Ross escapes the fracas unscathed, but the villagers are not so lucky. Robbed of their land and livelihoods by George Warleggan’s greed, they whisper about revolt. Desperate to leave Cornwall, Elizabeth makes an unforgivable decision, and Ross risks everything to change her mind.

George Warleggan now owns the home of Ross's elderly aunt Agatha. Ross protests to no avail, but George--whose wife, Elizabeth, is pregnant and cannot easily dismiss the ominous words Agatha utters about "a child born under a black moon."

George sets out to find the truth about his son. Dwight marries his sweetheart, Caroline. And Morwenna's recently arrived younger sister, Rowella, attracts the attentions of Morwenna's husband, Ossie."

Marital tension pervades the Poldark home, although it's nothing compared to the rancor between Morwenna and Ossie. Tragedy lurks for Dwight and Caroline, while George finds yet another way to hit back at Ross.

Drake disappears, suspected of murder, and George's plans to hurt Ross begin to take effect. But it is the actions of Demelza that not only nearly bankrupt the Poldarks, but also put Ross's life on the line.

Ross accepts a duel, risking a conviction for murder. Newly pregnant Elizabeth considers extreme measures to safeguard her marriage and family. And Drake makes one last play for a life of happiness with Morwenna.