Prime Minister Pitt calls an election and uncertainty grips the country. While Ross watches Cornwall suffer under the power of Truro's MP, George Warleggan, Demelza's infidelity leaves her torn between her husband and a lovesick Hugh, who is set to rival George in the upcoming election.

The Enyses contemplate having a child and Elizabeth seeks the same to secure her marriage. Meanwhile, Morwenna uses Osborne's affair with her sister Rowella to keep the reverend's advances at bay, and Demelza seeks to reconcile rival local Lords Falmouth and Basset.

A corn riot erupts in Truro, and Zacky's son Jago leads the charge. Sam Carne and Drake Carne attempt to dissuade him but arrive too late, and a merchant is killed in the fighting. Tom Harry tells George that the Carnes and Jago murdered the man, and Ross finds himself powerless to save his brothers-in-law...

Ross makes his maiden speech in parliament and finds himself a little notoriety in London where he also reunites with a now adolescent Geoffrey Charles. In Cornwall, Demelza contends with a failing mine and fixing Drake's broken heart. Dwight and Caroline welcome a baby daughter, Sarah, into the world but Dwight's happiness is short-lived as he makes a disturbing diagnosis. Ossie meanwhile tends to a dying parishioner, Nathaniel Pearce, who confesses to losing his clients' money on bad investments, money secured in Pascoe's bank. He takes the information to the Warleggans in the hope of selling the information. George hosts an extravagant party at Trenwith in the hope of buying his way back into Parliament via purchasing a borough. His new friend, the dangerous socialite Monk Adderley, makes the necessary introductions to set George on his way.