In 1804, Captain John Wharton RN takes command of HMS Leopard, his first as captain as the war with France continues for yet another year. A 38-gun frigate, Leopard is the newest ship in the Royal Navy, straight off the slipway at Woolwich.
His first mission is to the Mediterranean where he is given a very challenging task, followed by action at the blockade of Toulon, leading to a career changing situation at the Admiralty and a mission to the Baltic.
In between times, he renews his friendship with Lord Paignton and his daughter Penelope at their Silcombe Park estate near Exmoor.