In February 1806, the frigate carrying Vice-Admiral Sir Richard Bolitho drops anchor off the shores of southern Africa. Bolitho's instructions are to assist in hastening the campaign in Africa where an expeditionary force is attempting to recapture Cape Town from the Dutch. Bolitho is still brooding over the loss of his flagship and his continuing personal troubles are only brightened by his love for Catherine, Lady Somervell. Even after his return from Cape Town there is little peace and the men who follow Bolitho's flag into battle are to discover, not for the first time, that death is the only victor.