Aubrey spends much of the early part of the novel worrying about a man named Kimber, to whom he gave power of attorney. Sporadic news from home seems to indicate that Kimber has expended most of Aubrey's fortune without results. However, Aubrey has no recourse and cannot alter the situation. Have you ever spend a large amount of time worrying about something that you can't influence? Is it better, do you think, to follow Maturin's advice to Aubrey and put things out of mind that cannot be successfully dealt with?

Amanda Smith seduces a willing Aubrey rather easily. During the preliminary stages of the seduction, Diana Villiers comments to Maturin that Smith will prove troublesome. What are some of the many warning signs provided in the narrative that Smith will prove a tenaciously irritating suitor of Aubrey?

Harry Johnson pursues Villiers, Maturin, and Aubrey...