Poldark Season 2: 10 Changes from the Books to the Small Screen

Demelza’s Reaction

Many a fan probably applauded show-Demelza’s choice to smack Ross across the face for having the gall to present himself to her and offer the excuse that he had no choice in going off to Trenwith the night before.

Warleggan Demelza acts a little differently. There’s no slapping to be had here. Instead, she takes a few moments to think about how her husband has just fundamentally lost her trust. Horsfield borrows some of the language for one of the many Ross-Demelza confrontations that follow his return to Nampara. When Demelza goes into the parlor, Ross is eating his breakfast and says he though she was still asleep. She pours herself a cup of tea and quietly asks if it’s the last time he’ll go.

Ross changes the subject after a few questions, and then mentions a friend of his having some satisfaction. She informs him she doesn’t feel that, deliberately drops her teacup on the floor, and then sweeps the teapot and a couple more pieces of the tea service onto the floor.

Ross wisely doesn’t move until she leaves and Jane Gimlett, the servant, arrives.

It may not be as satisfying as the show’s interpretation, but only slightly less so.