Episode 9

S3, E9: Prudie and Tholly spy French sails on the horizon and Cornwall is put on alert. Francis Basset convenes a meeting for Cornwall’s defence, placing Ross in command of a squad of volunteers while Demelza continues to be courted by Hugh, in secret. Emma admits her attraction to Sam but cannot overcome her lack of religious faith, and George learns of Drake’s residence in the smithy on the edge of his land. He orders Tom Harry to force Drake away before being called to Tehidy and rebuked by Basset over his conduct in Westminster.Morwenna braves escaping the Vicarage to see Drake as Basset commends Ross’ leadership and we sense his regret in making George an MP. Demelza tells Ross that Drake’s smithy has been terrorized, becoming suspicious of Ross’s sudden partiality to Elizabeth when he claims Trenwith isn’t responsible. Meanwhile, Rowella tells Osborne she is pregnant, blackmailing him for money with which to marry the local librarian, Arthur Solway.Drake is beaten by Tom Harry and left for dead in Trenwith’s pond. While he is treated by Dwight, Prudie reveals Ross and Elizabeth’s kiss to Demelza. Demelza confronts Ross before meeting with Hugh as Ross and his Volunteers are called into action but, to Ross’ dismay, he finds his men defending George’s warehouse while, on Hendrawna Beach, Demelza has an affair with Hugh. The Poldarks return separately to Nampara, the future more uncertain than ever...