June, 1813 - The South Essex is seriously short of men and when Wellingtion is informed that there are no recruits available, he orders Sharpe to go to England to investigate. When Sharpe and Harper arrive in England, they are informed that there are 700 men waiting for them in Chelmsford. Arriving at Chelmsford, Sharpe finds the barracks deserted with no sign of his missing regiment. While visiting an old friend, Harper and Sharpe are attacked and Sharpe decides to feign death. Taking the initiative, Sharpe and Harper decide to do some undercover work and enlist. Recruited by Sgt Havercamp, Sharpe and Harper arrive at a training camp near the estate of Sir Henry Simmerson, where they are trained mercilessly. Sharpe discovers that the new recruits are being auctioned to other regiments and his suspicions are confirmed by Simmerson's niece, Jane.

Winter 1913 - Wellington is informed by the debonair Comte de Maquerre that Bordeaux is ready to rise in rebellion against Napolean. Wellington's spy master, Ross, is suspicious and tests Maquerre by suggesting that they use Maquerre's own castle as a base. Maquerre reluctantly agrees, but informs them the castle is in Napolean's hands. Wellington appoints Col Bampfylde to lead the attack on the castle with Sharpe in support. Sharpe, newly married to Jane Gibbons, is outraged that he has lost his command to Bampfylde, however he is soon distracted when there is an outbreak of yellow fever and Jane falls ill. Her chances of recovery are poor as there is not enough quinine in camp to cope with the outbreak. With a heavy heart, Sharpe leaves to go on his mission, realising that he may never see Jane alive again.Bampfylde, intent on glory, sends Sharpe on a scouting mission and tries to capture the castle on his own. He fails and casualties are heavy. Sharpe, seeing the carnage, has Harris an