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.

George increases the strain on the struggling poor, driving Ross to make a risky gambit. The adversity the Poldarks face, however, may not be confined to Cornwall alone.