At the dark of the moon in heavy fog, Aubrey puts Maturin ashore in France with the Catalan agent, Inigo Bernard. Apparently at the same time, two French ships slip through the blockading squadron in the sector that HMS "Bellona" patrols. The Admiral rebukes Aubrey, who accepts no blame, and returns "Bellona" to the offshore squadron. Aubrey receives a letter from Sophie, in which she accuses him of adultery and announces her intention of leaving him, having read letters sent him from Canada by Miss Amanda Smith. Aubrey is spoiling for a fight. During manoeuvres in foggy weather the "Bellona" spots a French privateer chasing a merchantman. She signals to the fleet, and proceeds to take "Les Deux Frères", which proves a rich prize, having captured two Guinea coast merchant ships. A storm batters the "Bellona", so Aubrey takes the ship for repair in Cawsand Bay. At Woolcombe, Aubrey asks Sophie for forgiveness, but she rebuffs him. Aubrey sends his tender "Ringle" to report "Bellona's" condition to the Admiral. The Admiral then sends "Ringle" to retrieve Maturin from France. Once "Bellona" is repaired, Aubrey rejoins the blockading squadron, learning that "Ringle" has taken Maturin to England. In London, Maturin tells Sir Joseph Blaine about a plot by a Spanish intelligence officer to burgle Blaine's house. With the assistance of Mr Pratt, they capture the Spanish agent red-handed. Maturin updates Sir Joseph on the readiness of Chile for independence. They devise a scheme for an expedition led by Aubrey on the "Surprise". The negative reports from Lord Stranrear with the war winding down put Aubrey in the position of being promoted to rear admiral without a squadron, known informally as being admiral of the yellow; as there is no yellow squadron, it is the worst career fate. Maturin learns his fortune is again available to him. In a gesture to his shipmates, Maturin buys new clothes.