Needing money to open a mine free of George's influence, Ross strikes a deal with a local smuggler. Dwight, meanwhile, tries to diagnose an epidemic and receives help from an anonymous benefactor.

Francis' final breakthrough at Wheal Grace reveals nothing of value, so Ross meets with Trencrom to locate Mark Daniel and see if he can locate the copper in the mine.

Trencrom strikes a deal to build a secret cache at Nampara where he can store contraband, putting much needed money in Ross' pocket but adding unwanted risk. Dwight is hailed as a hero for restoring Rosina to health, to Caroline's amusement.

George calls in Ross's debt, which means Ross will almost certainly go to debtors' prison. Meanwhile, as Ross spends more time looking after the widowed Elizabeth, Demelza fears she is losing him.

Dwight is ordered by Ray Penvenen to stop meeting Caroline but defies him and, though advised against it, Ross sells his remaining shares in Wheal Leisure in order to purchase Geoffrey Charles' shares in Wheal Grace anonymously - his last means of protecting Elizabeth and Geoffrey Charles.