This is Masterpiece.
DEMELZA: Say good day to your daughter.
Previously, on Poldark.
Miss Clowance Poldark.
MORWENNA: It's the most precious gift I've ever received.
GEORGE: Finally a deal!
Now all that remains is for you to inform the bride.
MORWENNA: Marry?
Mr. Whitworth?
Mmm.
DWIGHT: What is his name?
MAN: Armitage, sir, Lieutenant Armitage.
You saved my life.
DEMELZA: Oh Ross, he's alive!
ROSS: For what's that worth.
If you knew what conditions are like in France for enemies of the Republic.
ARMITAGE: They're taking bets which prisoner will be next to die.
which prisoner will be next to die.
which prisoner will be next to die.
♪♪ ♪♪ DEMELZA: So the plan is, the Royalist fleet will land in France, overthrow the Republic, and free its prisoners.
So Caroline believes.
(Clowance squawking) Should we not give that plan a chance?
I want Dwight home, too.
I just want you here a little longer.
I promised him something I cannot fulfill.
To see this ring reaches his wife.
I wonder you're not married, Enys.
Are you so devoted to your work?
In truth, there is someone.
I doubt I'll ever see her again-- and you?
I'm a Boscowan, so I'm expected to make a splendid match.
Some rich and beautiful heiress?
I've a fancy to choose my own bride.
CAROLINE: So plans are being finalized.
What do he intend?
To lead an army of those loyal to the monarchy, to sail to France and overthrow the revolution.
The landing will scarcely be 20 miles from the prison at Quimper.
Where Dwight is?
To think I wasted my time pressing the Admiralty to release Dwight, when this landing will enable all prisoners to be released.
ROSS: I admire Caroline's optimism.
DEMELZA: But?
War is never simple.
Nor human nature.
You've been to war.
What is it that drives men to act like savages?
A refusal to see their fellow men as human.
To view them instead as a symbol of something they hate.
There are no depths to the atrocities which may be committed.
You fear for Dwight.
This landing could provoke a slaughter of prisoners.
It might be weeks before the Royalists reach Quimper.
Dwight may not last that long.
(Valentine crying) My son has rickets?
Dr. Choake believes... Dr. Choake is mistook!
My son is not some commoner's child, nursed on gin and housed in squalor.
He's had the best of everything.
No one must hear of this.
My son will not be deformed.
George, do not say that.
Dr. Choake believes he can be cured.
(Valentine crying) (door closes) There's to be a gathering at Tregothnan.
Lord Falmouth's?
The St. Aubyns and Godolphins will be there.
Our invitation is conspicuous by its absence.
Are you so keen to go?
These events are often so dull.
Presence at these events is what confirms one's status in society.
If the Godolphins are going, Lady Whitworth will be there.
She could procure you an invitation.
Could you not speak to Osborne?
I could, if I had positive news for him.
But while Morwenna continues to prevaricate, I can hardly beg favors of his mother.
I would have thought, after all these weeks at Trenwith, the girl would be out of her mind with boredom by now.
(laughing) (sighs) (clicks tongue) There you go.
I have news from Mr. Trencrom.
His ship, the One & All, on its last run did bring ashore a Dutch merchant lately released from the prison at Quimper.
Where Dr. Enys be interned.
This merchant say 'tis like a hellhole now.
Men droppin' like flies of fever, starvation.
And those as remain bein' executed for sport.
He do fear there'll be none left alive within three week.
'Tis a sorry end for our friend and brother.
Would there was aught we could do to help him.
And if there was?
GUARD: Ces deux font l'affaire.
Tenez, regardez leurs yeux.
GUARD 2: GUARD 1: Wait, this man has a fever.
Il a une fièvre!
GUARD: Il a de la chance, monsieur!
(gun fires) What happened?
A new entertainment has begun.
Dicing for officers.
Executions on a whim.
Today, on the color of a man's eyes.
Tomorrow?
Who knows?
(door opens) Geoffrey Charles' friend was here again.
Oh.
Yes, he called to bring some toads.
He's very fond of Geoffrey Charles.
And of you, too, or so I observed this afternoon.
Love makes us careless, does it not?
What do you imagine George would do if he found out?
Oh, yes, I'm usually the first to defy him, but that's because I have little to lose.
Do you?
I cannot marry Mr. Whitworth.
You cannot marry Drake Carne.
George is a cruel man.
His axe will fall not on you, who are cousin to his wife, but on the boy, who is kin to Ross.
Give him up, my dear.
For his sake, as much as your own.
Even if the landing's successful, the Royalist army will have its hands full fighting the Republic.
Freeing the English prisoners will not be a priority.
So I'm thinking there needs to be a more direct attempt.
Involving Tholly?
And Zacky and Henshawe.
Respectable family men?
As I've told them repeatedly.
But Dwight is held in high esteem.
They both leapt at the chance to serve him.
So what will you do?
Take passage with the fleet.
But as soon as we land in Brittany, leave the Royalists to their fight.
Then, under cover of the uprising... Make your way to the prison, free Dwight, and bring him home.
What could be simpler?
Ross Poldark, a contender for Parliament?
WHITWORTH: According to my mother, who has it from the Boscowans.
How can he even presume?
I'm not sure he does.
He's merely been mentioned, not yet approached.
Nor should he be.
Is such a man to represent us?
Well, he certainly won't be receiving my vote.
Ye seem troubled-- what ails ye?
My conscience, which tells me I have done a wicked thing.
There be nothing wicked in our care for each other.
The wicked thing is that I have allowed your visits when I'm not free to do so.
How not free?
Our friendship... Has gone beyond the bounds of common acquaintance.
But is it wrong to go so far, if what we feel is true?
I see now it is not true.
I was flattered by your attentions into thinking I felt love.
But I do not.
I don't believe you.
I hope you can forgive my mistake.
ROSS: I've left word with Grace.
They will answer to you till I return.
They will expect you daily.
Perhaps I'll venture below and take a pick of my own.
No doubt you'll find a new lode.
I've been thinkin'.
I'll not tell Caroline where you've gone, for fear of raisin' false hopes.
ROSS: I must go.
I do not ask you not to be reckless, for I know you cannot promise something which is so against your nature.
She don't care for me.
She never did.
I've no wish to go on in this world.
I once thought as you do.
When I lost Julia, all I wanted was to bury myself beside her.
But life is precious and should not be scorned.
The thing is to find some purpose, then go on livin'.
And if Ross were here he'd say the same.
Where is he?
It's not to be spoken of.
He's gone to Falmouth, thence to France, to rescue our friend Dr. Enys.
Will you not stay to supper?
Thank 'ee, sister.
I'll heed what 'ee say, about purpose.
I'll try and find me some.
MAN: Mais, messieurs, regardez.
La Bretagne est l'endroit idéal pour désembarquer nos troupes.
MAN 2: Mais pourquoi?
MAN 1: Car nous devons partir sans tarder.
Les hommes sont impatients de se battre.
(discussion continues) Problem?
ROSS: Aside from the fact that they've thrice delayed departure and seem unable to agree on the simplest matter?
THOLLY: There's the thing.
Almost all the Royalist troops travelin' from England be French prisoners.
They'll be given a choice-- bide here in prison, or fight for the Royalists against the Republic.
Well, how is that a problem?
If you're a French prisoner returned to home shores, do you fight against your own people, or do you desert?
This landing will fail.
Then how do we save Dr. Enys?
Say nothing to the French.
I'll return in an hour.
MAN: Pas tous les français sont fidèles à la France.
Certains sont fidèles à eux-mêmes.
Qui peut les en blâmer?
Ross is called away to Looe, on business at the boatyard.
And the Royalists will shortly sail from Falmouth.
I wish I were going with them.
But how shall we distract ourselves meanwhile?
I know.
You could accompany me to Tregothnan.
Lord Falmouth's gathering the cream of Cornish aristocracy.
I'm no aristocrat.
You have nobler blood than many who'll be vying to attend.
Come, say you'll keep me company.
MAN: ...et remettre au pouvoir un Bourbon, le comte de Provence, le plus rapidement possible.
Non, non, non.
Mais oui, c'est ce qu'il faut faire.
Ville par ville.
We're leaving.
MAN: ...et d'arrêter cette tyrannie une fois pour toute.
Est-ce que vous comprenez?
C'est ce qu'il va falloir faire!
Plans have changed.
Ross and his men be on their own now.
Judas.
DEMELZA: Have 'ee seen Drake?
Yesterday.
Wracked with grief over the girl.
Left ye this note.
"Dear sister..." Captain, beg to report a stowaway.
Is that my concern?
He say so.
On account of the stowaway insists on joinin' us.
DEMELZA: "Do not blame Captain Ross for this.
"You telled me to find some purpose "to help me forget Morwenna, and this may do good to someone, if not to I."
I know 'ee thought me harsh, but I did fear this love would break him, and so it has.
Is this God's will, too?
DRAKE: I know what 'ee be thinking, but let me prove myself.
I'm fearless.
That's no recommendation.
And steadfast and fierce.
Like his sister?
I say give him a chance.
You never know when an extra man might come in handy.
You will obey my every command.
Without question.
Yes, sir.
Well done, then.
ZACKY: Well done.
Drake told me you broke with him.
Doubtless he'll soon forget me.
He might.
If we see him again.
WHITWORTH: It was not without difficulty my mother secured your invitation.
I'm obliged to her.
She did so on the understanding that you and she would shortly be connected.
Through my marriage to Miss Chynoweth?
She feels, if we do not hear from the lady soon, we must look elsewhere.
Morwenna is a respectable girl who will not be hurried.
Nevertheless, I'm certain you will receive a favorable answer within the month.
MORWENNA: I'd never have broken with him had I known what he'd do.
'Tis for the best.
The gulf between your stations is... Is great.
But greater still the rift between our houses.
So I should marry a man I do not love?
Will you find a way to let me know when Drake returns?
If he returns.
DRAKE: Do we not go ashore?
Roscoff's not for the fainthearted.
What do Captain Ross intend?
ROSS: Grab your belongings and follow him.
We have a boat.
Your cousin has delayed long enough.
I require an immediate answer.
Summon her from Trenwith.
No.
I have a better idea.
ROSS: Here is the best landing point close to Quimper.
Put in there.
Wait for the cover of darkness, and then make for the prison.
GEORGE: You're quite certain of this?
Heard tell of it in Sawle Kiddley.
'Ee do know I have ways of keepin' my ear to the ground.
GEORGE (chuckles): You may go.
That really is excellent.
A prison break on French soil with respectable men who are surely being led to their deaths.
He's played right into our hands!
But how could this affect us?
By affecting Ross's standing amongst the local worthies.
You must see, my dear.
How can such a reckless fool represent the district in Parliament?
It is a question I feel duty-bound to ask tonight at Tregothnan.
(chuckles) (door closes) Tom Harry's got wind of it.
Judas, then half the county'll know.
'Tis unlike to endanger the mission, since the news cannot reach France.
So there's some consolation.
Precious little.
Ross wished it to remain secret till he returned.
How can I keep it from Caroline?
A fever?
I must say, you look none the worse for it.
I think I must keep indoors tonight.
I was hoping you'd bide with me.
My dear, I'm beginning to look like a recluse.
I must put in an appearance, with or without my escort.
Sharp as you can.
Everyone ashore.
Take cover in the woods.
(playing chamber piece) Mr. and Mrs. Warleggan and Miss Chynoweth.
ELIZABETH: There's Lord Falmouth.
And who here might effect an introduction?
ANNOUNCER: Miss Penvenen and Mistress Poldark.
Extraordinary.
I'm forced to ingratiate myself with that idiot Whitworth, whilst the scullery maid strolls in on the arm of an heiress.
Look at them.
Struttin' and swaggerin' as if there be no war, men riskin' their lives.
Pay them no heed, my dear.
Our task is to see what news, if any, we can glean of the French landing.
ROSS: This is the ground plan.
There's a series of buildings, set in extensive grounds.
And here is the sentry gate, through which we must pass before coming into the main prison.
The guards are changed at midnight.
We go in at 1:00 and hope to catch them napping.
What is it?
When I first mooted this venture, I imagined we'd be part of the Royalist landing, taking advantage of the chaos to break into the prison.
And now we've come on ahead, we're that much more exposed.
Since this is not what you enlisted for, I feel you must be given the chance to remain here.
Tholly and I will make for the prison.
HENSHAWE: Nay, Ross.
Speaking for myself, my mind's set.
We're here for Dr. Enys, and we'll not go home without him.
'Tis what we all signed up for.
Can I ask men to take such a risk?
Yet how much have I risked across the years, alongside you, knowin' I might lose all, and riskin' it anyway?
Mining's a risk.
Loving's a risk.
Living's a risk.
So tonight...
I'll take my chance.
(bell strikes once) Is it time?
Bone, Ellery, go back and guard the boat.
The rest of you certain?
No fool like an old fool.
ROSS: Or a young one?
Keep low and follow me.
FALMOUTH: He's been in numerous skirmishes.
He is the most able navigator.
Ned Pellew thinks the world of him.
Of course, the boy knows what's expected of him.
He is a Boscowan, after all.
Though little good it's done him.
Will you excuse me?
HENSHAWE: How many guards, do we think?
In addition to those at the gate?
Six inside the building?
Another six off-duty, who knows?
How do we get past the guards?
Tholly, tie my hands.
(knocking on door) J'ai un prisonnier échappé!
Au nom de la République, ouvrez la porte!
Dépêchez-vous, eh?
Il fait froid!
(door opening) Hé, t'es qui, toi?
(whistles) (knocking on door) Shh.
HENSHAWE: Shh, keep quiet.
ROSS: The prisoners will be sleeping, so let's endeavor to pass through unnoticed.
At all costs, give no impression we're here to free prisoners.
Aye, the last thing we want is a mad stampede to escape.
ROSS: Follow me.
What's going on?
Who are you?
Newly arrived here.
We have a message for Dr. Enys.
Do you know where he is?
The infirmary-- Enys never leaves it.
Thank you, friend.
HUGH: There's no room in here.
We're looking for Dr. Enys.
Who are you?
Captain Ross Poldark-- you?
Lieutenant Armitage of the Espion.
Sir, I think these men have no business here.
ROSS: No business with you.
We seek Dr. Enys and mean only his good.
You have my word as an officer.
Sir, these man are armed.
And I'll slit your throat if ye don't pipe down.
Have you broken in?
To take Enys?
Not a word.
Come with me.
(distant coughing) What is it?
Do you want me?
ROSS: Yes, Dwight.
We want you.
Ross.
My friend.
Make haste and come with us.
Come?
Where?
(laughs): How?
What do you mean?
I mean that your friends have risked life and limb to free you.
But you must see that's impossible.
I cannot abandon these men.
There are only four surgeons in the entire camp.
So we should go home without you?
Enys, you have more than discharged your duty.
Don't be a fool, Enys.
We'd all escape if we had the chance.
ENRIGHT: Escape?
(yells): Escape!
Damn the young fool, he'll wake half of France.
We can't go back that way.
(shouts): Is there another way out?
That way.
(men shouting) (bell ringing harshly) That's the alarm bell.
All the guards will be summoned.
Which is the way out?
There, that door.
THOLLY: The guards, they'll be waitin' for us!
We can't go back through the church.
Then we're trapped.
GUARD: Que tu fais là?
Attendez, faites attention!
(guests chatting and laughing) Have you heard the rumors?
Which?
Ross Poldark's latest folly.
His reckless assault on a French prison.
Surely not!
Let's take some refreshment.
The absolute futility of such an act.
And what does it say of the man who would attempt it?
What, indeed?
And did I hear he's being considered for some high office?
Dear God, is that the kind of madman we want representing us in Parliament?
(softly): Hm.
Allez!
Load your weapons.
We'll make a stand.
My apologies, Dwight.
This is a poor sort of rescue.
Captain Ross!
I believe there be a better way.
ROSS: Stay here.
Escape, escape, escape!
(men shouting) ROSS: Let's be gone.
Quickly!
(shouting in French) Dépêchez-vous!
Would you prefer Oxford or Bath?
For what, sir?
Our honeymoon.
I prefer not to speak of such a thing.
All the more to tease me?
I pray you, do not imagine... Oh, but I do, my dear.
All the time.
(shouting in French) HENSHAWE: It's locked!
Over?
ROSS: He'll never make it.
What do we do?
HENSHAWE: I told you I'd have something up my sleeve.
Stand back, lads!
Leave it to the expert.
Zacky, Tholly, take Dwight.
Nearly there!
Stand back, lads!
Take cover!
Get up, let's go!
Drake, come with me.
(shouting in French) HENSHAWE: Look out, Ross!
Watch out!
Ross, take mine.
ROSS: Hensh, follow me!
(shouts) (grunts) ROSS: He's hit!
(gun fires, Drake gasps) ROSS: We need a place to hide him.
Dwight, Henshawe's hit.
(Henshawe rasping and groaning) Can you hear me, Hensh?
What can be done for him?
Nothing.
Try.
If there was aught to be done, do you think I'd spare myself?
I told him not to come.
But he wouldn't listen.
We're too old for this, Hensh.
What do we say?
"No fool like an old fool."
THOLLY: We'll be dead fools if we don't get a gallop on.
Do 'ee think these Frenchies be firin' for fun?
Help me carry him.
THOLLY: We'll never make it!
DRAKE: Then I'll stay with him.
ZACKY: Nay, I will.
He was my captain and friend.
Let me stay-- I don't care what become of me.
There's no need to stay.
He's dead.
He's dead.
(French soldiers shouting in distance) DWIGHT: Come away, Ross.
Ross!
Excuse me, I promised Lord Falmouth the allemande.
Do you not dance, ma'am?
Does your husband disapprove of the sport?
Not in the least.
How could he, when his own pursuits are so much more hazardous?
Is it not galling to be married to such a hothead?
Bad enough in a 20-year-old, but in a supposedly respectable mine owner, in his 30s, with a wife and children?
It's positively infantile.
Do you think he'll ever grow up?
I don't know, George.
Will you?
THOLLY: Everyone down-- someone's coming.
Armitage!
Thank God it's you.
I thought you were the guards.
Are you alone?
A dozen or so others escaped, but we got separated.
They're headed for the coast.
I abandoned my post, Enys.
The thought of freedom was too much for me.
DWIGHT: 'Twas too much for us all.
There's talk of a Royalist landing.
Republican troops are mobilizing.
If we're caught now, there'll be no escape and no mercy.
Up!
(chamber music playing) The power of an ancient family name.
Chynoweths stroll in where Warleggans fear to tread.
Did you manage to advance our cause?
How?
By the subtle disparaging of Ross.
I observed no such subtlety from you.
Did you speak of his adventures in France?
I might have done, had Lord Falmouth not mentioned his nephew is a prisoner of war.
I felt it would be tactless to refer to French prisons at all, let alone Ross's intention to storm one.
So our mission has failed.
We're leaving.
Morwenna?
Excuse me.
Of course.
The Royalist landing has failed.
What?
De Sombreuil and the leaders are captured.
My dear, what hope is there for Dwight now?
Drake's hurt.
Help me get him aboard.
THOLLY: Here's Dr. Enys.
Help him on.
Careful, muskets.
Set the oars.
Set the oars!
You've been at it hours, Ross.
Take a rest.
It won't bring him back!
HUGH: Allow me.
We're not out of danger yet.
No let-up!
We must get to Roscoff before dark.
The One & All sails on the evening tide.
We'll never do it!
ROSS: We must!
Or we're trapped in Roscoff for a fortnight!
Drake won't last a fortnight.
He won't last a day.
Nor will you.
His fever's worsening.
Unless I can clean the wound soon, it's likely to become infected.
And then he's done for.
DWIGHT: Ross, Ross!
CAROLINE: You let him die.
You let him die!
DEMELZA: You're a disgrace.
Selfish, vainglorious, reckless.
GEORGE: One can only agree.
You are the most despicable of men.
DEMELZA: Ross!
Ross!
THOLLY: She's still there!
She's still there!
ZACKY: At anchor, waitin' for us!
If we make haste, we'll catch her before she sail.
Come on!
Heave!
Heave!
Heave!
I have a confession to make.
When we left Henshawe, he was not dead.
He was dying.
He could not live an hour.
But in that hour I knew that unless I lied, you would willingly die alongside him.
And that I could not permit.
What of Drake?
I think you will have one less life on your conscience.
Ross, I haven't yet thanked you.
When you first appeared, I thought you were a figment of my imagination.
Hardly surprising.
I must have been the last person you expected to see.
In truth, I expected to die where I stood, surrounded by men I was unable to save.
Now?
Already I see that I must keep myself occupied or I shall begin to ask the impossible question.
Which?
Why am I here and they are not?
The cove.
Nampara Cove.
Ross!
See, brother?
My prayers did work!
Judas, what happened?
Nothing, sister.
'Tis a scratch.
He'll need rest and warm.
We'll bring him up to the house.
Dwight!
Dwight, they brought you home!
DEMELZA: And Zacky!
Oh, to see 'ee safe and well, I never dared hope.
ZACKY: We're more than grateful to be here.
DEMELZA: I don't know this gentleman.
Lieutenant Hugh Armitage at your service, ma'am.
Captain Poldark was my savior, too.
Then this means it was a success.
You all returned home.
No.
Not all.
Captain Henshawe?
(weeping) Prudie!
Make ready two beds.
One for Drake and one for Dr. Enys.
'Tis done already, maid.
Ole Prudie'll see them right!
Bring them in, bring them in.
Beggin' your pardon, sir.
I thought 'ee'd wish to know.
The One & All returned from France, and Ross Poldark with her.
Dr. Enys was saved.
As expected.
Any casualties?
One wounded, one dead.
Captain Henshawe, from the mine.
Then the mission can hardly be deemed a success.
To liberate one man at the expense of another?
'Twas reckoned a success, for up to 20 men also escaped.
One of them a person of great importance.
A Lieutenant Armitage.
Lieutenant Hugh Armitage?
Yes, ma'am, I think that 'twas the name.
You may go.
You know Lieutenant Armitage?
Only by name.
He's the nephew of Lord Falmouth.
(knocking on door) BUTLER: This way, please.
Do you feel strong enough for a small surprise?
Dr. Enys.
Do I detect scorbutus?
I'm afraid so.
Well, then, I prescribe fresh air, oranges... And kisses without end.
Sleep'll do him powerful good.
Still think he's a pest?
Yes.
But a brave and fearless pest who may have saved my life.
He has something of your spirit.
I suppose I must learn to love him, too.
♪ Greater love hath no man ♪ ♪ Than he who for his friend ♪ ♪ Lay down his life ♪ ♪ And his name shall be forever beloved ♪ ♪ And his sacrifice forever praised ♪ ♪ Though we may no longer behold him ♪ ♪ In our hearts he liveth on ♪ ♪ And the light may grow dark ♪ ♪ Yet time will hold a flame forevermore.
♪ (crying softly) ROSS: I should never have let him come.
I should have foreseen the consequences.
How could you?
How can we ever foresee what will come of our actions?
HUGH: I agree.
How could I foresee that a month ago today I'd be a free man?
How could your husband foresee that in freeing his friend, he'd liberate a man he'd never met?
Well, I hope whatever consequence come of this liberty, you take full advantage of it.
Believe me, ma'am.
I intend to.
Next time, on Masterpiece.
Look me in the eyes and tell me you don't love me.
Why do you suppose this has anything to do with the heart?
Dwight!
CAROLINE: What's happened to my husband?
DEMELZA: George has set a trap.
TOM: After 'em!
(shouts) ROSS: If Drake Carne hangs, the people will rise up, and I will be powerless to stop them.
Poldark, next time, on Masterpiece.
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