Part One, Chapters 8 & 9 Summary

On the way to Helena's party, Sharpe has second thoughts about going with this uniform covered in blood. Sharpe waits outside, undecided, and Jack Spears sees him. Spears calls for Sharpe to come to the party, but Sharpe says he does not think he should given the state of his uniform. Spears throws water from a fountain onto Sharpe's uniform and steals some items from the uniform of Sir Robin Callard while Callard is passed out drunk.

Once inside, Sharpe is amazed at the size of the home. The party is crowded with officers, and most are drunk. Not long after Sharpe and Spears arrive, a visiting British politician says Sharpe's uniform is a disgrace. Spears speaks up and tells the politician that Sharpe's name is Callard. The politician tells Sharpe to leave the party and change into a...