I thought the scene was excellently done, and far better than the silly episode in the seventies version, when Ross and Elizabeth tried to elope and were thwarted by a riot in the village.
Both characters still have longings for one another and Elizabeth has already crossed a line by agreeing to marry George. There was no rape and the scene in the book is carefully worded. They were stirring up old broth and Elizabeth was overwhelmed but not forced.
This has endless repercussions in years to come, but I doubt the BBC will be able to follow the story right through to the end. (Right up to the Battle of Waterloo)
May I add my plug for the books.....?
Do please read all of them, the background stories re the mining and the Napoleonic wars are fascinating.
And yes, good for you Demelza.....punching him to the ground.....not in the book but believable !