"Burnt to the ground?" "'Tis not good to promise a girl marriage then her leave the day afore." " But even so..." " l fear for what they'll do to Drake." "Especially if he bring the widow." " He'd hardly do that." " He went to see her." " Where is he?" " There's been no sight of him." "Oh, Sam..." "What are we to do?" "Naught to do but pray for forgiveness." "Forgiveness?" "!" "Does man deserve even less than he's given?" "I wonder what Morwenna said to him." "I fear the girl is not to be relied on in the least." "I have had to undertake the arrangements for the funeral myself." "I'm sure my cousin is grateful, Lady Whitworth." "I take it everyone of note will be there?" "But who must we expect afterwards?" "I can get no sense from my daughter-in-law." " It would be wise not to have too many." " l agree, Mrs Warleggan." "I don't hold with the vulgar extravagances that often attend these occasions." "I heard of a man of property so fea_ul of the expenditure his relatives might indulge in at his death he ordered in his will to be buried at night." "Not that I wish so obscure a leave taking for my son." "Lady Whitworth, may I offer you my condolences?" "The loss is not mine alone, Mr Warleggan." "Osborne was destined for the highest offices of his calling." "Have you found who was responsible for his death?" "It was an accident, Lady Whitworth." "The horse is to be destroyed." "But it's surprising that Osborne, as firm in the saddle as in all things, could not keep such an unruly brute in check." "If the horse was frightened..." "The constables share Lady Whitworth's suspicions." "A chestnut stave was found and signs of a struggle." " l thought so." " Some footpad?" "Money was still on his person, so robbery was not the motive." "Indeed?" "Why else would anyone wish my son dead?" "That's what the constables asked me." "Can you think of anyone, Elizabeth?" "I feel so to blame, Mary Ann." " 'Tis funny, really." " Funny?" "I built such dreams about our life together." "And if Mr Whitworth had died just one day later we would have been wed." "And I know for sure that Drake would not have left me then." "C-Constables be lookin' for Drake!" "They've been to his shop, what's left of it, asking' for 'im!" "What for?" "They want to know where he was the night the pastor was struck down." "Who else but Carne had motive?" "But Drake is to marry a girl in Sawle, the wedding... was yesterday." "It never took place." "Carne has not been seen since Whitworth's death." "Constables must've heard about Drake from someone." "And Lucas has been spreading the tale." "Drake Carne's gonna be hanged, says he, and good riddance." "No wonder his forge was fired, says he." "Why would my father say a thing like that?" "Maybe something on his conscience might rest lighter if he could make out that Drake was a murderer." "Do you mean that...?" "No!" "He were in a towering rage when he went to seek him, beat him black and blue he would." "But he wouldn't..." "Not a wicked thing like that." "Mistress, Sam's back with Zacky Martin from the mining wanting to see you." "I'll go home, Mrs Poldark, stop my father telling such tales about Drake." "Tell him ye can be hanged just as easy for arson as for murder!" "Jud!" "I wish Ross was here." "Why is he always away?" " Have you heard about Drake?" "!" " He was with me that night." "He has naught to fear if there be justice." "Which there ain't!" "Could Lucas have burnt down his shop?" "'Tis more likely him than another." "But 'tis mostly stone - the timber and thatch can be put to rights easy." "At least Drake's got money put away." " Has he, ma'am?" "Where?" " In the bank." " Pascoes bank?" " Yes, where we keep ours." "Why?" "We've heard tales - that's why we best talk to you." "Tales of what?" "They say Pascoes bank ain't safe no more." "I cannot afford to take a risk, Mr Pascoe." "What leads you to suppose there is a risk?" "'Tis all over the town." "Nat Pearce embezzling funds with your guarantee." "The bank can meet any debts incurred, Mr Ridley." "Our stability is not threatened." "How much do you wish to withdraw?" "Over the years there's been a steady investment in my business." "Should I not be able to repay the investors..." "Please see to it, Kingsley, that Mr Lukey's cheque is met in full." "I take it you don't wish to be paid all in gold?" " Well, no, but, erm..." " Be assured, Mr Lukey," "Pascoes bank is as solid as a rock." "Solid as a rock!" "Ah, Mrs Poldark!" "This is a pleasure." " How is Ross?" " He's in London." " The House has reassembled." " Of course." "Would you care to take a glass of port in my parlour?" " l'd be greatly honoured." " Thank you." "I take it you've heard the rumours?" "is there any truth in them?" "It's true that Mr Pearce must have suffered some softening of the moral fibre." "His speculations with other people's money have robbed his clients of some f15,OOO, for about half of which we stand as guarantors." " f7,OOO?" " Nearer eight." "And my son-in-law, St John Peter, has come upon me for most of his marriage settlement to pay loans called in by Warleggans." "Warleggans?" "One of our most substantial clients, Mr Henry Prinandrew, had a letter pushed under his door the other day." ""Honoured Sir," it says, "it has come to my notice" ""you entrust your savings in Pascoes bank in Truro." ""l have to inform you this bank is on the verge of collapse." ""Monies made over to Mr Pascoes daughter on her marriage" ""have lately been withdrawn" ""and this event coincides with the revelation" ""of the criminal activities of Nathaniel Pearce." ""The threadbare nature of the cover this bank offers..."" " Who sent it?" " It's signed, "A well-wisher."" " Scores are in circulation." " It's monstrous." "If one depositor such as Mr Lukey withdraws all his money, that's all in a banker's day." "If ten do likewise we can meet them but if all come in at once, I do not know we can keep our heads above water." "Oh, I'll be with you in a moment, Mr Kingsley." "Dear me, with my preoccupation I forget my manners." "Er, Mr Pascoe, it's the end of the month and as you know at this time it's our custom to..." "To draw out the wages for your miners." "Of course." "f500, isn't it?" "I'll instruct the clerk." "Ross is away, you understand, and in his absence I have to try and do what he would do." "Safeguard his assets, naturally." "He banks only with us and his balance, despite the accident to your mine, is still substantial." "Of course you must withdraw it but... I would esteem it a favour if perhaps you... did not draw it all at once?" "Mr Pascoe, you must not think that all your friends are like Mr Lukey." "You need have no fears about Warleggans, Lady Whitworth." "Monies from Pascoes bank are wisely being entrusted to ours." "Your late son's deposit is safe." "I'm glad to hear it." "Osborne left all to his son." "As it is largely derived from his allowance" " l hope it is substantial." " You gave him an allowance?" "He could hardly be expected to live on his stipend." " Oh..." " Elizabeth, are you unwell?" "Oh, a slight giddiness, that's all." "Sit down, let me get you some brandy." "No, I'm recovered." "A momentary faintness." "Lady Whitworth, how's Morwenna?" "She keeps close to her room." "I hardly see her." "What will happen when she has to leave the vicarage?" "My grandson will live with me at Gorran but I can't see Morwenna fitting in." "Might she not go to her sister's?" "is there not one of them in Truro married to some clerk?" "A librarian." "Arthur Solway." " The Solways are leaving Truro." " Leaving Truro?" "I've just come from there." "Rowella's had an accident, she's fallen down the stairs." "She's bruised her face so badly she fled the room rather than face me." "Her husband was so agitated you'd think I was an avenging Fury." "Really, it was most curious." "I did try to warn Captain Poldark when he left for London." "It was folly to keep all at Pascoes." "Well, the miners' wages have to be paid tomorrow and I simply cannot draw money out." " Can't even pay the wages?" " l do not want to draw money." "If the bank is in difficulty you should draw out all you have." "And drive Pascoe to bankruptcy?" "You risk driving your husband to bankruptcy." "When Ross was almost thrown into debtors' prison" "Mr Pascoe helped him and I'll not desert him now." "Your sentiment does you credit but sentiment is a poor adviser." "It is not so much your advice I want as your help." "Help?" "Ross has an interest in your new smelting furnaces..." "A quarter share." "Would you buy this interest and pay me the money?" "My dear Mrs Poldark..." " Would you?" " It's out of the question." "How could I without at least Ross's signature?" "Ross is in London. I've written but it will be some time before he gets my letter." "Hm." "How much do you need to meet your wages?" " Only f2,OOO." " l was admiring your candour, now you have disillusioned me." "I would guess that six or seven hundred pounds is all that you need." "Or are you anticipating paying next month's wages as well?" "Well, if the bank does go under I have to pay the men or we might lose the mine as well." "If you withdraw your deposit you risk nothing." " That is not what Ross would do." " Are you sure?" "Quite sure." "Very well!" "I will not buy his share in the furnaces but I am prepared to advance you his proportion of next year's profits." " How much would that be?" " f800." "And if the worst happens at Pascoes before you have to pay your men again, I hope Ross will be home by then so I can discuss it with him." "Mr Daniell, I'm that grateful to you and I know Ross would be." "I wish I could be as sure of it myself." "Sam be here and Zacky Martin." "Why don't you knock before you come in?" "Didn't I knock?" "Ahh, Mr Daniell, ain't it?" "Send Sam and Zacky in, Jud, and show Mr Daniell to his carriage." "You do realise, Mrs Poldark, that if Pascoes bank is going to fail you cannot save it?" "At least we're not contributing to its ruin." "Pascoe is lucky in his friends." "He has few enough at the moment." "Ah, Zacky, Mr Daniell has kindly offered to help." "Zacky manages the mine for my husband." "I trust he'll do his duty and give you good advice." "Your husband has a quixotic temperament, Mrs Poldark, but I didn't realise till now how closely it resembles yours." " How much will he let us have?" " f800." " l hoped for more." " That's enough to pay the men!" "Zacky, do you think the men will be willing to wait a few days?" " Wait?" " Till the bank is safe again." " It'll be safe in a few days?" " Oh, yes, it will." "I have f100 I keep locked up here in case of emergency and I believe there's some more at the mine." "About f60." "With the f800 from Mr Daniell that makes almost a thousand." "Enough for next month's wages as well!" "Enough to save Harris Pascoe." "All it needs is one big gesture of confidence from people as respected as us and the panic will be over." "What do you mean to do?" "It's not enough just to keep our money there, to stop people taking money out we have to be seen to be putting it in." "Good morning, Mr Pascoe." "How are you today?" "I thank you, Mrs Poldark, well." "I've never seen it so busy." "Do you have a clerk to serve me?" " l'll serve you myself." " Thank you." "I have a quantity of money to pay in and I am in a hurry." " Pay in?" " If you'd be so kind." "Jud." "My manager will be along later with another f200." "Another f200 to pay in?" "Please, Mr Pascoe." "f208 if you care to count it, Mr Kingsley." "And I want it kept safe, see?" "Mistress do say if I pay it into Cap'n Poldark's account it'll be safer here than anywhere!" "f62 in all." "f340, Mr Kingsley, for the Poldark account." "Another f50 to deposit, Mr Kingsley." "Another f150 for the Poldark account." "Very well, sir." "By the end of the day they must have paid in nearly f1 ,OOO." " What effect has it had?" " It has made some feel foolish for taking out their money while the Poldarks paid so much in." "Fewer deposits were withdrawn today." "Panic is just anxiety now." "f1 ,OOO is not enough to stem the tide." "Poldark has only added to his losses." "Poldark's done nothing." "It's that wife of his." "Poor Poldark doesn't even know of it." "The coach b'ain't due until tomorrow, sir." "I was weary of the coach." "Bought myself a mare with the last few pounds I had on me and rode home." " Is your mistress well?" " Oh, yes, she's fine, sir." "And the rest of you?" "Betsy Martin have had a carbuncle but it's near mended." " Shall I get you a jug of ale?" " Prudie!" "Stop raising' your voice, Jud, master's here!" " What?" " Ruined." "That's what we be - ruined!" " 'Tain't for us to tell." " What are you talking about?" "Why didn't you get here sooner?" "Why weren't you here last week?" "So Pascoes bank has finally closed its doors." "It seems generally understood in Truro that Warleggans were behind it." "You'll get some cold looks when next you show your face there." "I have no further business in Truro at the moment." "Next time we show our faces we'll be in London." " London?" " We leave on Tuesday." "Captain Adderley has decided that George should appear in London society." "So you've got control of your borough?" "I shall be back in Parliament within three months." "How do you feel about that?" "As long as we don't always live in London I shall enjoy it." "And George will have all he wants again." "Do you need to do that on such a day as this?" "Do you not find it exceedingly warm?" "On the contrary, the room is as cold as a tomb." " Mm..." " Are you feeling faint?" "A little." "You are not with child again, are you?" "Certainly not." "One child's not enough to ensure the inheritance." "Think how Valentine was near to death's door a few years ago." "Valentine never even catches a chill." "I'm amazed in this house how anyone does not!" " Even so..." " Please do not tell George." "I can assure you, I am not with child." "If that loan to St John Peter started it, then the Warleggans contrived it all." "That letter from a well-wisher has George's stamp on it too." " When I see him..." " Don't do anything." "If you took no money out, how did you meet the wages of the mine?" "We have f100 here and some in the mine but..." "Not any more." "You paid that in too?" "So how did you pay the men?" "I didn't." "I said Pascoe was in trouble and needed help and that if it wasn't for Pascoe we wouldn't even have a mine!" "That's true." "And I said that we had to make a show of paying money in." "f1 ,OOO would be enough, we'd only have to wait a few days... I gave ten guineas for the mare I bought today, so all I have in the world now is, er... a seven-shilling piece and five pennies." "I know it went wrong but at the time..." "Have any of the bills been met for supplies to the mine?" "No." "Do we still owe the tradesmen and Renfrew?" "Yes." "Oh, did I do right to try, Ross?" "I have to know." "You're worth all Westminster." "Basset, Rogers and company are taking over the bank." "Sir Francis is coming here tomorrow with his manager." "They're big enough to absorb our liabilities." "So I hope all debts eventually will be met in full." "Even the f900 paid in by your wife with such noble generosity." "Then why cannot the bank be reconstituted as before?" " That must be possible." " Because I lost my reputation." " And with what capital?" " What will you do?" "I've been offered the post of chief clerk." " The devil!" " l don't know if I will accept." " l'll refuse for you." " It is not to be sniffed at." "No, spat at, spat out!" "If I can't do better for you..." "No, Ross, the success of Warleggans manoeuvre may darken their reputation." " Blot it out, I should think." " Few voices will be raised against a family with the power to do what they did." " Do nothing." "With your reputation..." " And deny my own nature?" "Remember this, Ross - at the moment your own financial position is, to say the least, insecure." "You should have come to me." "Legally I have access to Caroline's money." " But you never touch it." " For myself, no, but this is different." "I'd have written but I'm sure Caroline would've agreed." "By the time she got the letter, it would have been too late." "As it happens I heard from her yesterday." "is she coming home?" "No, but she asked me to join her in London." "Dwight!" "Oh, will you go?" "If I can engage the druggist as my locum." "He has no stupid theories and will treat my patients as people, which is all we should do." " Will you come to London too?" " Me?" "Caroline is anxious that you should." " She asked before..." " So did Ross." " Only for Caroline's sake." " l'll talk to him." "Come - wouldn't you like to be with him in London?" "There's nothing I'd love more." "I miss him dreadfully." "Then come you must." "Caroline will insist." "I want Ross to insist." "And only then, Dwight." " Poldark. I did not think to see you here." " Sir Francis." "Captain Poldark is my oldest friend, Sir Francis." " A glass of port?" " No, thank you." "I take it you are involved in this unhappy affair?" "Won't they need you in the bank for questions about the books?" "Yes, it might save everyone's time." "Then I'll leave you together, gentlemen." "You know, unless Harris Pascoe can be re-established we shall lose a major influence for good in this town." "I must be rather out of touch but I thought that Bassets would not be taking over this bank's liabilities and assets if it could be re-established." "It has wavered before, remember." "And been saved." "By a credit of f6,OOO." "This time it may need more." "One cannot go on supporting another bank in this way." "Even when the pressures are as malicious as before?" "You found out what the Warleggans were doing last time." "I have little fancy for sharp practices." "Letters were circulated." "Would you care to see one?" "It would take a loan of f20,OOO to re-establish this bank and we can use that money in so many better ways." "I understand that Mr Pascoe has been offered a position." " As a clerk." " Chief clerk." "It's not the situation to which he's accustomed but it's something." "On the other hand, if he were to join your bank as a partner..." "He would bring with him an aura of mismanagement and failure." "He would also bring all his clients." "If he went elsewhere so would his clients." " To Warleggans?" " Or Coode in Falmouth." "It's only a little less convenient." "Sir John Trevaunance would go, as I would if Coodes became Coode and Pascoe." "I do not like being blackmailed." "Nothing was further from my thoughts, but if Basset, Rogers became Basset, Rogers and Pascoe it would enhance those who made it possible." "Have Coodes invited Pascoe to join them?" " They will if I offer them clients." " Isn't that blackmail?" "No, just business." "And I'm only a beginner at it." "You have a certain aptitude for your new role." "You know, I think I will try a glass of Mr Pascoe's port." "I'm obliged to you, Sir Francis." "You should not be, I've promised you nothing." ""To be known as the Cornish Bank."" "An amalgamation of Bassets and Pascoes." "It has not worked out as you anticipated, has it, my boy?" "Who are the partners?" "Mr Rogers, Mr Prade, Mr Stackhouse, Pascoe." "They have made Pascoe a partner?" "And Cap'n Ross Poldark." "I am told the last name was added on Basset's suggestion." "He'll never bring no money, they say." "George, are you coming?" "So Ross Poldark enters banking." "It's a good name to have, says Rogers." "What's a name?" "Everything, my boy." "You should know that what makes a personality in the county is what a man is, not what he does." "It's a matter of character." "They left for London yesterday." " Elizabeth too?" " Mm-hm." "And Valentine." "And Geoffrey Charles is to join them." "London's a big place, I doubt our paths will cross." "George fled with his tail between his legs." "It'll soon wag again if I know George." "Oh, Dwight is going to London too next week." "Caroline's asked if he'll join her there." "Good, they've been parted too long." " When do we have to part?" " In a week or two." "Basset's giving us a loan to tide us over." "Oh." "So the men can be paid." "And the bills." "So is everybody's money safe?" "Yes, but it'll be a long time before anyone can withdraw any, so it'll fall hard on some." "It happened after you'd gone." "Accident 'twas." "Where've you been, Drake?" "'Tis weeks since we've seen you." "No cause to worry over this." "Soon have him put to rights." "Where have you been?" "I wasn't gonna come back at all." "Maybe I shouldn't have neither, seeing this." "Soon mend this." "Who did it?" "!" "Come along, old love, you're gonna live with me for a time." "It's just a short walk from here to me cottage." " l went to see Morwenna." " Best have some food." "She wouldn't have me." "She wanted nothing to do with me, Sam." "So it was all for naught." "You and me, brother, we're going home." " Have you seen him?" " Briefly." "He said barely a word." "Just that Morwenna had turned him down and he wanted to leave." "He's been travelling with the tinkers." " What about his forge?" " He hardly seemed to care." "It..." "Well, it's as if he's been felled." "But if anyone's to look after him now it's Sam, not me." "At least the constables aren't pursuing him now." "Oh, Ross, why d'you have to go back to London?" "Well, you know I have to." "Yes, of course." "But it's cheerless here without you." "Demelza, if I postpone my departure for a week..." "No, if you have to go I'd rather you went at once." "Would a week be long enough to make ready to come with me?" "I know you've never been to London." "I fear you will hate the place as I do, it's not the kind of society I would wish on you." "But it's cheerless for me too without you." "Will you come?" " Have you talked to Dwight?" " Not since I came back." "Why?" " Oh, Ross..." " Will you?" "I'd love to if you really want me to." "Yes." "Where are we coming to now?" " We've just crossed the Tamar." " Have we?" "We stop next at Plymouth for dinner." " Plymouth?" " Spend the night at Ashburton." "Yes." " Oh, Ross..." " What's the matter?" "I think I feel something anxious." " About what?" " Being so far away from home." "We're gonna be a lot farther." "We've another five days' travelling ahead of us." "How much longer does this go on for?" "The roads get better as we near London." "We'll be at Marlborough tonight." "Giddup!" "Giddup!" " Where's this?" " Hounslow." " Hounslow Heath?" " We crossed that as you slept." "Highwaymen?" "The only one I saw was hanging from a gibbet." "So many people!" "They say 500 coaches pass through here every day." "I can see what Prudie means about London - it is bigger than Truro." " We're not in London yet." " Oh?" "Go back to sleep." "Judas!" "Why didn't you wake me?" "Why?" "It's only ten o'clock." "Ten?" "!" "How did my shift get over there?" "Don't you remember?" "Oh, yes." "To be sure I do." "Funny, I was so exhausted when you carried me upstairs after the journey." "You revived, as I remember." "So, these are your lodgings." "Pass me my shift, will you?" " Fetch it yourself." " No, Ross." " Are you such a lay-a-bed?" " l got nothing on." "So?" "It's not nice in daytime, nakedness." "Opinions differ." "A gentleman would pass me my shift." " Depends on the gentleman." " Please, Ross." "Fetch it!" "I got it!" "I got it!" " Who is it?" " May I come in?" "No!" " What's going on?" " Wait!" "Wait!" " Caroline." " Ross!" "Demelza!" "Caroline." "Oh." "Whatever were you doing?" "I'm sorry to call so unconscionably early but I couldn't wait to see you." "How do you like London?" "We've only just arrived." "I know." "Dwight told me you were coming." "That's why I called round at once." "Oh, Demelza, it's so good to have you here." "We shall do everything together." " How does Dwight like London?" " If he can forget his patients" " he finds it tolerable." " l'm glad you're together." "We were never really apart, not in any true sense." "I just knew if I were to get over Sarah's death I needed a complete change." "Now I see it more in proportion." "Now, will you both come to a party tomorrow night?" "Party?" "Have you brought anything tolerable to wear?" " She lacks even a shift." " No matter." "My dressmaker has gowns half made that can be fitted in 24 hours." "Do come" " Dwight refuses to go unless you do." "I thought there was a catch." "Oh, we've only just arrived..." "The Prince Regent will be there." "Prince Regent?" "We definitely can't come." "Why not?" "If Caroline can arrange it." "Sounds like a royal command." "Don't tell me you listened to the speech from the thrudge?" "From the public gallery." "I spent the time at Boodles meself." "I'm having you put up, by the way." "White's, too." "There should no difficulty." "All we need now is to get you elected to this dreadful place." "is Wilbraham willing to resign in your favour?" "I'm waiting for him now, he's in the chamber." "My dear fellow, not here." "Not in the House of Commons." "Leave this to me, you'll only mess it up." " How much can you run to?" " Whatever it takes." "Shall I see you tonight at Portland Place?" "Considering the trouble you took to get us invited, certainly." "I'm told the Prince Regent will be there." "My God, I hope not." "Oh, Caroline, I can't wear this, it's indecent." "What's wrong with the gown I brought?" " What gown?" " The one I wore at your wedding." " Three years ago." " l've only worn it once since." " It's almost new." " Demelza, it may do to be three years behind the fashion in Cornwall but not in London, 1799." " But..." " Now, that gown is quite delightful, and with a feather for your hair..." " Oh." " There..." "Now, you see that's pe_ect." "I must go or I'll never get dressed myself." "Oh, Caroline, I look like a wanton." "That's what you're supposed to look like." "It's the ambition of every respectable lady." "What's the ambition of wantons?" " Caroline." " Ross, I've been helping Demelza dress." "Now I must fly." " What time is your coach?" " Quarter past nine." "It starts at nine, we shall be late." "To be late is to be punctual in London society." "I shall see you both there." "Well, what do you think of it?" "Er...it's pretty." "But where's the gown?" " This is the gown." " That's a petticoat." "You know it's no such thing." "Am I supposed to go in my shirt and underbreeches?" "Ross, it's confidence I need." "This is for my hair." "What would your father say if he could see you?" "Caroline says I should really dampen it down to make it cling more." "Do that and I'll spank you." "Oh, really though, Ross, do you like it?" "I can easily change it for the gown I wore at Caroline's wedding party." " An old gown to please me?" " If it will please you." " And be miserable yourself?" " l'd be happy. I am happy." " Are you?" " Yes, because of you." "Because of us." "The vexing thing is good-looking women look good in almost anything." "Or should I say almost nothing." "Of course I like what..." "purports to be your gown." "I'm only sorry that so many men are going to see so much of you." "There'll be far more beautiful women than me to look at." "I wonder." "Who was that man our hostess was talking to just now?" "Dr Franz Anselm, m'dear." "Do you wish to make it possible to conceive?" "He will see to it." "Or not to conceive, or lose that which you have conceived." "That too, Dr Anselm will arrange." "If you wish to fascinate a husband, even, if necessary, your own, he will prescribe a nostrum." "Warts?" "Dr Anselm will take them off you." "Stay young?" "He will give you a cordial." " In short..." " A charlatan." "Who in the medical profession is not?" "They each have their cure-alls but I hear Dr Anselm's are at least more effective than most." "I'm so glad you kept your promise that I should see more of you." "What ships you will launch here tonight." " Ships?" " In that attire, I swear you are none other than Helen of Troy." "Captain and Mrs Ross Poldark." "Dear me." "The country does come to town tonight." "Speaking of Troy, Captain Adderley, do you travel much?" "I would dearly love to - Greece, France, Italy." " Don't go for the scenery." " Why ever not?" "I was reading Wordsworth..." "These romantic poets that we're plagued with." "What are mountains and lakes to be so stared at?" "Personally, when I go through the Alps I always draw the blinds of my coach." "Oh, Ross, what I wouldn't give to be back at Nampara." " Demelza!" " Caroline." "How striking you look." "Who are all these people?" "The man who just brushed past you is Charles James Fox and they say the Prince Regent may not come after all." "Never mind, I hear he can be so boorish." "Caroline tells me you yearn for your patients." "I wouldn't say "yearn", but in these surroundings I can't help thinking about them." " Lord and Lady..." " How do you find Caroline?" " Fully recovered." " Almost recovered, or she wouldn't have sent for me." "She will only be fully over it when she agrees to come home." "George Warleggan." "It should not be difficult to avoid him here." "Poldark." " And his wife, I presume." " He married his kitchen maid." "Mm, she's tasty to look at." "Her hair's provincial but her gown... I expect she was dressed in London." "Perhaps she should be undressed in London too." "I cannot bear virtuous countrywomen." "There may be fewer than you think." "Well, you know my claim. I've never yet turned a woman empty away." " Monk Adderley is coming over." " Who?" "I met him at Penrice, George's party." "My dear Poldark, were you in the House today?" " No." " How very wise." "And Mrs Poldark, I presume?" "Enchanté." " All the way from Devonshire." " Cornwall." "Of course, your husband not only sits in the Boscowan interest but lives there too." "Greater love hath no manor." " Is it Captain Poldark?" " Yes, ma'am." "I did not take it in when you were announced." "So many names, faces." "Why one gives these parties..." "But someone tells me, I cannot remember who, that you were a friend of Hugh Armitage." "Well, I know there is someone who would love to meet you." "Shall we go into supper, Mrs Poldark?" " Supper?" " May I have the honour?" "Oh, I'm sorry, I'm engaged." " By whom?" " My husband." "Your husband?" "My dear, it is simply not done." "It is not permitted for married people to eat à deux." "Well, let us all go in together." "Caroline?" "Ross?" "Shall we go in to supper?" "Captain Adderley is ferocious for food." "So...you find me ferocious, do you?" " Is that my reputation?" " l don't know your reputation." "Two things I like best - to fight duels and make love." " With the same person?" " No, but on the same day." "One whets the appetite for the other." "So Captain Adderley's making a play for Demelza?" "There is nothing Monk rises to so quickly as a challenge." "So much for Helen of Troy." "Ah, Captain. I was going to introduce you to someone and I quite forget who." "But now there is someone you must meet." "Mr George Warleggan." "You see, it seems he too comes from Truro." " Captain Ross Poldark." " We have met." "Oh, I am glad." "It's always such a pleasure to meet old friends so far from home, is it not?" "Excuse me." "I hear you're returning to Parliament shortly?" "I hear you are becoming a banker." "If no letters signed by a well-wisher are circulated." "Pascoe was an old fool, quite incapable of running a bank." " You must withdraw that lie." " Do not threaten me here." "Ross, ask me to dance." "You've deserted me all evening." "It's seems to me you've been well looked after." "Well, I have made the preliminary clearances." " l wager you'll get no further." " What odds will you offer?" "She's a notoriously virtuous woman." "If you mean faithful to her husband, she'll not last a month." "If, by faithful to me, that should be as long as I want her." " l'll give you 100 guineas to ten." " Done." "I'd make the odds longer if you weren't going to get all the fun if you win." "If I win, my dear George, I think you will be more satisfied than I." "Mrs Warleggan!" "Find Dr Anselm, Mrs Warleggan has fainted." "Oh, oh, my dear." "Oh, I'm terribly sorry." "It's nothing serious." "Elizabeth..." "Thank you." "Have you been seeing the sights?" "How did you get in?" "I told the landlady I was your brother." "I'm sorry but I must ask you to leave." "I have brought you some flowers." "Do you know what they're called?" " No." " Dahlias." "They'd been imported for use by the poor in place of the potato, but the saucy poor don't like the flavour." "So now they're selling not the root, but the flower." " Shall I relieve you of your pelisse?" " l must remind you I'm married." " That I have noticed." " My husband may return soon." "I doubt it." "They'll drone on for hours at the House with that militia bill and he's very conscientious." "I do not want to send for the landlady." "I am so glad you don't want to send for her." "Shall we talk?" " What about?" " Life, love, letters." "Shall I tell you of the men I have killed in duels?" "I'm sorry but you must go." " Are you afraid of me?" " Not a bit." "Have you never had a man but your husband?" "I can instruct you in the finer points of love, Demelza." " What do you know of love?" " l can instruct... most... most... delicately." " You see?" " See what?" " How quickly you respond." " You flatter yourself." "Shall I prove it?" "I'm deeply enamoured, this is not some trivial fancy." " You're very enchanting..." " And now you flatter me." "I'm sorry, I don't feel the way you want me to feel." "That...could be altered." "I have a sovereign remedy." " Do you cry out when a man takes you?" " Are you a gentleman?" "I trust so." "Forgive me, I know little of London manners, but is it not a gentleman's duty to withdraw when a lady asks him?" "Only when the gentleman has already been in." " Mrs Parkin!" " Egad, I know what it is!" "It's your husband you're afraid of, not me." " Does he beat you?" " Often." "When his arm gets tired, tell him to send for me." "Good night, Mrs Poldark." " Adderley, here?" " When I got home." "How long did he stay?" "Just as long as it took me to kick him out." " How long was that?" " A few minutes." "My God, did he bring you flowers?" "I sent him away, Ross." "If he supposes I shall simply stand by and let him attempt to cuckold me...." "Do you seriously suppose he had the slightest chance?" "Ross, what are you thinking of?" "Just because once I fell deeply for another man, do you think a rake like Monk Adderley..." " He was in your room." " Not at my invitation!" "You try me hard." "This is my first visit to London." "Better I'd not come if you treat me like this." "Do you want me to go?" "I'm sorry but it turns up old feelings." "Captain Poldark..." "Is it your gloves you seek?" " You left them in the chamber." " Thank you." "Would you have me beg for them?" "Pray, keep them." "My dear Poldark." "I'm no longer interested in any of your... your worn possessions." ""The insult you paid me at the House brooks no apology." ""l therefore desire you to meet me in Hyde Park on Wednesday at 6am" ""with a brace of pistols to determine our differences." ""l desire you to tell my second, Mr John Craven," ""whom you will appoint to represent you."" "Egad, a duel!" ""l desire this meeting to be kept a dead secret" ""for reasons that must be plain to you." ""l am, sir, your humble servant, Monk Adderley."" "It's grotesque!" "Dwight. I beg you not to breathe a word about this letter or anything to do with it, to Demelza." "Why ever not?" "Ross, you just ignore it." "Treat it with the contempt it deserves." "I have already accepted Monk Adderley's challenge." "I ask you to be my second, Dwight."