Chapters 14, 15, and 16 Summary

The Duchess, Marie Thérèse, wife of the Duke d'Angoulême, arrives in Le Havre. Various ceremonial celebrations are executed upon her arrival. The Duchess is remarkably forward in greeting Hornblower and seems to harbor a surprise for him—indeed she does, and at an early moment, she presents Barbara. Hornblower is entirely unaware of his wife's presence and is as shocked as he is hesitantly pleased. Richard remains at home, but Barbara plans to remain in Le Havre. Over the next several days, political functions and diversions are held—Hornblower finds them irritating and meaningless, but Barbara revels in the atmosphere of privilege. Then arrives the news that Bonaparte has suffered a major setback at Soissons; the date being March of 1814. Throughout all the festivities and official functions, a strange coldness develops between Hornblower and Barbara&mdash...