Agatha's dying words have the desired effect on Warleggan, who vents his anger by freezing out his wife and son, and dismissing more mine workers, whom the kindly Ross then employs. Warleggan succeeds in becoming a member of parliament. Elizabeth and Ross, in a chance encounter at Agatha's grave, discuss the parentage of Valentine. Dwight has his suspicions about Whitworth's sexual abuse of Morwenna, but Rowella is more than happy to take her sister's place in the parson's bed. Demelza, aware that Hugh is smitten with her, and feeling neglected by Ross, begins to succumb to the handsome naval officer, whilst Lord Falmouth summons Ross as his champion.

When French ships are seen off the coast, Sir Francis appoints Ross to lead the volunteers ready to repel any invasion, to the annoyance of Warleggan. George is further angered when Sir Francis criticizes his use of his parliamentary privilege for his own benefit. He vents his rage on Drake, having him brutally assaulted and his forge destroyed. Demelza, disappointed by Ross's apparent failure to avenge her brother, spends more time with Hugh, while Ross quells a rebellion against Warleggan by agreeing to stand for parliament himself. Rowella finds herself pregnant by Whitworth, and blackmails him into paying a young local, Arthur Selway, to marry her, giving Morwenna the strength to rebel against him. Elizabeth also revolts against her cruel husband, who begins to lose his cocky self-assurance, whilst Demelza and Ross go to bed with doubts on either side.

Ross is now member of parliament for Truro and making compassionate speeches opposing slavery and the use of child workers. Inevitably Warleggan, smarting from his defeat, links up with the disreputable Monk Adderley for revenge on Ross and a seat of his own whilst Whitworth seeks another way to discredit him. Returning to Cornwall, where Caroline has given birth to a daughter Sarah, Ross is called upon to save an ailing mine and also pays a visit to Elizabeth.

Caroline and Dwight suffer a family tragedy, prompting her to take unusual action. Dwight also confounds Whitworth's attempt to commit Morwenna to an asylum, to allow him to continue his affair with her sister Rowella and proves himself a hero when blasting causes heavy flooding at the mine. This last event causes Ross to doubt a return to parliament but is persuaded by Dwight to change his mind. Warleggan also enables his political ambitions to come to crooked fruition.

In parliament Ross achieves some success on behalf of his constituents. He also meets Caroline, who has fled her recent tragedy and who introduces him to Monk Adderley. Back in Cornwall there is famine and sickness. However Morwenna and Drake are afforded a second chance when Whitworth's sins catch up with him although Drake, having broken off his wedding to Rosina Hoblyn, comes under suspicion.