ ♪ (man calling) ♪ ♪ (breathing shallowly) ♪ ♪ (seagulls squawking) Two remarkable women.

Both, in their own way, quite bewitching.

DWIGHT: Indeed.

First love.

Deepest cut.

(thunder booming) There will be other loves.

Greater loves.

(waves lapping) ♪ ♪ Will you do something for me?

These next few months, have a care for Demelza.

Where will you be?

Here, but... My actions may seem strange to her, and to you.

What do you intend?

(chuckles) I cannot tell you.

Will not tell me.

But I can tell you this: It's the greatest gamble I've ever undertaken.

As things stand, I see no other way.

♪ ♪ (clears throat) On a positive note, we saved ourselves a small fortune.

(exhales) On a less pleasing one... Caroline Enys may not remain silent.

Mm.

And worse than that, those Merceron devils are still here.

They may yet be of use to us.

(waves crashing) ♪ ♪ Can you picture it?

The French fleet on the horizon?

God speed the day!

Amen.

♪ ♪ LINNEY: Next time on "Poldark"... ROSS: If your own country betrays you, to whom do you then owe loyalty?

Colluding with the French at the highest level.

DEMELZA: When I look in your face I see a stranger.

Become again the man you once were.

That man no longer exists.

LINNEY: "Poldark," the final episode, next time on "Masterpiece."

♪ ♪ LINNEY: Go to our website.

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To order this program on Blu-ray or DVD, visit shopPBS.org.

Also available on Amazon Prime Video.

The companion books are also available.

♪ ♪