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...