Ross and Tholly meet their contact Jacques Clisson in France, and Sam leads a large congregation of Methodists in song outside the church walls. Despite George's promise to be generous to his tenants to further his ambition of becoming a burgess, he revokes the Methodist's property lease. Clisson drives a hard bargain with Ross for his information, and George leads Caroline to expect the worst regarding Dwight.

Ross is ordered to leave Roscoff under threat of execution, and Morwenna and Drake share a moment of intimacy on the beach. The Methodists petition Elizabeth to give them the meeting house back, and Geoffrey Charles reveals to Drake that Morwenna is fond of him. Ross decides he cannot abandon his mission and sends Tholly home alone, while Elizabeth tells George of the Methodists' visit but unites with him on learning of their connection to the Poldarks. The Warleggans move to their house in Truro, and Demelza, angered by Ross's decision to linger in France, gifts
Sam's flock a storehouse on Nampara land.

Ross escapes France with Clisson's list, finding Dwight's name upon it. In Truro, George turns crooked to court Lord Godolphin's favour, and Elizabeth is so disturbed she begins taking an opiate. Ross informs Demelza and Caroline, but he isn't optimistic, knowing the prison's condition is bad. Meanwhile, Dwight tends to a lieutenant named Hugh Armitage, and George's actions earn him an invitation to the Godolphin's ball. George wallows in victory, but Elizabeth can only pretend to share in his exhilaration. Show less