Jonathan Forbes

1803 Portsmouth. We find Hornblower reduced to the rank of lieutenant as a result of the peace treaty with France. He is forced to earn his living at the card tables and lodges with Mrs Mason. A chance encounter with Lieutenant Bush reignites their friendship and indeed, it is Bush who first notices Hornblower has an admirer: Mrs Mason's daughter, Maria. Soon, Admiral Pellew promotes Hornblower to Commander of the Hotspur, his mission - to strike a pre-emptive blow against a French fleet. But there is a traitor in his camp a very surprising traitor.

Hornblower is filled with trepidation on his wedding day, but he has given his word - how could he dishonour his bride Maria and live with himself? Admiral Pellew gives Hornblower little time to ponder his new state of matrimony as he sends him off immediately to search for the missing sloop Grasshopper, captained by their old friend, Bracegirdle. En route, Hornblower rescues two strangers caught in a storm off the coast of France, but he is less than convinced by their explanations. The ultimate revelation of their identity is both shocking and dangerous to all concerned.