The Happy Return Summary

Part III consists of three named and enumerated chapters including 22 - Homeward; 23 - The Coward; and 24 - The Happy Return. It is the last of three parts and is the shortest in length. In the final part, Lydia returns homeward from Nicaragua, sailing around Cape Horn and reaching St. Helena. On the lengthy and uneventful voyage Hornblower and Wellesley develop intimate feelings for each other.

Lydia continues her homeward journey. For several evenings, Lieutenant Bush and Lady Wellesley chat and throughout Bush is self-effacing and sings the praises of Hornblower. Meanwhile Hornblower remains aloof and isolated, nervous and troubled by his recent experiences. Wellesley waits a few nights and then invites Hornblower to dinner—he accepts and is joined by some of the other officers. Hornblower begins very restrained but as the evening progresses, he becomes more talkative...